Step into the golden age of Hollywood with “The Christmas Party” (1931), a delightful short film now beautifully colorized for a new generation. This unique holiday comedy, directed by Charles Reisner, brings together a dazzling array of MGM’s biggest stars for a festive celebration like no other. Whether you’re a fan of classic cinema, vintage Christmas shorts, or simply love seeing screen legends in rare cameos, this HD download delivers a nostalgic treat that’s perfect for your holiday watchlist.
At the heart of “The Christmas Party” is Jackie Cooper, a beloved child star of the era, who dreams of hosting a Christmas party for his football teammates. However, as word spreads, the guest list quickly outgrows his home. In a charming twist, Jackie turns to his friends at MGM Studios for help. With a little Hollywood magic, the party is moved to a studio soundstage, and the festivities are catered by a parade of MGM’s brightest stars, each making playful cameos as waiters, waitresses, and party guests.
The film unfolds as a warm, whimsical greeting card from MGM to its audience. The story is light on plot but rich in charm, showcasing the camaraderie and goodwill among the stars. The highlight for many viewers is seeing icons like Clark Gable, Norma Shearer, and Marie Dressler serving food and mingling with the children, all while Jimmy Durante brings the magic as Santa Claus. The film ends with Jackie Cooper delivering a heartfelt holiday message, wishing viewers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year on behalf of MGM.
One of the most enchanting aspects of “The Christmas Party” is its remarkable ensemble of Hollywood royalty. The short features:
Clark Gable as himself
Jackie Cooper as himself
Norma Shearer as herself
Ramon Novarro as himself
Anita Page as herself
Lionel Barrymore (uncredited)
Wallace Beery (uncredited)
Marion Davies (uncredited)
Reginald Denny as himself
Marie Dressler (uncredited)
Jimmy Durante as Santa Claus (uncredited)
Cliff Edwards (uncredited)
Charlotte Greenwood as herself
Leila Hyams (uncredited)
Polly Moran (uncredited)
These cameos are more than just star-spotting fun—they capture the spirit of an era when the studio system was at its peak, and MGM’s roster was the envy of Hollywood.
“The Christmas Party” (1931) is a holiday comedy short, blending elements of musical revue, family entertainment, and studio self-promotion. It stands out for its playful breaking of the fourth wall, with stars interacting as themselves rather than in character. The film’s tone is festive and lighthearted, making it a perfect addition to any Christmas movie marathon.
Produced during the early 1930s, “The Christmas Party” reflects MGM’s tradition of creating short films that showcased their contract players in relaxed, off-screen settings. These shorts were designed as goodwill gestures to audiences, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the stars’ personalities and the studio’s family-like atmosphere.
The film also serves as a time capsule of Depression-era Hollywood, capturing the optimism and escapism that movies provided during challenging times. For many viewers, it’s a nostalgic reminder of a bygone era when movie studios were both dream factories and cultural institutions.
This colorized edition of “The Christmas Party” brings new vibrancy to the film’s festive setting. The process involved careful digital restoration, with attention to period-accurate costumes, set decor, and lighting. The result is a visually rich experience that enhances the film’s charm without sacrificing its original spirit. The colorization highlights the holiday decorations, the stars’ glamorous attire, and the joyful atmosphere of the party, making the short more accessible and engaging for modern audiences.
Director: Charles Reisner
Screenwriter: Robert E. Hopkins
Production Company: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Running Time: 9 minutes
Format: Short Film, Comedy, Holiday Special
Download Format: MP4
Resolution: HD (1080p)
Compatibility: Works with smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
Rare opportunity to see Clark Gable, Jackie Cooper, and other MGM legends together in a single film
Heartwarming holiday story perfect for family viewing
Stunning colorization enhances the festive atmosphere
A unique piece of Hollywood history and a collector’s gem for classic film fans
Q: Is “The Christmas Party” suitable for all ages?
A: Yes, it’s a family-friendly short with a wholesome holiday message.
Q: How long is the film?
A: The running time is approximately 9 minutes, making it a perfect addition to any holiday playlist.
Q: Who are the main stars?
A: The film features Clark Gable and Jackie Cooper in leading roles, with numerous cameos from MGM’s biggest names.
Q: Is this version colorized?
A: Yes, this release is fully colorized and digitally restored for HD viewing.
Q: What makes this short unique?
A: It’s a rare glimpse of MGM’s stars playing themselves, celebrating the holidays together on screen.
Experience the joy and nostalgia of “The Christmas Party” (1931) in stunning color—download your copy today and make it part of your holiday tradition!