Few films capture the magic of Christmas as perfectly as It's a wonderful life – but audiences can still find ways to celebrate the season with classics like The store around the corner. For decades, Jimmy Stewart's portrayal of George Bailey has warmed hearts around the world, cementing its reputation as one of the best holiday films of all time. However, for those looking for another career-defining classic Jimmy Stewart Christmas movie to add to your holiday watchlist, look no further. The store around the corner.
With a near-perfect 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, This romantic comedy-drama is a hidden gem which combines a charming narrative with a festive holiday setting. While The store around the corner Maybe it won’t shout “Christmas” from above like It's a wonderful lifethe film's setting and themes make it a perfect seasonal choice.
Shop on the Corner is a James Stewart romance film set at Christmas
The holidays are an ever-present element in this delightful seasonal gem
Released in 1940 and directed by Ernst Lubitsch, the film takes place in Budapest in the weeks before Christmas. Stewart plays Alfred Kralik, a clerk at a small gift shop who unknowingly falls in love with his pen pal, only to discover that she is his co-worker, the witty and strong-willed Klara Novak (played by Margaret Sullavan).
In essence, The store around the corner is a story about love, misunderstandings, and discovering what really matters in life - a narrative that always feel at home alongside other timeless Christmas classics. The plot revolves around the employees of Matuschek & Company, the quaint little shop where Alfred and Klara's rivalry unfolds. During the day, the two clash endlessly, finding fault with each other's every move. But at night, they exchange heartfelt letters like anonymous friends, sharing their dreams and fears with someone they believe they've never met.
This clever “enemies to lovers” trope is executed with the level of charm that classic Hollywood specialized in. Stewart and Sullavan's chemistry is undeniable, and their performances bring humor and depth to their characters.
The film also offers plenty of laughs, thanks to a charismatic supporting cast and Lubitsch's signature comedic style, often referred to as “the Lubitsch touch.” While it's easy to appreciate The store around the corner like a light-hearted romantic comedyalso offers moving commentary on trust, honesty, and the value of human connection, timeless themes that resonate just as strongly today.
Shop Around The Corner is the perfect film to watch at Christmas
It's the old-school Hollywood romanticism that the elf and bad Santa could never touch
While it doesn't display its Christmas themes as prominently as It's a wonderful life, The store around the corner is undeniably filled with holiday cheer, exploring heartfelt human connections while maintaining a touch of whimsy. THE festive atmosphere shines the wintery decor and bustling energy of the store make it impossible not to feel the Christmas spirit while watching.
The film balances these light-hearted moments with poignant emotional beats, especially as Alfred and Klara's relationship evolves. There's something inherently magical about watching your story unfold against the backdrop of snow-covered streets and lit-up storefronts, a constant reminder that some of the best holiday movies don't need Santa Claus or overt seasonal messages to capture the holiday spirit.
For fans of feel-good holiday movies, The store around the corner offers the perfect mix of romance, humor and heartfelt moments. It's a film that invites you to curl up with a hot drink, soak in nostalgia, and enjoy a story that feels as timeless as the season itself.
Shop Around The Corner is one of Jimmy Stewart's best films
It absolutely belongs on every Christmas watch list
It also never hurts to have one of Hollywood's favorite good guys front and center. Although Jimmy Stewart will probably always be better known as George Bailey in It's a wonderful lifeits performance in The store around the corner is equally captivating. He brings Alfred to life with his signature blend of sincerity, charm, and relatability, capturing the character's insecurities and growth with his typically effortless nuances.
Stewart's Alfred demonstrates exactly why he remains one of Hollywood's most beloved actors. His mix of humor and humanity shines through, creating a character that is both flawed and endearing. Whether he's delivering quick-witted quips or discreetly conveying moments of vulnerability, Stewart's performance reminds audiences why he's one of the greats.
It's not just the public who loves it The store around the corner– the critics too. The film's 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes is a testament to its enduring appeal. In fact, the appeal works so well that the film has been remade several times, including a musical version (1949 In the good old summer).
The much-loved 1998 Tom Hanks-Meg Ryan romantic comedy You've got mail not only draws its story from Buy but it also gives a not-so-subtle nod to the original by naming Ryan's independent bookstore in the film The Shop Around the Corner. Be a die-hard fan of It's a wonderful life or simply looking for a new classic to add to the holiday lineup, The store around the corner It deserves a spot on anyone's watch list.