By Mary Jo
In a summer where most of us have not been getting out as much as usual, I decided it would be fun to dig out older movies we've enjoyed watching on Saturday nights. In the nature of things, many have had historical setting because, not surprisingly I like historical movies. (Most of what we've seen has been DVDs, which I consider a more reliable technology than streaming, which is fine when it works–until it doesn't.)
So the first we watched was The Scarlet Pimpernel, a great romantic adventure story. It's been filmed several times, but the version I love (and own) is the 1982 film starring Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour. Andrews plays Sir Percy Blakeney, a fop by day and a rescuer of French aristocrats from the guillotine. He's a Georgian super hero, brilliant, Sneaky, gorgeous, and a passionately in love with his wife, the French actress Marguerite St. Just, whom he can no longer trust.
Marguerite is played by Jane Seymour, who is also gorgeous and baffled by why her doting husband has turned cold. This version diverges in some ways from Baroness Orczy's books, and I don't care. <G> It's rousing a great fun.
BONUS: did I mention that Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour are both gorgeous?
As a side note, the easiest way to tell when a movie was made is by the hair styles of the women. Jane Seymour has a lot of '80s hair!
Another historical movie I love is Shakespeare in Love, (1998) which I consider the 
perfect English major's movie. (And indeed, I was an English major. <G>) A somewhat neurotic young Will Shakespeare is played by Joseph Fiennes. Gwyneth Paltrow plays Viola de Lesseps, a stage struck young woman of good birth. At the time (1593) it was illegal for women to appear on a stage, so she disguises herself as a young man and wins the part of Juliet in the new play Shakespeare has written, which is fumbling its way to being produced.
Will and Viola have a brief passionate affair which has no future. The mistaken identities and cross dressing and misunderstandings are typical of Shakespearean comedies, and the writing is very witty, full of writer and theater jokes. The movie won masses of awards, including 7 Oscars, and is funny, clever, and romantic. The ending is not a traditional HEA, but is satisfying.
BONUS: Judi Dench as Queen Elizabeth the Great! (She won an Oscar in the role.)
A particularly favorite historical movie of mine is Amazing Grace (2006), the story of William Wilberforce, the British reformer and politician who spent decades fighting in Parliament in eventually successful effort to ban the slave trade.
One reason I like the movie so much is the accuracy of the history, which I know because I researched it for one of my historicals, A Distant Magic (currently out of print, but an ebook version will be coming.) A Distant Magic is built around the 18th Century British abolition movement and included many of the same historical figures.
BONUSES: Three gorgeous actors: Ioan Gruffudd as Wilberforce, Rufus Sewell as the enormously important 
Clarkson, and Benedict Cumberbatch as Wilberforce's friend and ally, Prime Minister William Pitt!. There is also the charming romance of Wilberforce and his future wife, Barbara Spooner.
Another favorite was Chariots of Fire, inspired by the true stories of two British athletes competing in the 1924 Olympics, which were held in Paris. Scottish missionary Eric Liddell born in China and intends to return to China to take up missionary work, but as one line in the movie says, "God made me for a purpose and that purpose is China, but he also made me fast!." The other lead character is Harold Abrahams, a Jewish anomaly in the lily white precincts of Cambridge, but he's a talented and determined athlete who runs as a way to combat prejudice. Some liberties are taken with the facts, but the overall story is true and very entertaining.
BONUS: The Oscar winning musical score by Vangelis. The opening scene of the movie shows a group of athletes in training along a beach and the thrumming beat of the music is stunning.
We also watched again two blockbuster comedies that would be considered contemporary except that they're now old enough to be almost historical. <G> Beverly Hills Cop (1984) is a comedy adventure that instantly made Eddie Murphy an international star because of his versatile brilliance.
Sister Act (1992) stars Whoopi Goldberg as a Reno lounge singer who witnesses a mob hit and is placed in a San Francisco convent for protection. The movie is hilarious as Whoopi first horrifies, than transforms the convent through music.
BONUS: the music is great!
I believe all of these movies have trailers on youtube.com, and are available as DVDs or for some of them, streaming services.
Have you enjoyed any of these oldies but goodies? Or would you like to suggest some of your old favorites?
Happy watching!
Mary Jo
As I have mentioned before, onn genreal movies aren’t my thing. But I like a Scarlet Pimpernel (I’m not sure it is the same version) and I remember Amazing Grace with fondness; I also own and frequently reread A Distant Magic.
As I have mentioned before, onn genreal movies aren’t my thing. But I like a Scarlet Pimpernel (I’m not sure it is the same version) and I remember Amazing Grace with fondness; I also own and frequently reread A Distant Magic.
As I have mentioned before, onn genreal movies aren’t my thing. But I like a Scarlet Pimpernel (I’m not sure it is the same version) and I remember Amazing Grace with fondness; I also own and frequently reread A Distant Magic.
As I have mentioned before, onn genreal movies aren’t my thing. But I like a Scarlet Pimpernel (I’m not sure it is the same version) and I remember Amazing Grace with fondness; I also own and frequently reread A Distant Magic.
As I have mentioned before, onn genreal movies aren’t my thing. But I like a Scarlet Pimpernel (I’m not sure it is the same version) and I remember Amazing Grace with fondness; I also own and frequently reread A Distant Magic.
That version of The Scarlet Pimpernel also has Ian McKellen as the villain Chauvelin.
That version of The Scarlet Pimpernel also has Ian McKellen as the villain Chauvelin.
That version of The Scarlet Pimpernel also has Ian McKellen as the villain Chauvelin.
That version of The Scarlet Pimpernel also has Ian McKellen as the villain Chauvelin.
That version of The Scarlet Pimpernel also has Ian McKellen as the villain Chauvelin.
I love old movies. There are so many that I enjoy, that it is had to pick favorites. Singin In The Rain, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Meet Me In St. Louis, Christmas Story – are just a few.
I especially love movies from the 30s – not sure why – I just do. My favorite from that era is 42nd Street. Fun post.
I love old movies. There are so many that I enjoy, that it is had to pick favorites. Singin In The Rain, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Meet Me In St. Louis, Christmas Story – are just a few.
I especially love movies from the 30s – not sure why – I just do. My favorite from that era is 42nd Street. Fun post.
I love old movies. There are so many that I enjoy, that it is had to pick favorites. Singin In The Rain, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Meet Me In St. Louis, Christmas Story – are just a few.
I especially love movies from the 30s – not sure why – I just do. My favorite from that era is 42nd Street. Fun post.
I love old movies. There are so many that I enjoy, that it is had to pick favorites. Singin In The Rain, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Meet Me In St. Louis, Christmas Story – are just a few.
I especially love movies from the 30s – not sure why – I just do. My favorite from that era is 42nd Street. Fun post.
I love old movies. There are so many that I enjoy, that it is had to pick favorites. Singin In The Rain, Yankee Doodle Dandy, Meet Me In St. Louis, Christmas Story – are just a few.
I especially love movies from the 30s – not sure why – I just do. My favorite from that era is 42nd Street. Fun post.
Wonderful choices. I’ve been debating on getting a streaming service (like I need another one) to see Scarlett Pimpernel. Fortunately my schedule is filled with English gardens, something one can do without undue worry.
Wonderful choices. I’ve been debating on getting a streaming service (like I need another one) to see Scarlett Pimpernel. Fortunately my schedule is filled with English gardens, something one can do without undue worry.
Wonderful choices. I’ve been debating on getting a streaming service (like I need another one) to see Scarlett Pimpernel. Fortunately my schedule is filled with English gardens, something one can do without undue worry.
Wonderful choices. I’ve been debating on getting a streaming service (like I need another one) to see Scarlett Pimpernel. Fortunately my schedule is filled with English gardens, something one can do without undue worry.
Wonderful choices. I’ve been debating on getting a streaming service (like I need another one) to see Scarlett Pimpernel. Fortunately my schedule is filled with English gardens, something one can do without undue worry.
Old movies are pretty much the only ones I watch these days. My favorite Pimpernel is the older one, with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. (She was so beautiful.)
Old movies are pretty much the only ones I watch these days. My favorite Pimpernel is the older one, with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. (She was so beautiful.)
Old movies are pretty much the only ones I watch these days. My favorite Pimpernel is the older one, with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. (She was so beautiful.)
Old movies are pretty much the only ones I watch these days. My favorite Pimpernel is the older one, with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. (She was so beautiful.)
Old movies are pretty much the only ones I watch these days. My favorite Pimpernel is the older one, with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. (She was so beautiful.)
Yes, and a very fine villain he was!
Yes, and a very fine villain he was!
Yes, and a very fine villain he was!
Yes, and a very fine villain he was!
Yes, and a very fine villain he was!
Scarlet Pimpernel is a great story in all its manifestations, I’m sure, and Amazing Grace and A Distant Magic are both pulling from the same powerful, real material.
Scarlet Pimpernel is a great story in all its manifestations, I’m sure, and Amazing Grace and A Distant Magic are both pulling from the same powerful, real material.
Scarlet Pimpernel is a great story in all its manifestations, I’m sure, and Amazing Grace and A Distant Magic are both pulling from the same powerful, real material.
Scarlet Pimpernel is a great story in all its manifestations, I’m sure, and Amazing Grace and A Distant Magic are both pulling from the same powerful, real material.
Scarlet Pimpernel is a great story in all its manifestations, I’m sure, and Amazing Grace and A Distant Magic are both pulling from the same powerful, real material.
Mary T, clearly you like musicals, and that’s a great selection of classic musicals you have there.
Mary T, clearly you like musicals, and that’s a great selection of classic musicals you have there.
Mary T, clearly you like musicals, and that’s a great selection of classic musicals you have there.
Mary T, clearly you like musicals, and that’s a great selection of classic musicals you have there.
Mary T, clearly you like musicals, and that’s a great selection of classic musicals you have there.
Shannon, English gardens are wonderful. As for streaming The Scarlet Pimpernel, it’s streaming on Amazon if you’re a Prime member.
Shannon, English gardens are wonderful. As for streaming The Scarlet Pimpernel, it’s streaming on Amazon if you’re a Prime member.
Shannon, English gardens are wonderful. As for streaming The Scarlet Pimpernel, it’s streaming on Amazon if you’re a Prime member.
Shannon, English gardens are wonderful. As for streaming The Scarlet Pimpernel, it’s streaming on Amazon if you’re a Prime member.
Shannon, English gardens are wonderful. As for streaming The Scarlet Pimpernel, it’s streaming on Amazon if you’re a Prime member.
Lil, I’ve never seen that version, but I probably should so I can compare it with the Anthony Andews/Jane Seymour version.
Lil, I’ve never seen that version, but I probably should so I can compare it with the Anthony Andews/Jane Seymour version.
Lil, I’ve never seen that version, but I probably should so I can compare it with the Anthony Andews/Jane Seymour version.
Lil, I’ve never seen that version, but I probably should so I can compare it with the Anthony Andews/Jane Seymour version.
Lil, I’ve never seen that version, but I probably should so I can compare it with the Anthony Andews/Jane Seymour version.
I love old movies. A lot of people hate black and white movies, but if they are good enough, you don’t miss the color.
I love the clothes and the general luxury of Astaire/Rogers’ movies, especially “Shall We Dance.” “Notorious,” with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, is Hitchcock’s most romantic movie with a ending that is straight out of a romance novel. If you haven’t seen the divine Cary Grant in “North by Northwest,” you are missing out. Hepburn and Tracy are perfect in “The African Queen.” If you want a warm family movie (not realistic, but wonderful), “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” will leave a smile on your face. My all-time favorite movie with a great, great romance and a riveting plot is “On the Waterfront” with the legendary Marlon Brando. If you want a stylish farce about a naive man (Henry Fonda) who falls for a con woman (Barbara Stanwyck), “The Lady Eve” is a classic. (Look at the previews first. Either you love it–as I do–or you don’t.) If I had to award the most touching romance, it would go to 1935’s “A Tale of Two Cities,” the best adaption of Dickens’ novel, IMO.
I love old movies. A lot of people hate black and white movies, but if they are good enough, you don’t miss the color.
I love the clothes and the general luxury of Astaire/Rogers’ movies, especially “Shall We Dance.” “Notorious,” with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, is Hitchcock’s most romantic movie with a ending that is straight out of a romance novel. If you haven’t seen the divine Cary Grant in “North by Northwest,” you are missing out. Hepburn and Tracy are perfect in “The African Queen.” If you want a warm family movie (not realistic, but wonderful), “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” will leave a smile on your face. My all-time favorite movie with a great, great romance and a riveting plot is “On the Waterfront” with the legendary Marlon Brando. If you want a stylish farce about a naive man (Henry Fonda) who falls for a con woman (Barbara Stanwyck), “The Lady Eve” is a classic. (Look at the previews first. Either you love it–as I do–or you don’t.) If I had to award the most touching romance, it would go to 1935’s “A Tale of Two Cities,” the best adaption of Dickens’ novel, IMO.
I love old movies. A lot of people hate black and white movies, but if they are good enough, you don’t miss the color.
I love the clothes and the general luxury of Astaire/Rogers’ movies, especially “Shall We Dance.” “Notorious,” with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, is Hitchcock’s most romantic movie with a ending that is straight out of a romance novel. If you haven’t seen the divine Cary Grant in “North by Northwest,” you are missing out. Hepburn and Tracy are perfect in “The African Queen.” If you want a warm family movie (not realistic, but wonderful), “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” will leave a smile on your face. My all-time favorite movie with a great, great romance and a riveting plot is “On the Waterfront” with the legendary Marlon Brando. If you want a stylish farce about a naive man (Henry Fonda) who falls for a con woman (Barbara Stanwyck), “The Lady Eve” is a classic. (Look at the previews first. Either you love it–as I do–or you don’t.) If I had to award the most touching romance, it would go to 1935’s “A Tale of Two Cities,” the best adaption of Dickens’ novel, IMO.
I love old movies. A lot of people hate black and white movies, but if they are good enough, you don’t miss the color.
I love the clothes and the general luxury of Astaire/Rogers’ movies, especially “Shall We Dance.” “Notorious,” with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, is Hitchcock’s most romantic movie with a ending that is straight out of a romance novel. If you haven’t seen the divine Cary Grant in “North by Northwest,” you are missing out. Hepburn and Tracy are perfect in “The African Queen.” If you want a warm family movie (not realistic, but wonderful), “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” will leave a smile on your face. My all-time favorite movie with a great, great romance and a riveting plot is “On the Waterfront” with the legendary Marlon Brando. If you want a stylish farce about a naive man (Henry Fonda) who falls for a con woman (Barbara Stanwyck), “The Lady Eve” is a classic. (Look at the previews first. Either you love it–as I do–or you don’t.) If I had to award the most touching romance, it would go to 1935’s “A Tale of Two Cities,” the best adaption of Dickens’ novel, IMO.
I love old movies. A lot of people hate black and white movies, but if they are good enough, you don’t miss the color.
I love the clothes and the general luxury of Astaire/Rogers’ movies, especially “Shall We Dance.” “Notorious,” with Cary Grant and Ingrid Bergman, is Hitchcock’s most romantic movie with a ending that is straight out of a romance novel. If you haven’t seen the divine Cary Grant in “North by Northwest,” you are missing out. Hepburn and Tracy are perfect in “The African Queen.” If you want a warm family movie (not realistic, but wonderful), “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” will leave a smile on your face. My all-time favorite movie with a great, great romance and a riveting plot is “On the Waterfront” with the legendary Marlon Brando. If you want a stylish farce about a naive man (Henry Fonda) who falls for a con woman (Barbara Stanwyck), “The Lady Eve” is a classic. (Look at the previews first. Either you love it–as I do–or you don’t.) If I had to award the most touching romance, it would go to 1935’s “A Tale of Two Cities,” the best adaption of Dickens’ novel, IMO.
I’m not generally a movie watcher, but nonetheless I enjoyed your post, Mary Jo. My father recommended the book, The Scarlet Pimpernel, to me when I was a teen and I quite enjoyed it. In due time, I recommended it to my teen daughter who so enjoyed it that she went on to read half a dozen sequels that I hadn’t known existed!
The most recent movie I’ve seen is Yesterday starring Himesh Patel; I quite liked it.
I’m not generally a movie watcher, but nonetheless I enjoyed your post, Mary Jo. My father recommended the book, The Scarlet Pimpernel, to me when I was a teen and I quite enjoyed it. In due time, I recommended it to my teen daughter who so enjoyed it that she went on to read half a dozen sequels that I hadn’t known existed!
The most recent movie I’ve seen is Yesterday starring Himesh Patel; I quite liked it.
I’m not generally a movie watcher, but nonetheless I enjoyed your post, Mary Jo. My father recommended the book, The Scarlet Pimpernel, to me when I was a teen and I quite enjoyed it. In due time, I recommended it to my teen daughter who so enjoyed it that she went on to read half a dozen sequels that I hadn’t known existed!
The most recent movie I’ve seen is Yesterday starring Himesh Patel; I quite liked it.
I’m not generally a movie watcher, but nonetheless I enjoyed your post, Mary Jo. My father recommended the book, The Scarlet Pimpernel, to me when I was a teen and I quite enjoyed it. In due time, I recommended it to my teen daughter who so enjoyed it that she went on to read half a dozen sequels that I hadn’t known existed!
The most recent movie I’ve seen is Yesterday starring Himesh Patel; I quite liked it.
I’m not generally a movie watcher, but nonetheless I enjoyed your post, Mary Jo. My father recommended the book, The Scarlet Pimpernel, to me when I was a teen and I quite enjoyed it. In due time, I recommended it to my teen daughter who so enjoyed it that she went on to read half a dozen sequels that I hadn’t known existed!
The most recent movie I’ve seen is Yesterday starring Himesh Patel; I quite liked it.
“Yesterday” was such a lovely film. After I saw it I told people that it wasn’t a musical but had lots of great music, wasn’t a romance but had a love story within it, and wasn’t really SF/F but had a magical event that set the plot in motion. Highly recommended.
“Yesterday” was such a lovely film. After I saw it I told people that it wasn’t a musical but had lots of great music, wasn’t a romance but had a love story within it, and wasn’t really SF/F but had a magical event that set the plot in motion. Highly recommended.
“Yesterday” was such a lovely film. After I saw it I told people that it wasn’t a musical but had lots of great music, wasn’t a romance but had a love story within it, and wasn’t really SF/F but had a magical event that set the plot in motion. Highly recommended.
“Yesterday” was such a lovely film. After I saw it I told people that it wasn’t a musical but had lots of great music, wasn’t a romance but had a love story within it, and wasn’t really SF/F but had a magical event that set the plot in motion. Highly recommended.
“Yesterday” was such a lovely film. After I saw it I told people that it wasn’t a musical but had lots of great music, wasn’t a romance but had a love story within it, and wasn’t really SF/F but had a magical event that set the plot in motion. Highly recommended.
Lynda X, that’s a wonderful listing of great classics!
Lynda X, that’s a wonderful listing of great classics!
Lynda X, that’s a wonderful listing of great classics!
Lynda X, that’s a wonderful listing of great classics!
Lynda X, that’s a wonderful listing of great classics!
Kareni, how nice that the Pimpernel has become a family tradition! Yes, there are sequels. (Orczy knew which side her bread was buttered on. *G*) The Andrews/Seymour movie apparently incorporated some of the second book, ELDORADO.
Kareni, how nice that the Pimpernel has become a family tradition! Yes, there are sequels. (Orczy knew which side her bread was buttered on. *G*) The Andrews/Seymour movie apparently incorporated some of the second book, ELDORADO.
Kareni, how nice that the Pimpernel has become a family tradition! Yes, there are sequels. (Orczy knew which side her bread was buttered on. *G*) The Andrews/Seymour movie apparently incorporated some of the second book, ELDORADO.
Kareni, how nice that the Pimpernel has become a family tradition! Yes, there are sequels. (Orczy knew which side her bread was buttered on. *G*) The Andrews/Seymour movie apparently incorporated some of the second book, ELDORADO.
Kareni, how nice that the Pimpernel has become a family tradition! Yes, there are sequels. (Orczy knew which side her bread was buttered on. *G*) The Andrews/Seymour movie apparently incorporated some of the second book, ELDORADO.
Susan/DC. that’s a wonderful summary of YESTERDAY! We loved it, too.
Susan/DC. that’s a wonderful summary of YESTERDAY! We loved it, too.
Susan/DC. that’s a wonderful summary of YESTERDAY! We loved it, too.
Susan/DC. that’s a wonderful summary of YESTERDAY! We loved it, too.
Susan/DC. that’s a wonderful summary of YESTERDAY! We loved it, too.
I’ve seen and enjoyed all these movies except the first one. Thanks for the tip about Amazon Prime. I will head over there to watch it. I’d have to include all the Jane Austen films. And Tom Jones with Albert Finney!
I’ve seen and enjoyed all these movies except the first one. Thanks for the tip about Amazon Prime. I will head over there to watch it. I’d have to include all the Jane Austen films. And Tom Jones with Albert Finney!
I’ve seen and enjoyed all these movies except the first one. Thanks for the tip about Amazon Prime. I will head over there to watch it. I’d have to include all the Jane Austen films. And Tom Jones with Albert Finney!
I’ve seen and enjoyed all these movies except the first one. Thanks for the tip about Amazon Prime. I will head over there to watch it. I’d have to include all the Jane Austen films. And Tom Jones with Albert Finney!
I’ve seen and enjoyed all these movies except the first one. Thanks for the tip about Amazon Prime. I will head over there to watch it. I’d have to include all the Jane Austen films. And Tom Jones with Albert Finney!
Mary Jo – great fun! I haven’t seen all of the movies you mentioned, but I have seen a few. I LOVED the Jane Seymour/Anthony Andrews Scarlet Pimpernel. I read the book long before I saw the movie,and I also don’t care if they matched. And yes, they were both gorgeous. Great hair. Great accents. I thought Sister Act was great. Saw it multiple times. I may have to have a movie night with some of your other exemplars. Although I might want to add in Jane Eyre, Pride And Prejudice (Colin firth) and Ladyhawke. Happy viewing, everyone!
Mary Jo – great fun! I haven’t seen all of the movies you mentioned, but I have seen a few. I LOVED the Jane Seymour/Anthony Andrews Scarlet Pimpernel. I read the book long before I saw the movie,and I also don’t care if they matched. And yes, they were both gorgeous. Great hair. Great accents. I thought Sister Act was great. Saw it multiple times. I may have to have a movie night with some of your other exemplars. Although I might want to add in Jane Eyre, Pride And Prejudice (Colin firth) and Ladyhawke. Happy viewing, everyone!
Mary Jo – great fun! I haven’t seen all of the movies you mentioned, but I have seen a few. I LOVED the Jane Seymour/Anthony Andrews Scarlet Pimpernel. I read the book long before I saw the movie,and I also don’t care if they matched. And yes, they were both gorgeous. Great hair. Great accents. I thought Sister Act was great. Saw it multiple times. I may have to have a movie night with some of your other exemplars. Although I might want to add in Jane Eyre, Pride And Prejudice (Colin firth) and Ladyhawke. Happy viewing, everyone!
Mary Jo – great fun! I haven’t seen all of the movies you mentioned, but I have seen a few. I LOVED the Jane Seymour/Anthony Andrews Scarlet Pimpernel. I read the book long before I saw the movie,and I also don’t care if they matched. And yes, they were both gorgeous. Great hair. Great accents. I thought Sister Act was great. Saw it multiple times. I may have to have a movie night with some of your other exemplars. Although I might want to add in Jane Eyre, Pride And Prejudice (Colin firth) and Ladyhawke. Happy viewing, everyone!
Mary Jo – great fun! I haven’t seen all of the movies you mentioned, but I have seen a few. I LOVED the Jane Seymour/Anthony Andrews Scarlet Pimpernel. I read the book long before I saw the movie,and I also don’t care if they matched. And yes, they were both gorgeous. Great hair. Great accents. I thought Sister Act was great. Saw it multiple times. I may have to have a movie night with some of your other exemplars. Although I might want to add in Jane Eyre, Pride And Prejudice (Colin firth) and Ladyhawke. Happy viewing, everyone!
I’ve spent time this summer escaping by watching black and white film noir movies from the 1930s on – especially the 1950s, when all we had to worry about was atomic war. I like their sense of right and wrong; how ordinary people get sucked in over their heads; who gets sucked under, who defeats his/her circumstances, who’s just a bystander. The styles I hated then look wonderful in fuzzy black and white. The actors are wonderful – not afraid not to look perfect. The cities look livable. People are talking with each other instead of to devices in their hands. Everybody smokes and drinks as if there were no tomorrow. The marks left on them by two world wars and the Great Depression show. I always did love a good morality play.
In that same mood I have been reading some 18th and 19th century classics that I never got around to before and finding them restful yet engrossing as well. The Old Manor House, War & Peace, Helen – that sort of thing. I’ve been rereading or listening to a lot of Georgette Heyer and Marion Chesney as well, also for that sense of another time and place.
I’m still listening to the news, wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, checking on people, all that stuff, and like everybody else, waiting for all this to calm down and be over with.
I’ve spent time this summer escaping by watching black and white film noir movies from the 1930s on – especially the 1950s, when all we had to worry about was atomic war. I like their sense of right and wrong; how ordinary people get sucked in over their heads; who gets sucked under, who defeats his/her circumstances, who’s just a bystander. The styles I hated then look wonderful in fuzzy black and white. The actors are wonderful – not afraid not to look perfect. The cities look livable. People are talking with each other instead of to devices in their hands. Everybody smokes and drinks as if there were no tomorrow. The marks left on them by two world wars and the Great Depression show. I always did love a good morality play.
In that same mood I have been reading some 18th and 19th century classics that I never got around to before and finding them restful yet engrossing as well. The Old Manor House, War & Peace, Helen – that sort of thing. I’ve been rereading or listening to a lot of Georgette Heyer and Marion Chesney as well, also for that sense of another time and place.
I’m still listening to the news, wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, checking on people, all that stuff, and like everybody else, waiting for all this to calm down and be over with.
I’ve spent time this summer escaping by watching black and white film noir movies from the 1930s on – especially the 1950s, when all we had to worry about was atomic war. I like their sense of right and wrong; how ordinary people get sucked in over their heads; who gets sucked under, who defeats his/her circumstances, who’s just a bystander. The styles I hated then look wonderful in fuzzy black and white. The actors are wonderful – not afraid not to look perfect. The cities look livable. People are talking with each other instead of to devices in their hands. Everybody smokes and drinks as if there were no tomorrow. The marks left on them by two world wars and the Great Depression show. I always did love a good morality play.
In that same mood I have been reading some 18th and 19th century classics that I never got around to before and finding them restful yet engrossing as well. The Old Manor House, War & Peace, Helen – that sort of thing. I’ve been rereading or listening to a lot of Georgette Heyer and Marion Chesney as well, also for that sense of another time and place.
I’m still listening to the news, wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, checking on people, all that stuff, and like everybody else, waiting for all this to calm down and be over with.
I’ve spent time this summer escaping by watching black and white film noir movies from the 1930s on – especially the 1950s, when all we had to worry about was atomic war. I like their sense of right and wrong; how ordinary people get sucked in over their heads; who gets sucked under, who defeats his/her circumstances, who’s just a bystander. The styles I hated then look wonderful in fuzzy black and white. The actors are wonderful – not afraid not to look perfect. The cities look livable. People are talking with each other instead of to devices in their hands. Everybody smokes and drinks as if there were no tomorrow. The marks left on them by two world wars and the Great Depression show. I always did love a good morality play.
In that same mood I have been reading some 18th and 19th century classics that I never got around to before and finding them restful yet engrossing as well. The Old Manor House, War & Peace, Helen – that sort of thing. I’ve been rereading or listening to a lot of Georgette Heyer and Marion Chesney as well, also for that sense of another time and place.
I’m still listening to the news, wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, checking on people, all that stuff, and like everybody else, waiting for all this to calm down and be over with.
I’ve spent time this summer escaping by watching black and white film noir movies from the 1930s on – especially the 1950s, when all we had to worry about was atomic war. I like their sense of right and wrong; how ordinary people get sucked in over their heads; who gets sucked under, who defeats his/her circumstances, who’s just a bystander. The styles I hated then look wonderful in fuzzy black and white. The actors are wonderful – not afraid not to look perfect. The cities look livable. People are talking with each other instead of to devices in their hands. Everybody smokes and drinks as if there were no tomorrow. The marks left on them by two world wars and the Great Depression show. I always did love a good morality play.
In that same mood I have been reading some 18th and 19th century classics that I never got around to before and finding them restful yet engrossing as well. The Old Manor House, War & Peace, Helen – that sort of thing. I’ve been rereading or listening to a lot of Georgette Heyer and Marion Chesney as well, also for that sense of another time and place.
I’m still listening to the news, wearing a mask, avoiding crowds, checking on people, all that stuff, and like everybody else, waiting for all this to calm down and be over with.
Mary T: I don’t rememver 42nd Street as a movie; I was privileged to see it on the stage in New York city (probably in 1980); I saw Jerry Orbach as the lead. It’s a performance I will never forget!
Mary T: I don’t rememver 42nd Street as a movie; I was privileged to see it on the stage in New York city (probably in 1980); I saw Jerry Orbach as the lead. It’s a performance I will never forget!
Mary T: I don’t rememver 42nd Street as a movie; I was privileged to see it on the stage in New York city (probably in 1980); I saw Jerry Orbach as the lead. It’s a performance I will never forget!
Mary T: I don’t rememver 42nd Street as a movie; I was privileged to see it on the stage in New York city (probably in 1980); I saw Jerry Orbach as the lead. It’s a performance I will never forget!
Mary T: I don’t rememver 42nd Street as a movie; I was privileged to see it on the stage in New York city (probably in 1980); I saw Jerry Orbach as the lead. It’s a performance I will never forget!
Sue, that is wonderful. I was never fortunate enough to see it on the stage. I recently saw the stage production on PBS. I was impressed by how well it was done. But there is nothing like a live stage production is there?
Sue, that is wonderful. I was never fortunate enough to see it on the stage. I recently saw the stage production on PBS. I was impressed by how well it was done. But there is nothing like a live stage production is there?
Sue, that is wonderful. I was never fortunate enough to see it on the stage. I recently saw the stage production on PBS. I was impressed by how well it was done. But there is nothing like a live stage production is there?
Sue, that is wonderful. I was never fortunate enough to see it on the stage. I recently saw the stage production on PBS. I was impressed by how well it was done. But there is nothing like a live stage production is there?
Sue, that is wonderful. I was never fortunate enough to see it on the stage. I recently saw the stage production on PBS. I was impressed by how well it was done. But there is nothing like a live stage production is there?
Well, it’s pretty clear that fans of the Word Wenches are fans of old movies, isn’t it? Thanks, Mary Jo, for this wonderful post! I fell in love with Anthony Andrews when he starred in “Danger UXB”, a BBC and Masterpiece Theatre TV production, which I watched, then purchased the VCR tapes and now own on DVD. It’s many episodes with complex characters, thrilling adventures, and a sigh-worthy romance. That led me to Anthony Andrews in a version of Ivanhoe and then to Scarlet Pimpernel. The Ivanhoe is flawed, but gorgeous to watch, and everything you’ve said about Pimpernel I second!
Recently have been on a Rufus Sewell binge; love him in Cold Comfort Farm (hilarious), Dangerous Beauty (heartbreaking), Middlemarch (frustrating!), as Aurelio Zen, and as Lord Melbourne in the recent Victoria series, and as Petruchio in the Shakespeare Re-Told version of The Taming of The Shrew, in which he is absolutely amazing.
Have also been watching musicals, started at Fred and Ginger, then the more modern classics: My Fair Lady; Hello, Dolly; Sound of Music, etc.
And I remember fondly the afternoon a friend and I saw Elizabeth, with Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes, then walked into the adjoining screen in the multiplex and saw Shakespeare in Love! THAT was a great afternoon!
Well, it’s pretty clear that fans of the Word Wenches are fans of old movies, isn’t it? Thanks, Mary Jo, for this wonderful post! I fell in love with Anthony Andrews when he starred in “Danger UXB”, a BBC and Masterpiece Theatre TV production, which I watched, then purchased the VCR tapes and now own on DVD. It’s many episodes with complex characters, thrilling adventures, and a sigh-worthy romance. That led me to Anthony Andrews in a version of Ivanhoe and then to Scarlet Pimpernel. The Ivanhoe is flawed, but gorgeous to watch, and everything you’ve said about Pimpernel I second!
Recently have been on a Rufus Sewell binge; love him in Cold Comfort Farm (hilarious), Dangerous Beauty (heartbreaking), Middlemarch (frustrating!), as Aurelio Zen, and as Lord Melbourne in the recent Victoria series, and as Petruchio in the Shakespeare Re-Told version of The Taming of The Shrew, in which he is absolutely amazing.
Have also been watching musicals, started at Fred and Ginger, then the more modern classics: My Fair Lady; Hello, Dolly; Sound of Music, etc.
And I remember fondly the afternoon a friend and I saw Elizabeth, with Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes, then walked into the adjoining screen in the multiplex and saw Shakespeare in Love! THAT was a great afternoon!
Well, it’s pretty clear that fans of the Word Wenches are fans of old movies, isn’t it? Thanks, Mary Jo, for this wonderful post! I fell in love with Anthony Andrews when he starred in “Danger UXB”, a BBC and Masterpiece Theatre TV production, which I watched, then purchased the VCR tapes and now own on DVD. It’s many episodes with complex characters, thrilling adventures, and a sigh-worthy romance. That led me to Anthony Andrews in a version of Ivanhoe and then to Scarlet Pimpernel. The Ivanhoe is flawed, but gorgeous to watch, and everything you’ve said about Pimpernel I second!
Recently have been on a Rufus Sewell binge; love him in Cold Comfort Farm (hilarious), Dangerous Beauty (heartbreaking), Middlemarch (frustrating!), as Aurelio Zen, and as Lord Melbourne in the recent Victoria series, and as Petruchio in the Shakespeare Re-Told version of The Taming of The Shrew, in which he is absolutely amazing.
Have also been watching musicals, started at Fred and Ginger, then the more modern classics: My Fair Lady; Hello, Dolly; Sound of Music, etc.
And I remember fondly the afternoon a friend and I saw Elizabeth, with Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes, then walked into the adjoining screen in the multiplex and saw Shakespeare in Love! THAT was a great afternoon!
Well, it’s pretty clear that fans of the Word Wenches are fans of old movies, isn’t it? Thanks, Mary Jo, for this wonderful post! I fell in love with Anthony Andrews when he starred in “Danger UXB”, a BBC and Masterpiece Theatre TV production, which I watched, then purchased the VCR tapes and now own on DVD. It’s many episodes with complex characters, thrilling adventures, and a sigh-worthy romance. That led me to Anthony Andrews in a version of Ivanhoe and then to Scarlet Pimpernel. The Ivanhoe is flawed, but gorgeous to watch, and everything you’ve said about Pimpernel I second!
Recently have been on a Rufus Sewell binge; love him in Cold Comfort Farm (hilarious), Dangerous Beauty (heartbreaking), Middlemarch (frustrating!), as Aurelio Zen, and as Lord Melbourne in the recent Victoria series, and as Petruchio in the Shakespeare Re-Told version of The Taming of The Shrew, in which he is absolutely amazing.
Have also been watching musicals, started at Fred and Ginger, then the more modern classics: My Fair Lady; Hello, Dolly; Sound of Music, etc.
And I remember fondly the afternoon a friend and I saw Elizabeth, with Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes, then walked into the adjoining screen in the multiplex and saw Shakespeare in Love! THAT was a great afternoon!
Well, it’s pretty clear that fans of the Word Wenches are fans of old movies, isn’t it? Thanks, Mary Jo, for this wonderful post! I fell in love with Anthony Andrews when he starred in “Danger UXB”, a BBC and Masterpiece Theatre TV production, which I watched, then purchased the VCR tapes and now own on DVD. It’s many episodes with complex characters, thrilling adventures, and a sigh-worthy romance. That led me to Anthony Andrews in a version of Ivanhoe and then to Scarlet Pimpernel. The Ivanhoe is flawed, but gorgeous to watch, and everything you’ve said about Pimpernel I second!
Recently have been on a Rufus Sewell binge; love him in Cold Comfort Farm (hilarious), Dangerous Beauty (heartbreaking), Middlemarch (frustrating!), as Aurelio Zen, and as Lord Melbourne in the recent Victoria series, and as Petruchio in the Shakespeare Re-Told version of The Taming of The Shrew, in which he is absolutely amazing.
Have also been watching musicals, started at Fred and Ginger, then the more modern classics: My Fair Lady; Hello, Dolly; Sound of Music, etc.
And I remember fondly the afternoon a friend and I saw Elizabeth, with Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes, then walked into the adjoining screen in the multiplex and saw Shakespeare in Love! THAT was a great afternoon!
For some reason, I am a sucker for movies and books taking place in Victorian times. One of my favourite movies is “Meet me in St.Louis” with Judy Garland; the Sherlock Holmes TV show starring Jeremy Brett and “The King and I” with Deborah Kerr and Yul Brenner; both “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music” with Julie Andrews. Wow, must watch them again! Thanks for the memories.
For some reason, I am a sucker for movies and books taking place in Victorian times. One of my favourite movies is “Meet me in St.Louis” with Judy Garland; the Sherlock Holmes TV show starring Jeremy Brett and “The King and I” with Deborah Kerr and Yul Brenner; both “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music” with Julie Andrews. Wow, must watch them again! Thanks for the memories.
For some reason, I am a sucker for movies and books taking place in Victorian times. One of my favourite movies is “Meet me in St.Louis” with Judy Garland; the Sherlock Holmes TV show starring Jeremy Brett and “The King and I” with Deborah Kerr and Yul Brenner; both “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music” with Julie Andrews. Wow, must watch them again! Thanks for the memories.
For some reason, I am a sucker for movies and books taking place in Victorian times. One of my favourite movies is “Meet me in St.Louis” with Judy Garland; the Sherlock Holmes TV show starring Jeremy Brett and “The King and I” with Deborah Kerr and Yul Brenner; both “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music” with Julie Andrews. Wow, must watch them again! Thanks for the memories.
For some reason, I am a sucker for movies and books taking place in Victorian times. One of my favourite movies is “Meet me in St.Louis” with Judy Garland; the Sherlock Holmes TV show starring Jeremy Brett and “The King and I” with Deborah Kerr and Yul Brenner; both “Mary Poppins” and “The Sound of Music” with Julie Andrews. Wow, must watch them again! Thanks for the memories.
Thanks for the movie tips. I’ve only seen the Leslie Howard version of “The Scarlet Pimpernel”, but I will definitely seek this one out, and also “Amazing Grace”.
I love the old cinema noir movies. Two of my favorites are “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity”. Both films are about murder. Barbara Stanwyck plays a femme fatale in the latter movie. There are no romantic HEAs in either of these films, but there is an HEA in the sense that justice is served.
And I didn’t know there was a movie of “Cold Comfort Farm”, thanks Constance!
Thanks for the movie tips. I’ve only seen the Leslie Howard version of “The Scarlet Pimpernel”, but I will definitely seek this one out, and also “Amazing Grace”.
I love the old cinema noir movies. Two of my favorites are “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity”. Both films are about murder. Barbara Stanwyck plays a femme fatale in the latter movie. There are no romantic HEAs in either of these films, but there is an HEA in the sense that justice is served.
And I didn’t know there was a movie of “Cold Comfort Farm”, thanks Constance!
Thanks for the movie tips. I’ve only seen the Leslie Howard version of “The Scarlet Pimpernel”, but I will definitely seek this one out, and also “Amazing Grace”.
I love the old cinema noir movies. Two of my favorites are “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity”. Both films are about murder. Barbara Stanwyck plays a femme fatale in the latter movie. There are no romantic HEAs in either of these films, but there is an HEA in the sense that justice is served.
And I didn’t know there was a movie of “Cold Comfort Farm”, thanks Constance!
Thanks for the movie tips. I’ve only seen the Leslie Howard version of “The Scarlet Pimpernel”, but I will definitely seek this one out, and also “Amazing Grace”.
I love the old cinema noir movies. Two of my favorites are “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity”. Both films are about murder. Barbara Stanwyck plays a femme fatale in the latter movie. There are no romantic HEAs in either of these films, but there is an HEA in the sense that justice is served.
And I didn’t know there was a movie of “Cold Comfort Farm”, thanks Constance!
Thanks for the movie tips. I’ve only seen the Leslie Howard version of “The Scarlet Pimpernel”, but I will definitely seek this one out, and also “Amazing Grace”.
I love the old cinema noir movies. Two of my favorites are “The Postman Always Rings Twice” and “Double Indemnity”. Both films are about murder. Barbara Stanwyck plays a femme fatale in the latter movie. There are no romantic HEAs in either of these films, but there is an HEA in the sense that justice is served.
And I didn’t know there was a movie of “Cold Comfort Farm”, thanks Constance!
I’m definitely an old movie fan. My favorite version of The Scarlet Pimpernel is with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. Love his foppish performance when he’s ‘on’ in his public persona as Sir Percy. My recorded version is somewhat grainy, but I still enjoy it. Jumping forward a several decades–yes to Sister Act. And a double Yes to Trading Places, with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd.
I’m definitely an old movie fan. My favorite version of The Scarlet Pimpernel is with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. Love his foppish performance when he’s ‘on’ in his public persona as Sir Percy. My recorded version is somewhat grainy, but I still enjoy it. Jumping forward a several decades–yes to Sister Act. And a double Yes to Trading Places, with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd.
I’m definitely an old movie fan. My favorite version of The Scarlet Pimpernel is with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. Love his foppish performance when he’s ‘on’ in his public persona as Sir Percy. My recorded version is somewhat grainy, but I still enjoy it. Jumping forward a several decades–yes to Sister Act. And a double Yes to Trading Places, with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd.
I’m definitely an old movie fan. My favorite version of The Scarlet Pimpernel is with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. Love his foppish performance when he’s ‘on’ in his public persona as Sir Percy. My recorded version is somewhat grainy, but I still enjoy it. Jumping forward a several decades–yes to Sister Act. And a double Yes to Trading Places, with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd.
I’m definitely an old movie fan. My favorite version of The Scarlet Pimpernel is with Leslie Howard and Merle Oberon. Love his foppish performance when he’s ‘on’ in his public persona as Sir Percy. My recorded version is somewhat grainy, but I still enjoy it. Jumping forward a several decades–yes to Sister Act. And a double Yes to Trading Places, with Eddie Murphy and Dan Aykroyd.
Binnie, your add ons are all great, and don’t forget THE PRINCESS BRIDE!
Binnie, your add ons are all great, and don’t forget THE PRINCESS BRIDE!
Binnie, your add ons are all great, and don’t forget THE PRINCESS BRIDE!
Binnie, your add ons are all great, and don’t forget THE PRINCESS BRIDE!
Binnie, your add ons are all great, and don’t forget THE PRINCESS BRIDE!
Janice, classic books and classic movies are a great way to keep from going stir crazy!
Janice, classic books and classic movies are a great way to keep from going stir crazy!
Janice, classic books and classic movies are a great way to keep from going stir crazy!
Janice, classic books and classic movies are a great way to keep from going stir crazy!
Janice, classic books and classic movies are a great way to keep from going stir crazy!
Constance, what a great double feature for a lovely of historical movies!!
We LOVE Cold Comfort Farm! I own a copy. I think Rufus Sewell is in THE HOLIDAY, a very good contemporary comedy, though he’s an antagonist, not a hero.
Constance, what a great double feature for a lovely of historical movies!!
We LOVE Cold Comfort Farm! I own a copy. I think Rufus Sewell is in THE HOLIDAY, a very good contemporary comedy, though he’s an antagonist, not a hero.
Constance, what a great double feature for a lovely of historical movies!!
We LOVE Cold Comfort Farm! I own a copy. I think Rufus Sewell is in THE HOLIDAY, a very good contemporary comedy, though he’s an antagonist, not a hero.
Constance, what a great double feature for a lovely of historical movies!!
We LOVE Cold Comfort Farm! I own a copy. I think Rufus Sewell is in THE HOLIDAY, a very good contemporary comedy, though he’s an antagonist, not a hero.
Constance, what a great double feature for a lovely of historical movies!!
We LOVE Cold Comfort Farm! I own a copy. I think Rufus Sewell is in THE HOLIDAY, a very good contemporary comedy, though he’s an antagonist, not a hero.
Donna–by all means got and enjoy them all over again! We need all the fun we can get about now.
Donna–by all means got and enjoy them all over again! We need all the fun we can get about now.
Donna–by all means got and enjoy them all over again! We need all the fun we can get about now.
Donna–by all means got and enjoy them all over again! We need all the fun we can get about now.
Donna–by all means got and enjoy them all over again! We need all the fun we can get about now.
Karin, I’m too much a wimp to enjoy film noir, but can certainly endorse Cold Comfort farm!
Karin, I’m too much a wimp to enjoy film noir, but can certainly endorse Cold Comfort farm!
Karin, I’m too much a wimp to enjoy film noir, but can certainly endorse Cold Comfort farm!
Karin, I’m too much a wimp to enjoy film noir, but can certainly endorse Cold Comfort farm!
Karin, I’m too much a wimp to enjoy film noir, but can certainly endorse Cold Comfort farm!
Barbara, Trading Places is another great comedy, and once more, Eddie Murphy was brilliantly versatile and funny.
Barbara, Trading Places is another great comedy, and once more, Eddie Murphy was brilliantly versatile and funny.
Barbara, Trading Places is another great comedy, and once more, Eddie Murphy was brilliantly versatile and funny.
Barbara, Trading Places is another great comedy, and once more, Eddie Murphy was brilliantly versatile and funny.
Barbara, Trading Places is another great comedy, and once more, Eddie Murphy was brilliantly versatile and funny.
My children used to believe that I could see one scene of any black and white movie and tell you the title,who starred,and at times who directed.
I love old movies because they seem to be so wonderful.Also, I am older than dirt and have seen many old movies when they were new movies.
Ms Putney,I have seen every one of your movies listed except Amazing Grace, not sure how that one slipped by me. In fact, I have seen most of the films mentioned by anyone here.
I have varied favorites, but I believe for me The Best Years of Our Lives is one of the best movies I have ever seen. When Harry Met Sally, Charade, The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven, Dial M for Murder, To Catch A Thief, Rear Window, Two For The Road, My Fair Lady, Where Eagles Dare and on and on and on.
I am a movie fan.
I have even seen The Tontine, Paul Newman’s first film…based on a best seller by Thomas B Costain (yes I read the book too)Mr Newman took out an ad in a newspaper apologizing for that movie.
Thanks so much for this post, it has reminded me of films I have not seen in a long time and that is always a lovely gift.
I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
My children used to believe that I could see one scene of any black and white movie and tell you the title,who starred,and at times who directed.
I love old movies because they seem to be so wonderful.Also, I am older than dirt and have seen many old movies when they were new movies.
Ms Putney,I have seen every one of your movies listed except Amazing Grace, not sure how that one slipped by me. In fact, I have seen most of the films mentioned by anyone here.
I have varied favorites, but I believe for me The Best Years of Our Lives is one of the best movies I have ever seen. When Harry Met Sally, Charade, The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven, Dial M for Murder, To Catch A Thief, Rear Window, Two For The Road, My Fair Lady, Where Eagles Dare and on and on and on.
I am a movie fan.
I have even seen The Tontine, Paul Newman’s first film…based on a best seller by Thomas B Costain (yes I read the book too)Mr Newman took out an ad in a newspaper apologizing for that movie.
Thanks so much for this post, it has reminded me of films I have not seen in a long time and that is always a lovely gift.
I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
My children used to believe that I could see one scene of any black and white movie and tell you the title,who starred,and at times who directed.
I love old movies because they seem to be so wonderful.Also, I am older than dirt and have seen many old movies when they were new movies.
Ms Putney,I have seen every one of your movies listed except Amazing Grace, not sure how that one slipped by me. In fact, I have seen most of the films mentioned by anyone here.
I have varied favorites, but I believe for me The Best Years of Our Lives is one of the best movies I have ever seen. When Harry Met Sally, Charade, The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven, Dial M for Murder, To Catch A Thief, Rear Window, Two For The Road, My Fair Lady, Where Eagles Dare and on and on and on.
I am a movie fan.
I have even seen The Tontine, Paul Newman’s first film…based on a best seller by Thomas B Costain (yes I read the book too)Mr Newman took out an ad in a newspaper apologizing for that movie.
Thanks so much for this post, it has reminded me of films I have not seen in a long time and that is always a lovely gift.
I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
My children used to believe that I could see one scene of any black and white movie and tell you the title,who starred,and at times who directed.
I love old movies because they seem to be so wonderful.Also, I am older than dirt and have seen many old movies when they were new movies.
Ms Putney,I have seen every one of your movies listed except Amazing Grace, not sure how that one slipped by me. In fact, I have seen most of the films mentioned by anyone here.
I have varied favorites, but I believe for me The Best Years of Our Lives is one of the best movies I have ever seen. When Harry Met Sally, Charade, The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven, Dial M for Murder, To Catch A Thief, Rear Window, Two For The Road, My Fair Lady, Where Eagles Dare and on and on and on.
I am a movie fan.
I have even seen The Tontine, Paul Newman’s first film…based on a best seller by Thomas B Costain (yes I read the book too)Mr Newman took out an ad in a newspaper apologizing for that movie.
Thanks so much for this post, it has reminded me of films I have not seen in a long time and that is always a lovely gift.
I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
My children used to believe that I could see one scene of any black and white movie and tell you the title,who starred,and at times who directed.
I love old movies because they seem to be so wonderful.Also, I am older than dirt and have seen many old movies when they were new movies.
Ms Putney,I have seen every one of your movies listed except Amazing Grace, not sure how that one slipped by me. In fact, I have seen most of the films mentioned by anyone here.
I have varied favorites, but I believe for me The Best Years of Our Lives is one of the best movies I have ever seen. When Harry Met Sally, Charade, The Great Escape, The Magnificent Seven, Dial M for Murder, To Catch A Thief, Rear Window, Two For The Road, My Fair Lady, Where Eagles Dare and on and on and on.
I am a movie fan.
I have even seen The Tontine, Paul Newman’s first film…based on a best seller by Thomas B Costain (yes I read the book too)Mr Newman took out an ad in a newspaper apologizing for that movie.
Thanks so much for this post, it has reminded me of films I have not seen in a long time and that is always a lovely gift.
I hope everyone is staying safe and taking care.
A wonderful selection of movies Mary Jo. Anthony Andrews as the Pimpernel, simply delicious:) I love that version too.
Amazing Grace is a fantastic film and I thought Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant in the part.
I love the oldies, they certainly are the best. I’ve watched quite a few older films myself lately. Any excuse:):)
A wonderful selection of movies Mary Jo. Anthony Andrews as the Pimpernel, simply delicious:) I love that version too.
Amazing Grace is a fantastic film and I thought Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant in the part.
I love the oldies, they certainly are the best. I’ve watched quite a few older films myself lately. Any excuse:):)
A wonderful selection of movies Mary Jo. Anthony Andrews as the Pimpernel, simply delicious:) I love that version too.
Amazing Grace is a fantastic film and I thought Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant in the part.
I love the oldies, they certainly are the best. I’ve watched quite a few older films myself lately. Any excuse:):)
A wonderful selection of movies Mary Jo. Anthony Andrews as the Pimpernel, simply delicious:) I love that version too.
Amazing Grace is a fantastic film and I thought Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant in the part.
I love the oldies, they certainly are the best. I’ve watched quite a few older films myself lately. Any excuse:):)
A wonderful selection of movies Mary Jo. Anthony Andrews as the Pimpernel, simply delicious:) I love that version too.
Amazing Grace is a fantastic film and I thought Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant in the part.
I love the oldies, they certainly are the best. I’ve watched quite a few older films myself lately. Any excuse:):)
Karin – Cold Comfort Farm is a treasure in both book and movie forms! In addition to Rufus, the movie stars Kate Beckinsale, Joanna Lumley, Ian McKellen and a lot of others whose names escape me.
Mary Jo – I don’t know The Holiday, but am moving it to the top of my list! Thanks!
Karin – Cold Comfort Farm is a treasure in both book and movie forms! In addition to Rufus, the movie stars Kate Beckinsale, Joanna Lumley, Ian McKellen and a lot of others whose names escape me.
Mary Jo – I don’t know The Holiday, but am moving it to the top of my list! Thanks!
Karin – Cold Comfort Farm is a treasure in both book and movie forms! In addition to Rufus, the movie stars Kate Beckinsale, Joanna Lumley, Ian McKellen and a lot of others whose names escape me.
Mary Jo – I don’t know The Holiday, but am moving it to the top of my list! Thanks!
Karin – Cold Comfort Farm is a treasure in both book and movie forms! In addition to Rufus, the movie stars Kate Beckinsale, Joanna Lumley, Ian McKellen and a lot of others whose names escape me.
Mary Jo – I don’t know The Holiday, but am moving it to the top of my list! Thanks!
Karin – Cold Comfort Farm is a treasure in both book and movie forms! In addition to Rufus, the movie stars Kate Beckinsale, Joanna Lumley, Ian McKellen and a lot of others whose names escape me.
Mary Jo – I don’t know The Holiday, but am moving it to the top of my list! Thanks!
Annete, I think you get the gold star for best movie buff here! I’ve seen some of those movies, but nowhere near all of them.
Annete, I think you get the gold star for best movie buff here! I’ve seen some of those movies, but nowhere near all of them.
Annete, I think you get the gold star for best movie buff here! I’ve seen some of those movies, but nowhere near all of them.
Annete, I think you get the gold star for best movie buff here! I’ve seen some of those movies, but nowhere near all of them.
Annete, I think you get the gold star for best movie buff here! I’ve seen some of those movies, but nowhere near all of them.
Teresa, I agree that Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant in Amazing Grace. It was a terrific and highly talented cast. I don’t think the movie made as much of a splash in the US, but it’s a wonderful, powerful, and historically accurate presentation.
Teresa, I agree that Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant in Amazing Grace. It was a terrific and highly talented cast. I don’t think the movie made as much of a splash in the US, but it’s a wonderful, powerful, and historically accurate presentation.
Teresa, I agree that Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant in Amazing Grace. It was a terrific and highly talented cast. I don’t think the movie made as much of a splash in the US, but it’s a wonderful, powerful, and historically accurate presentation.
Teresa, I agree that Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant in Amazing Grace. It was a terrific and highly talented cast. I don’t think the movie made as much of a splash in the US, but it’s a wonderful, powerful, and historically accurate presentation.
Teresa, I agree that Ioan Gruffudd was brilliant in Amazing Grace. It was a terrific and highly talented cast. I don’t think the movie made as much of a splash in the US, but it’s a wonderful, powerful, and historically accurate presentation.
Constance, THE HOLIDAY is great fun–a Christmas house swap between a Hollywood maker of movie trailers and a London journalist, both of whom have been having serious man trouble. We watch it every year over the holidays.
Constance, THE HOLIDAY is great fun–a Christmas house swap between a Hollywood maker of movie trailers and a London journalist, both of whom have been having serious man trouble. We watch it every year over the holidays.
Constance, THE HOLIDAY is great fun–a Christmas house swap between a Hollywood maker of movie trailers and a London journalist, both of whom have been having serious man trouble. We watch it every year over the holidays.
Constance, THE HOLIDAY is great fun–a Christmas house swap between a Hollywood maker of movie trailers and a London journalist, both of whom have been having serious man trouble. We watch it every year over the holidays.
Constance, THE HOLIDAY is great fun–a Christmas house swap between a Hollywood maker of movie trailers and a London journalist, both of whom have been having serious man trouble. We watch it every year over the holidays.
I’ll try this again — I clicked on preview instead of post and everything was wiped out!
I love every one of these movies, and include the 1934 version of “Scarlet Pimpernel” which my mother loved. I watch them interchangeably.
When “Shakespeare in Love” came out, I was working in a local playhouse. One of the actors remarked that it was “an actor’s movie”. I thought, “No, it’s a writer’s movie.” Will overheard various comments in the street, worked them into a plot, started out with “Ethel and the Pirate’s Daughter” and ended up with something that actors still stage and people still flock to see five-hundred years later!
By the way, I think Viola initially “won” the part of Romeo and only sort of snuck in to the part of Juliet at the end, because one of my favorite scenes is when they are rehearsing and “director” Will takes the part of Juliet to prove a point. The two of them play one of the wildest, best cross-dressed love scenes ever!
I’ll try this again — I clicked on preview instead of post and everything was wiped out!
I love every one of these movies, and include the 1934 version of “Scarlet Pimpernel” which my mother loved. I watch them interchangeably.
When “Shakespeare in Love” came out, I was working in a local playhouse. One of the actors remarked that it was “an actor’s movie”. I thought, “No, it’s a writer’s movie.” Will overheard various comments in the street, worked them into a plot, started out with “Ethel and the Pirate’s Daughter” and ended up with something that actors still stage and people still flock to see five-hundred years later!
By the way, I think Viola initially “won” the part of Romeo and only sort of snuck in to the part of Juliet at the end, because one of my favorite scenes is when they are rehearsing and “director” Will takes the part of Juliet to prove a point. The two of them play one of the wildest, best cross-dressed love scenes ever!
I’ll try this again — I clicked on preview instead of post and everything was wiped out!
I love every one of these movies, and include the 1934 version of “Scarlet Pimpernel” which my mother loved. I watch them interchangeably.
When “Shakespeare in Love” came out, I was working in a local playhouse. One of the actors remarked that it was “an actor’s movie”. I thought, “No, it’s a writer’s movie.” Will overheard various comments in the street, worked them into a plot, started out with “Ethel and the Pirate’s Daughter” and ended up with something that actors still stage and people still flock to see five-hundred years later!
By the way, I think Viola initially “won” the part of Romeo and only sort of snuck in to the part of Juliet at the end, because one of my favorite scenes is when they are rehearsing and “director” Will takes the part of Juliet to prove a point. The two of them play one of the wildest, best cross-dressed love scenes ever!
I’ll try this again — I clicked on preview instead of post and everything was wiped out!
I love every one of these movies, and include the 1934 version of “Scarlet Pimpernel” which my mother loved. I watch them interchangeably.
When “Shakespeare in Love” came out, I was working in a local playhouse. One of the actors remarked that it was “an actor’s movie”. I thought, “No, it’s a writer’s movie.” Will overheard various comments in the street, worked them into a plot, started out with “Ethel and the Pirate’s Daughter” and ended up with something that actors still stage and people still flock to see five-hundred years later!
By the way, I think Viola initially “won” the part of Romeo and only sort of snuck in to the part of Juliet at the end, because one of my favorite scenes is when they are rehearsing and “director” Will takes the part of Juliet to prove a point. The two of them play one of the wildest, best cross-dressed love scenes ever!
I’ll try this again — I clicked on preview instead of post and everything was wiped out!
I love every one of these movies, and include the 1934 version of “Scarlet Pimpernel” which my mother loved. I watch them interchangeably.
When “Shakespeare in Love” came out, I was working in a local playhouse. One of the actors remarked that it was “an actor’s movie”. I thought, “No, it’s a writer’s movie.” Will overheard various comments in the street, worked them into a plot, started out with “Ethel and the Pirate’s Daughter” and ended up with something that actors still stage and people still flock to see five-hundred years later!
By the way, I think Viola initially “won” the part of Romeo and only sort of snuck in to the part of Juliet at the end, because one of my favorite scenes is when they are rehearsing and “director” Will takes the part of Juliet to prove a point. The two of them play one of the wildest, best cross-dressed love scenes ever!
Eugenia, I’m sorry you lost your first version; I’ve never actually tried to look at the preview function so I didn’t know it was evil.
Totally agree with you that it’s both a writer’s and an actor’s movie. But you’re right about Viola–I condensed it too much. And that scene is HILARIOUS!
Eugenia, I’m sorry you lost your first version; I’ve never actually tried to look at the preview function so I didn’t know it was evil.
Totally agree with you that it’s both a writer’s and an actor’s movie. But you’re right about Viola–I condensed it too much. And that scene is HILARIOUS!
Eugenia, I’m sorry you lost your first version; I’ve never actually tried to look at the preview function so I didn’t know it was evil.
Totally agree with you that it’s both a writer’s and an actor’s movie. But you’re right about Viola–I condensed it too much. And that scene is HILARIOUS!
Eugenia, I’m sorry you lost your first version; I’ve never actually tried to look at the preview function so I didn’t know it was evil.
Totally agree with you that it’s both a writer’s and an actor’s movie. But you’re right about Viola–I condensed it too much. And that scene is HILARIOUS!
Eugenia, I’m sorry you lost your first version; I’ve never actually tried to look at the preview function so I didn’t know it was evil.
Totally agree with you that it’s both a writer’s and an actor’s movie. But you’re right about Viola–I condensed it too much. And that scene is HILARIOUS!