Cast and Crew: Vincente Minnelli (Director); Arthur Freed (Producer); Margaret O’Brien, Mary Astor, June Lockhart, Hugh Marlowe, Chill Wills

What It’s About: It’s 1903 and the St. Louis World’s Fair is a year away.  The Smiths are comfortably settled in their neighborhood…until patriarch Alonzo (Leon Ames) announces the family will be moving to New York, leaving their neighbors and missing the World’s Fair.

Why Watch it Today?: Meet Me in St. Louis, when thought of as a seasonal film at all, is remembered as a Christmas film thanks to Judy Garland’s sad rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas”.  The film also features, however, a delightfully nostalgic Halloween as well, with pranks and unsupervised children burning huge bonfires in the street.  Just think of the fun you could have had if only these traditions remained unchanged!

Other Choices:  For years a viewing of Halloween was a mandatory part of my celebration.  You might also consider The Little Girl Who Lives Down the Lane, which opens on Halloween night.  Dark Knight of the Scarecrow also takes place on Halloween night.  If you are looking for family friendly options, how about The Legend of Sleepy Hollow or It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown?