Christmas in July (1940)

Jimmy MacDonald, an earnest young man of humble means, spends his days toiling as a bookkeeping clerk at Baxter & Sons Coffee. Despite his ordinary life, Jimmy is a dreamer at heart, forever brimming with ideas and the unwavering belief that he's just one contest away from striking it rich. He envisions his potential fortune as a means to spoil his doting mother and his girlfriend, Betty Casey - a fellow coworker he hopes to marry. His latest venture is the Maxford House Coffee Slogan Contest, where a grand prize of $25,000 awaits the creator of the most appealing slogan. As the jury, caught in a deadlock with two choices, scrambles to announce a winner, the impatient company founder, Dr. Maxford, merely wishes for a quick resolution. In the midst of this tension, a joking prank takes a life of its own. Three of Jimmy's co-workers, Tom, Dick, and Harry, concoct a fake telegram proclaiming Jimmy as the contest winner. Overjoyed and oblivious to the deceit, Jimmy embarks on a spending spree at Shindel Bros. Department Store, lavishing gifts on his mother, Betty, and everyone on their block. As Jimmy basks in his newfound 'fortune', his life begins to change positively. He gains a promotion and even proposes to Betty. But the life-altering prank is a ticking time bomb. The question remains: what will unfold when the truth of the fraudulent telegram is revealed, and the real contest winner is announced? The answer promises a rollercoaster of emotions and consequences that Jimmy might not be prepared for. "Christmas in July" is an intriguing tale of dreams, pranks, and unexpected outcomes that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Christmas in July is a comedy movie featuring Dick Powell.

Christmas in July is currently streaming on Criterion Channel.