Christmas in July (1940) in Color — Starring Dick Powell & Ellen Drew

Christmas in July (1940) — Buy This Classic in Color

Buy Christmas in July (1940) in color and enjoy a Preston Sturges comedy in a restored HD edition created for modern viewing. Starring Dick Powell, Ellen Drew, Raymond Walburn, William Demarest, and Ernest Truex, this classic film turns a simple office prank into a fast-moving story about ambition, luck, romance, and the American dream. The original black and white photography gives the film its clean studio-era snap, while this professionally restored presentation adds carefully balanced color that keeps the comedy bright without overwhelming its period charm. Available now as an instant DRM-free digital download for €15.00.

Plot Summary

Dick Powell plays Jimmy MacDonald, a modest office worker who enters a slogan contest run by Maxford House Coffee. Jimmy believes the contest might finally give him the break he needs: enough money to marry Betty Casey, help his mother, and prove that his optimism is not foolish. His slogan, “If you can’t sleep at night, it’s not the coffee, it’s the bunk,” becomes the comic center of a story about hope colliding with misunderstanding.

Before the judges finish choosing a winner, three co-workers decide to play a joke on Jimmy by sending him a fake telegram announcing that he has won the $25,000 grand prize. The prank works too well. Jimmy’s boss is impressed by the apparent good fortune and promotes him on the spot, Dr. Maxford assumes the decision has already been made, and the department store owner Mr. Shindel extends generous credit after hearing the check is genuine. Suddenly Jimmy is buying presents for family and neighbors, celebrating an early Christmas, and stepping into the life he has always imagined.

What makes the film memorable is the way Sturges turns embarrassment, class anxiety, and genuine kindness into comedy instead of cruelty. As the lie unravels, Jimmy has to face the collapse of his dream while Betty fights for his dignity and future. The ending brings one of Sturges’ best reversals, proving that the story is really about sincerity, decency, and the comic fragility of modern success.

Cast & Crew

Director: Preston Sturges

Cast:

• Dick Powell as Jimmy MacDonald
• Ellen Drew as Betty Casey
• Raymond Walburn as Dr. Maxford
• William Demarest as Mr. Bildocker
• Ernest Truex as J. B. Baxter
• Alexander Carr as Mr. Shindel

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Christmas in July benefits from frame-by-frame colorization because so much of its comic rhythm depends on setting, mood, and visual contrast. Offices, storefronts, neighborhood celebrations, and gift-filled interiors all play a role in showing how quickly Jimmy’s life seems to transform. In the original black and white version those spaces are crisp and elegant; in this restored colorized version they gain extra warmth and detail while still feeling unmistakably true to 1940 studio filmmaking.

This is also a rewarding film to own because it captures Preston Sturges at an important stage in his career. The dialogue is fast, the ensemble is full of personality, and the comedy never loses sight of the human stakes. Dick Powell makes Jimmy easy to root for, Ellen Drew gives the romance real feeling, and the supporting cast turns every misunderstanding into something memorable. For anyone who values screwball comedy, restored Hollywood favorites, or compact storytelling done well, this classic movie remains an excellent buy. This classic film is also available in colour for international audiences.

Technical Details

| Detail | Information |
|——–|————-|
| Title | Christmas in July (1940) Colorized |
| Director | Preston Sturges |
| Year | 1940 |
| Runtime | 67 minutes |
| Original Format | Black and White |
| Colorized Format | Restored HD Color |
| IMDb Rating | 7.3/10 |
| MPAA Rating | Approved |
| Genre | Comedy, Romance |
| Price | €15.00 |
| Delivery | Instant digital download, DRM-free |
| Format | MP4 (HD) |

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who stars in Christmas in July?
The film stars Dick Powell and Ellen Drew, with memorable support from Raymond Walburn, William Demarest, Ernest Truex, and Alexander Carr.

What is the story about?
It follows an office worker who is tricked into believing he has won a major slogan contest, setting off a chain of comic promotions, purchases, misunderstandings, and emotional consequences.

Is this the complete original feature?
Yes. This edition preserves the full 67-minute film with professionally restored and colorized image quality.

How quickly is the movie delivered?
Delivery is instant. As soon as payment is confirmed, your download is ready.

Why is this film worth owning today?
Christmas in July is a restored comedy with quick dialogue, social satire, romantic charm, and one of Preston Sturges’ most appealing stories. For collectors of classic film comedy, it is a smart and easy download to keep.

Is this a DRM-free download?
Yes. You receive a DRM-free copy that you can download, keep, and watch without subscriptions or platform restrictions.

What devices can play the file?
The film is delivered as an HD MP4 file compatible with computers, tablets, phones, smart TVs, and other devices that support standard MP4 playback.

Related Colorized Classics

• The Great McGinty (1940)
• The Lady Eve (1941)
• The Bad and the Beautiful (1952)
• Hail the Conquering Hero (1944)