Arnold Schwarzenegger's "Christmas in Connecticut" Directorial Debut

Revisionist History · December 25, 2025 · Listen to Original Episode →

Original Title:

TL;DR

Arnold Schwarzenegger's directorial debut on "Christmas in Connecticut" prioritized low-risk, family-friendly projects, demonstrating a strategic shift from action to explore diverse filmmaking avenues.
The remake's script underwent significant "Schwarzeneggerization" by action film writers, injecting humor and jeopardy that transformed the original screwball comedy into a larger-than-life production.
Despite a modest budget and TV movie constraints, the production attracted Hollywood royalty and a media frenzy, highlighting Schwarzenegger's star power and the unusual appeal of the project.
The film's chaotic, improvisational nature and visible production flaws, like visible sleigh wheels, contributed to its unique, "free jazz" quality, making it a memorable, albeit imperfect, creation.
The collaboration between Schwarzenegger and producer Stan Brooks, driven by a shared passion for filmmaking, resulted in a lasting friendship and Brooks's subsequent role in California's film commission efforts.

Deep Dive

Arnold Schwarzenegger's directorial debut on a made-for-television remake of "Christmas in Connecticut" was an improbable undertaking driven by his desire for a low-risk, family-friendly project following the immense success of "Terminator 2." This ambition, coupled with a tight production schedule and a modest budget, led to a chaotic creative process characterized by significant script rewrites, an eclectic cast, and a director still navigating the demands of filmmaking. The resulting film, despite its unusual origins and production challenges, ultimately became a memorable collaboration between Schwarzenegger and producer Stan Brooks, underscoring a shared passion for the craft of moviemaking.

The production of "Christmas in Connecticut" was marked by a series of cascading decisions and unexpected turns. Initially conceived as a faithful remake by producer Stan Brooks, the project gained significant momentum when Arnold Schwarzenegger, seeking a directorial opportunity outside the action genre, expressed interest. This shifted the project's trajectory, with Schwarzenegger pushing for more humor and action, leading to script contributions from writers known for his action films like "Commando." This creative pivot, while aligning with Schwarzenegger's vision, significantly altered the tone and content of the original screwball comedy, a fact that caused consternation for the original screenwriter, Janet Brunell. The casting of Diane Keaton, Tony Curtis, and Kris Kristofferson further amplified the project's unconventional nature, creating a dynamic on set that was as unpredictable as the script rewrites. Director of photography Jim Wilberger noted the improvisational and sometimes chaotic nature of the filming, with scenes often requiring multiple takes and adaptations to accommodate Schwarzenegger's directorial impulses and the logistical constraints of a television production. Even the film's premiere was unusual, occurring in April, a full week before Easter, highlighting the project's departure from typical Hollywood conventions.

The enduring implication of this production lies not in the film's critical or commercial success--which was mixed, with a low IMDb rating--but in the unique collaborative spirit it fostered. Despite the inherent chaos and the challenges of adapting a beloved classic under such circumstances, the project forged a lasting bond between Schwarzenegger and Stan Brooks. This relationship extended beyond filmmaking, with Brooks later playing a key role in advocating for California's film tax credits during Schwarzenegger's tenure as governor. The story of "Christmas in Connecticut" ultimately serves as a testament to the joy of creation and collaboration, illustrating that even improbable ventures can yield meaningful connections and positive downstream effects, much like the spirit of love and friendship found in classic holiday films.

Action Items

Audit production process: Identify 3-5 points of potential scope creep or miscommunication in script rewrites and director note implementation.
Design director onboarding: Create a checklist of 5-7 key considerations for first-time directors, focusing on genre conventions and actor ego management.
Track 3-5 key performance indicators for directorial effectiveness, such as continuity issues or actor satisfaction, to inform future project selection.
Evaluate script adaptation process: Analyze 2-3 instances where script changes significantly altered the original intent to identify root causes of divergence.
Measure impact of director's personal brand on production decisions by comparing notes from the text to common practices in action film directing.

Key Quotes

"When Arnold Schwarzenegger decided he wanted to direct a feature film, the choice of material was obvious: He would remake a 1945 holiday classic. Easier said than done."

This quote introduces the central premise of the episode: Arnold Schwarzenegger's unexpected directorial debut with a remake of "Christmas in Connecticut." The producer, Ben Nadav Haffrey, highlights the inherent difficulty and surprise surrounding this decision, setting the stage for the "screwy story" of its production.

"I've told this story many times but I've never told it on the record. It's a it's a big story so if you've got the time I will I will tell it to you."

This statement from Ben Nadav Haffrey emphasizes the unique and previously untold nature of the story he is about to share. Haffrey frames the narrative as a significant and lengthy account, inviting the listener to invest their time in what he promises will be a revealing and comprehensive exposé.

"I go who and he goes arnold schwarzenegger and I burst out laughing oh he was he was totally shocked lou pitt legendary agent to arnold schwarzenegger that's hilarious lou no seriously is this a joke is this a joke he goes no seriously i go well arnold schwarzenegger is not doing a christmas movie for tnt"

This quote captures the incredulity of producer Stan Brooks upon hearing that Arnold Schwarzenegger was interested in directing "Christmas in Connecticut." Brooks's reaction, as relayed by the narrator, underscores the perceived unlikelihood of a major action star like Schwarzenegger taking on a made-for-television Christmas movie, highlighting the unexpected nature of the offer.

"Arnold wants them to get someone else to come in and punch up the script he wanted more humor and as it happened my best friend in the world had written commando commando the 1985 action film starring arnold schwarzenegger which the critic from the la times referred to as a quote gory crowd pleaser and a glorified fireworks display and arnold loved them and said if you think you can get him to do a comedy path"

This passage explains how Arnold Schwarzenegger's desire for a more humorous and action-oriented script led to the involvement of writers from his previous action film, "Commando." The producer, Ben Nadav Haffrey, details Schwarzenegger's specific request for a "punch up" and how his connection to the writers of "Commando" shaped the direction of the remake.

"I mean you have one somewhat disgruntled actress portraying fake martha stewart and another who's a macho park ranger but who for no apparent reason relays this backstory partway through the movie actually before i moved to colorado i lived in chicago i grew up there taught comparative literature at the university for 10 years i got an offer for tenure and head of the department and it's what i thought i wanted but then being engaged in by concrete and crouch for the rest of my life"

This quote highlights the tonal and narrative inconsistencies within the remake of "Christmas in Connecticut," as described by the narrator. The narrator points out the jarring inclusion of Chris Christopherson's character's academic backstory, which feels out of place and contributes to the film's overall "transcendentally weird" quality.

"So back to our original question why did arnold schwarzenegger direct this bizarre one off christmas film i found my answer in a story stan told me he says to me one night we finished around seven or eight and he goes well you doing and i said i'm going home to go to bed he goes maria's making dinner you want to come to the house so oh yeah yeah so we both jump in our cars and we drive to pacific palisades and at that dinner i remember arnold turned to me and he says you know they tell me i don't understand why you don't make big features and i said to be honest i didn't get into the business to make big famous movies i got into the business to make movies and i get to make two or three a year if i'm in the future business i'm lucky if i make one every other year every three years and i go i i'm happy with my life"

This quote provides the ultimate explanation for Arnold Schwarzenegger's decision to direct the remake, as revealed by producer Stan Brooks. Brooks recounts a dinner conversation where Schwarzenegger expressed his desire to simply "make movies" rather than exclusively pursue large-scale blockbusters, indicating a personal satisfaction derived from the creative process itself.

Resources

External Resources

Books

"A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens - Mentioned as a concluding quote for the episode.

Articles & Papers

"The Little Liar" - Mentioned as Mitch Albom's new novel about the Holocaust.
"Tuesdays with Morrie" - Mentioned as Mitch Albom's most famous book.

People

Arnold Schwarzenegger - Mentioned as the director of the remake of "Christmas in Connecticut" and as a producer.
Ben Nadav Haffrey - Mentioned as the colleague who brought the story of Arnold Schwarzenegger directing "Christmas in Connecticut" to the podcast.
Diane Cannon - Mentioned as the actress cast in the lead role of the Martha Stewart character in the remake.
Ivan Reitman - Mentioned as a comedy director who provided notes to Arnold Schwarzenegger.
James Cameron - Mentioned as the director of "Terminator 2," which Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
Janet Brunell - Mentioned as the writer of the script for the remake of "Christmas in Connecticut."
Jeff Loeb - Mentioned as the friend who wrote "Commando" and was hired to punch up the script.
Jim Wilberger - Mentioned as the director of production for the remake.
Lenovo - Mentioned in relation to business computers and exclusive deals.
Liberty Mutual - Mentioned in relation to customizing and saving on car insurance.
Lou Pitt - Mentioned as Arnold Schwarzenegger's legendary agent.
Malcolm Gladwell - Mentioned as the host of the podcast "Revisionist History."
Maria Shriver - Mentioned as Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife.
Mitch Albom - Mentioned as an author interviewed live on stage, known for "Tuesdays with Morrie," and as a former musician.
Norman Rockwell - Mentioned in relation to Ben Nadav Haffrey's family traditions.
Oliver North - Mentioned as being present at a screening in Washington.
Stan Brooks - Mentioned as the executive producer of the remake of "Christmas in Connecticut" and a former roommate of Mitch Albom.
Steven Spielberg - Mentioned in relation to Arnold Schwarzenegger's notes on the script.
Tony Curtis - Mentioned as a Hollywood screwball legend cast in the remake.

Organizations & Institutions

AWS (Amazon Web Services) - Mentioned for enterprise-scale voice solutions.
California Film Commission - Mentioned in relation to lobbying efforts for tax credits.
DGA (Directors Guild of America) - Mentioned as the location of a screening for the remake.
IBM - Mentioned for helping AI access data.
iHeart Podcast - Mentioned as the network hosting the podcast.
Lenovo - Mentioned in relation to business computers and exclusive deals.
Liberty Mutual - Mentioned in relation to customizing and saving on car insurance.
MGM - Mentioned as the library from which Ted Turner owned remakes.
New York City - Mentioned as the location of clubs where Mitch Albom played music.
NFL (National Football League) - Mentioned in relation to sports analytics.
Omnystudio - Mentioned for privacy information.
Pro Football Focus (PFF) - Mentioned as a data source for player grading.
Pushkin Industries - Mentioned as the producer of the podcast.
Revisionist History - Mentioned as the podcast name.
T-Mobile - Mentioned for their network and Super Mobile business plan.
TNT - Mentioned as the cable channel for which the remake was made.
University of Chicago - Mentioned in relation to Chris Christopherson's past.

Podcasts & Audio

Revisionist History - Mentioned as the podcast where the episode originated.

Other Resources

Agitation (dementia symptom) - Mentioned as a symptom that may occur with dementia due to Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Disease - Mentioned as a condition that can lead to agitation.
Commando - Mentioned as an action film written by Jeff Loeb.
Cooking for Two - Mentioned as a song written by Mitch Albom for the remake.
"Christmas in Connecticut" (1945 film) - Mentioned as the original romantic comedy.
"Christmas in Connecticut" (1992 remake) - Mentioned as the subject of the episode, directed by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"It's a Wonderful Life" - Mentioned as a sacred text for the Nadav Haffrey family.
"Tuesdays with Morrie" - Mentioned as Mitch Albom's most famous book.
"Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Bishop's Wife" - Mentioned as a Christmas movie.
"Miracle on 34th Street" - Mentioned as a Christmas movie.
"Tales from the Crypt" - Mentioned as a TV show directed by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"Twas the Night Before Christmas" - Mentioned as an alternative title for "A Visit from St. Nicholas."
"A Visit from St. Nicholas" - Mentioned as the poem otherwise known as "Twas the Night Before Christmas."
"The Santa Clause" - Mentioned as a film for which Janet Brunell did an uncredited rewrite.
"Elmoise at the Plaza" - Mentioned as a TV movie written by Janet Brunell.
"12 Dates of Christmas" - Mentioned as a TV movie written by Janet Brunell.
"Commando" - Mentioned as an action film written by Jeff Loeb.
"Star is Born" - Mentioned in relation to Diane Cannon and Chris Christopherson.
"Ghostbusters" - Mentioned as a film directed by Ivan Reitman.
"Mr. Universe" awards - Mentioned as Arnold Schwarzenegger's bodybuilding awards.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mentioned as the film Arnold Schwarzenegger had just finished shooting.
"The Terminator" - Mentioned as a role played by Arnold Schwarzenegger.
"The Terminator 2" - Mention