Beyond Tomorrow (1940)

Just when I thought I'd exhausted my supply of Christmas films, I discovered this little treasure. Harry Carey, C. Aubrey Smith and Charles Winninger are three wealthy industrialists who have rather lost their faith in humanity. As a final attempt to restore some of that faith, each throws a wallet out of the window containing a business card and ten dollars - and wait. Independently, two of the wallets are returned "unharmed" - one by "James" (Richard Carlson) a wannabe crooner, the second by "Jean" (Jean Lawrence), a nurse. The pair are introduced by the old gents and all is going swimmingly until a tragedy strikes and all three of the old men assume a more spectral role in our story. "James" finds his career begins to take off, but along the way he meets the rather scheming producer "Arlene" (Helen Vinson) and the trio have to try and help restore the equilibrium with "Jean" before it is too late - for everyone! Carlson delivers a few decent numbers throughout; there's rather an endearing performance from their housekeeper "Madam Tanya" (Maria Ouspenskaya) and the sentiment is well managed, enough but not too gloopy. The cynics amongst us may find the ending a bit weak, but given I had never heard of this until this very afternoon, I have to say I found it gently paced, amiable and well worth a watch.