Hello darlings, I hope you’ve had a lovely week and are ready to relax with your partner, friend or by yourself this weekend.
I love a great movie, and after I read Dr. Barbara Becker Holstein’s article about Lucille Ball she inspired me. I’ve compiled a wonderful list of classic films to enjoy.
Now grab a mug of tea, cider or glass of wine and let’s get watching!
Rear Window
Looking for a spooky film to watch this Halloween weekend? Rear Window starring Grace Kelly and James Stewart is the perfect film that isn’t too scary, and full of great twists and turns. It’s also a classic Hitchcock film! You can’t go wrong there.
“The hero of Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rear Window” is trapped in a wheelchair, and we’re trapped, too–trapped inside his point of view, inside his lack of freedom and his limited options. When he passes his long days and nights by shamelessly maintaining a secret watch on his neighbors, we share his obsession. It’s wrong, we know, to spy on others, but after all, aren’t we always voyeurs when we go to the movies? Here’s a film about a man who does on the screen what we do in the audience–look through a lens at the private lives of strangers.” – Roger Ebert
Casablanca
If you haven’t seen this film, drop everything and watch it immediately! A classic forevermore, Casablanca is a romance that will sweep you off your feet and bring you into another world. Humphrey Bogart or Ingrid Bergman star together in this riveting classic film.
“The story of Rick Blaine, a cynical world-weary ex-patriate who runs a nightclub in Casablanca, Morocco during the early stages of WWII. Despite the pressure he constantly receives from the local authorities, Rick’s cafe has become a kind of haven for refugees seeking to obtain illicit letters that will help them escape to America. But when Ilsa, a former lover of Rick’s, and her husband, show up to his cafe one day, Rick faces a tough challenge which will bring up unforeseen complications, heartbreak and ultimately an excruciating decision to make.” – Kyle Perez
Gone With The Wind
“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn,” once said the great Rhett Butler. With famous quotes and scenes at every turn, Gone With The Wind is a classic that many youngsters sometimes don’t even realize they’re quoting! This film is full of romance, angst and lots of drama. Grab a southern-style drink and get to watching!
“An Epic Civil War drama focuses on the life of petulant southern belle Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh). Starting with her idyllic on a sprawling plantation, the film traces her survival through the tragic history of the South during the Civil War and Reconstruction, and her tangled love affairs with Ashley Wilkes (Leslie Howard) and Rhett Butler (Clark Gable).”
Singin’ In The Rain
Feeling blue? This movie is definitely for you. This movie musical will have your toes tapping and frown turned upside down. Come the morning you’ll be up and singing the famous song, “Good Morning” to your loved ones. Starring the brilliant Gene Kelly and beautiful Debbie Reynolds, this movie is perfect for the whole family.
“Taking place during the rise of the “talkies”, we meet Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont who have risen to stardom during the silent-film era of Hollywood. Beautiful, charismatic and influential, the two combine to make a great on-screen pair. The introduction of talking pictures poses a threat to the powerful duo, however, when it is discovered by audiences that Lina has an excruciatingly shrill voice. Enter young studio singer Kathy Selden, a woman who lacks the stardom of Ms. Lamont but possesses the beautiful voice of which Lina is in dire need. Can Don and Lina find a solution to Lina’s laughably annoying voice to salvage their careers?” – Kyle Perez
Some Like It Hot
A funny classic that will have you laughing out loud. This hilarious film starring the beautiful Marilyn Monroe is the perfect film for some light-hearted fun. Who doesn’t enjoy mobsters, jazz music and beautiful actors getting into some trouble?
“After witnessing a Mafia murder, slick saxophone player Joe and his long-suffering buddy, Jerry, improvise a quick plan to escape from Chicago with their lives. Disguising themselves as women, they join an all-female jazz band and hop a train bound for sunny Florida. While Joe pretends to be a millionaire to win the band’s sexy singer, Sugar, Jerry finds himself pursued by a real millionaire as things heat up and the mobsters close in.” – Jwelch5742, IMBD
It’s a Wonderful Life
Last, but certainly not least, we have the beautiful film, It’s a Wonderful Life. Now, with the Holiday season approaching, this lovely film is perfect to get you into the Christmas spirit. Staring the incomparable Jimmy Stewart, among many other classic film star favorites, It’s A Wonderful Life will make you cry, laugh and hug your loved ones. This film is a must-watch every year!
“A young George Bailey, overwhelmed by family obligations and a sense of responsibility toward his community, feels tied down to a company he never had an interest in working for, and a life he never wanted to live. As he ages, he sees his youth, dreams and opportunities pass him by. Unknown to George, all of his friends and family have been praying for him to get through those hard times. Told through the point of view of a group of angels, he is met by his guardian angel Clarence, as he contemplates ending his life.” – Marielle, IMDB
What Is Your Favorite Classic Film?
Do you have a favorite classic film, my darlings? Comment below with your favorites and tell me why you like them!
You Can’t Take it With You
They Drive By Night is my choice. More like two movies in one. Don’t give up if you don’t like the light warmth of the first half. For those who haven’t seen the movie, I’ll just say Ida Lupino looked great but her beauty is second rate when compared to her abilities that shine in the end.
My favorite classic movie is Harvey starring Jimmy Stewart. A tale about Elwood P. Dowd, a local drunk whose best friend is a Pooka (a 6′ invisible rabbit). He lives with his elderly aunts who are convinced he is crazy & always trying to have him committed to the psych hospital. It’s a great comedy!
I am smiling. I loved it, too. Warmly, Honey
I love Three Coins in a Fountain and Love is a Many Splendid Thing!
I remember when I threw my coins in the fountain. I even remember what I was wearing and it was 26 years ago!!! I loved the movies you chose. Warmly, Honey
I Love My Man Godfrey, Philadelphia Story, also Rear Window, Dial M for Murder and many others. I so enjoy the sets, the clothes, the writing, seeing how life was in the past.
Our movies in the theatre are so different from the past but then so is our society. Sad.Warmly, Honey
I’ve seen most of these and totally agree!!!