Christmas Songs in Film Trivia Quiz

Answer: Holiday Inn

Irving Berlin composed this well-known Christmas song specifically for the 1942 film "Holiday Inn". It starred Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. While not technically a Christmas movie, the 'inn' in the story develops from being a country hotel to "Holiday Inn", open only during holidays.

Answer: Meet Me in St. Louis

This 1944 film, which starred Judy Garland and a young Margaret O'Brien, introduced this well-loved Christmas song. Written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, the film introduced the song which, according to the storyline, is meant to cheer up a little girl who is sad that her family is moving from St. Louis to New York City.

The original lyrics from the film, "Until then, we'll have to muddle through some how", were later changed to the more upbeat "Hang a shining star upon the highest bough".

Answer: The Lemon Drop Kid

"The Lemon Drop Kid" is not a Christmas movie even though it introduced "Silver Bells". The film starred Bob Hope as "The Lemon Drop Kid", a gambler who illegally bet on horses for a living. Lyrics and music were written by Jay Livingston and Ray Evans and sung by Hope and actress Marilyn Maxwell during a holiday scene.

Answer: A Charlie Brown Christmas

The film's score was composed by jazz pianist Vince Guaraldi. Lyricist and producer, Lee Mendelson, later added lyrics which he felt were needed. This 1966 film was narrated by actor Boris Karloff and featured a children's choir from St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Answer: The Polar Express

This 2004 animated film tells the story of a boy who learns to believe in Santa Claus after a magical train ride to the North Pole on the Polar Express. Glen Ballard Alan Silvestri wrote the songs while Josh Groban sang "Believe".

Answer: The Muppet Christmas Carol

Who can forget Miss Piggy, Kermit the Frog, and Oscar the Grouch? The 1992 "The Muppet Christmas Movie" is based on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" with puppets representing the Dickensian characters. Bob Cratchit (Kermit the Frog) sings this uplifting holiday song in the film. Miles Goodwin and Paul Williams wrote the lyrics and music.

Answer: How The Grinch Stole Christmas

Thurl Ravenscroft's deep voice provided the perfect balance to Dr. Seuss's lyrics. Dr. Seuss (Theodor Geisel) collaborated with Albert Hague to create the holiday song for the animated motion picture. A live-action film was produced in 2000 featuring actor Jim Carrey as the Grinch who sings the song while describing himself.

Answer: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)

James Horner, Will Jennings, and Mariah Carey wrote the song introduced in the 2000 live-action film starring Jim Carrey as the Grinch. Singer Faith Hill performed the film's song. This version of the film was quite elaborate with seasonal decorations and costumes.

Answer: Home Alone

"Home Alone" is about a young boy who is accidentally left home during his family's whirlwind preparations for a Christmas vacation in Europe. John Williams composed the music and Leslie Bricusse provided the lyrics. While the film has comical moments, the song emphasized the importance of being with family during the Christmas holiday.

Answer: Mame

Written by Jerry Herman for the Broadway musical "Mame", Angela Landsbury first performed the song in 1966. The storyline follows a spirited Mame (Lansbury) who loses her wealth to the Wall Street crash of 1929. She sings the song to her nephew. It is meant to lift their spirits during a difficult time in their lives.