 Verdant, 24x36 inches, Oil on panel with maple sides, © Lynn Goldstein $2100 As you, my dear readers know, my mission in life is to try to help people feel peace in a difficult world. Here's the rub. Lately, I have had a tough time finding that calm myself. As a result, I have been searching for ways toward equilibrium. About a month ago my husband sat down next to me, fired up the television, and surprised me with one of my all-time favorite feel-good films. He knew I would be touched by the gesture, and I was. As a result of the success of that evening, we have been looking for some old favorites that will uplift our spirits. Hopefully, this list will help you to feel good too. The list in no particular order:
1. Philadelphia Story - This movie has 3 of my favorite old-time movie stars: James Stewart, Cary Grant, and Katherine Hepburn. I am well-aware that some of the dialogue is dated, but man this film makes me smile. 2. Wizard of Oz - I have seen this movie so many times that I can recite the dialogue, but it never fails to uplift my spirits, even though I cry several times throughout the viewing. It's inexplicable, but the tears simply flow. 3. When Harry Met Sally - This movie had me when Billy Crystal's Harry spit grape seeds out the window of Sally's (Meg Ryan) car only to discover the car window was closed. The laughs kept coming. 4. Princess Bride - Every time I see this movie I am awed at its perfection. It's magic. 5. To Have and Have Not - When I was in my 20s, I was such a Humphrey Bogart fan that friends got me an almost life-size cutout of him that I displayed proudly in my apartment. I still love Bogie and he shines in this movie with his real-life love, Lauren Bacall. Bacall also shines. 6. Casablanca - What can I say? Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman together in a compelling story that is somehow uplifting and sad at the same darned time! 7. Back to the Future - I can't tell you the number of times I have seen this movie, and I love it every time. Michael J. Fox is pitch-perfect in his portrayal of Marty McFly, but Christopher Lloyd's mad scientist steals the show, if that is possible. I could come up with more, but now it's your turn. Please leave your faves in the comments below. That way we can all help uplift each other. 😉
13 Comments
8/18/2020 12:31:52 pm
We have the same taste in comfort movies. Breakfast at Tiffany's and Roman Holiday are two faves of mine too. Gotta love Gregory Peck. My mother loved watching movies and she passed it on to me. In my 20s I would go to the movies by myself all the time. There were two repertory theaters that ran double-features. My evenings were spent getting lost in the dark while the film was rolling and popcorn was crunched. Aren't we fortunate to be able to stream now?!
M.
8/18/2020 08:30:54 pm
Great choices!
Sherry
8/18/2020 11:39:46 am
1. All About Eve - "Fasten your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy night." 8/18/2020 12:33:36 pm
I LOVE All About Eve and Moonstruck. "Snap out of it!" Thanks for reading the blogpost and sharing your list. Have you seen Letter to 3 Wives, and/or The Women? Also excellent films.
Eleanor Gomolinski-Lally
8/18/2020 03:45:19 pm
Woody Allen's "Midnight in Paris" features Gertrude Stein and various artists around her in Paris.
Amy B Poe
8/18/2020 05:01:54 pm
We have three kids at home from ages 12 to 20 so selecting movies can be a challenge. Some successes have been Saving Mr. Banks, Om Shanti Om (a bit of Bollywood), Easter Parade, Singing in the Rain, Nacho Libre, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, School of Rock, Dumbo (the new one), and even the adults laugh at the Bee Movie and The Incredibles. We have enjoyed some of the favorites you mentioned too. 8/18/2020 11:00:42 pm
I love The Incredibles too. I also love Gene Kelly. One of my faves with him is "An American in Paris. I studied ballet for decades, so watching dancing is always a favorite thing. 8/18/2020 07:11:42 pm
Hi Lynn, we like some of the same movies, and like you I LOVE to watch movies. 8/18/2020 11:01:42 pm
Oooooh! I love "Two for the Road and the "Graduate." Also, it's hard not to love "My Fair Lady!" 8/18/2020 09:13:06 pm
Rear window 8/18/2020 11:05:25 pm
I love "Moonstruck." The first time I saw "To Kill a Mockingbird" was with my wonderful grandmother while she was staying with me while my parents went out. I never forgot that film and have seen it several times since. I have always said that my father was a cross between Atticus Finch and George Bailey from "It's a Wonderful Life." Now that I think about it, I can't believe that I forgot "It's a Wonderful Life. ps. I will always be grateful to have had an amazing father. Thanks for you list! Leave a Reply. |
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