Beyond Christmas (1940)

A holiday gem released in 1940, this is a classic tale of three elderly gentlemen who foster the love of a young couple. Without families of their own to celebrate with on Christmas Eve, three rich businessmen (Harry Carrey, C. Aubrey Smith, and Charles Winninger) invite a kindergarten teacher (Jean Parker) and a rodeo performer (Richard Carlson) to share the holiday meal with them. Both of the young people had approached the men in an attempt to return a wallet they found, and they develop a friendship with their hosts while beginning to fall in love with each other. The three gentlemen are tragically killed in a plane crash, however, but return to their home in order to help the young people through the rough spots of their love. Becoming the couple's guardian angels, the ghosts guide their love to ensure that it will last forever in this charming and romantic holiday fantasy.