Its no secret that I have a intense appreciation for black and white movies. I can't pinpoint the exact reasons I adore them...the clothes, the twin beds (strange concept?), how the men dressed, the romantic ambiance that black and white film simply oozes...anyway- its a nice detraction from the seemingly 'average' films of today.
Now if you are a cgi buff or action pack adrenaline junky- these movies will do nothing for you. But if you like romance, comedies and intelligent horror...then black and white may be for you! Not to mention ratings...it seems almost impossible to let my kids watch anything these days without hearing filthy words or seeing 'too much". Old Hollywood didn't have such slacking standards- so nearly all of them are family friendly. If nothing else- its fun to watch one when 'alone' time is needed...you know - when mama needs a break!
For me- its when I'm sick. There's nothing like a warm blanket, cozy fire and an old movie!
So here are a few of my favorites...
Romance:
My favorite black and white romance is Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart. The movie is great, but even better when you know that back story of the actors. Bogart didn't want Hepburn to do the movie- he thought she was too young to be his love interest and was firmly set against having her in the film. Also Hepburn and her co-star William Holden were having an affair on the movie set. Holden was going to leave his wife for Audrey, but when he told her he didn't want children...she told him to just stay married and she'd quit wasting her time. They broke up midway through production...this information makes the movie all more interesting... Oh and its on TCM on Monday!
Comedy:
My Favorite Wife- featuring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne. About a man whose wife is found after seven years on a deserted island (her plane crashed). He is just about to remarry, but is legally still married to his first wife. Seven years is a long time to be apart and theres some awkwardness due to the fact she was stranded with a super stud of a man. Both are wondering how the other feels... There are also two children involved. Anyway- seriously cute...and Cary Grant...seriously cute too!
Another two comedies are You Can't Take It With You and The Philadelphia Story. TPS stars Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant...Katherine is getting married again and her ex-husband (Grant) is looking to cause some trouble, but they both still like eachother-although they won't admit it...it also has James Stewart in it!
Horror- The Bad Seed (make sure you rent the black and white version...so much better!)
About a little girl that is well mannered and seemingly perfect. Her mother though- has seen some an evil streak develop in her perfect child...the movie toys with the notion that being murderous and evil is in one's genes. Anyway- the little girl scared the crap out of me!
1 comment:
Sabrina is one of my favorite old classics too! I think there is another version of my favorite wife. I can't remember the name but it stars Doris Day and James Garner. I love Cary Grant. He is one of my favorite actors. Have you seen Arsenic and Old Lace? So funny. Hope you get feeling better soon!
Post a Comment