Hands down Lady on a Train is one of my most favorite films of all time.

The first time I watched this 1945 American light-hearted comedy noir directed by Charles David I was ten years old and spending the day at my grandparent’s sick with the flu. When my grandmother learned that the film would be shown on Turner Classic Movies, she asked if I wanted to watch it with her as it was the film she and my Grandfather saw on their first date.

The film stars Deana Durbin as Nicki Collins, a mystery-loving heiress who witnesses a murder from her private train car while reading the latest novel from Wayne Morgan (David Bruce). Viewing her only as a ditzy young woman with an overactive imagination, no one takes her seriously, so Nicki must start her own investigation. On the way, she meets Mr. Morgan himself, who joins her cause. As the two dive deeper into the mystery of the deceased it’s a journey of comedic genius.

Based on a story by famed mystery novelist Leslie Charteris, the film might not be deep, but it is fun and features a wonderful version of “Silent Night” sung by Durbin. Watching it reminds me of my grandmother, which makes it one of my favorite holiday traditions.

The film was finally released on blu-ray as part of the FILM NOIR: THE DARK SIDE OF CINEMA IX collection, and can be purchased through Amazon.