After a long series of busy weekends filled with weddings, friends, and family; my husband and I are ready for a weekend with nothing to do but relax. We live in a little house by the water and when the sun is shining you can find us outside enjoying our pier with a nice glass of lemonade or a good book but when there’s rain I usually curl up on the couch with a cup of cocoa and raid the internet for the perfect movie. I’m a sucker for oldies, preferably black and white with actors in suits and evening dresses. As I’ve grown older, my love for these timeless movies has grown deeper with a greater sentimentality.
Old movies are like a keyhole to the past, we can see ourselves in them and understand more deeply where we came from. We can see a whole different view point. We can morn the loss of times gone by and celebrate the changes that have made for a better society. If you have never seen a movie older than 1980 then something must change. The perfect place to start is with this list and then who know?! you might be hooked on oldies like me.
Casablanca
“Ilsa, I’m no good at being noble, but it doesn’t take much to see that the problems of three little people don’t amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world.”
A timeless story about a freedom fighter exiled to the unoccupied french city of Casablanca and a young girl
who is hiding a big secret from him. This story is about true love and what a man in love will do to help the woman he loves who can never be his. If this movie doesn’t make you tear up there is something wrong with you. You’ll be saying “here’s looking at you, kid” for the next week.
Desk Set
“I don’t smoke, I only drink champagne when I’m lucky enough to get it, my hair is naturally natural, I live alone… and so do you.”
My favorite actress, Katherine Hepburn is absolute perfection in this movie. I first watched this movie when I was fifteen and was so enthralled with a world completely different than our modern world. In an age of reference departments, computers the size of rooms, and people needing to phone in to find out the words to Santa’s reindeer, this movie makes us chuckle about how different things are now. Filled with laughs, romance, and wit this movie is perfect for when you need a pick me up.
A Nun’s Story
“Dear Lord, forgive me, I cannot obey anymore. What I do from now on is between You and me alone.”
When I think of Audrey Hepburn, this isn’t the role typically associated with her. She usually plays a stylish woman winning the affections of a handsome man in a big city, but in this movie she is conflicted by her convictions of her vow to join the church. Taking us through leaving her family, her travel to foreign countries and her own battle through World War 2. If you are looking for a drama to fill the evening this is a good one.
The King and I
“Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!”
Since the age of six I have been watching this movie and my opinion has stayed the same throughout time. In this movie we
see the struggle of a king with remaining the backward traditions of his country while keeping up with the modern world. He is introduced to an English teacher who has come to teach his numerous children. Beautiful and timeless this movie is perfect for any rainy day. You can sing along with classic songs and drift away to another world.
Charade
I’m sorry I thought you were the murderer.”
One of my all time favorites, Charade is the perfect blend of romance, crime investigation, and who’s who. Cary Grant is always keeping you guessing while Audrey is caught up in who she should trust while solving her husbands riddled past. I love this movie and its a great mystery story. For a person who doesn’t enjoy horror or thrillers, Charade is as close as you can get if you are watching it with someone who wants something more thrilling.
Witness for the Prosecution
I am constantly surprised that women’s hats do not provoke more murders.
Based on the play by Agatha Christie, Witness for the Prosecution is for all the crime buffs who love a good mystery movie. Leaving you with lots of questions, and sitting on the edge of your seat. Its film noir at its finest. Thats all I have to say. I randomly found this movie when I turned
on TMC and have loved it ever since.
State Fair
Our state fair is a great state fair, don’t miss it, don’t even be late!
One of my all time favorites, State Fair makes going to a fair even more magical than you already imagine it to be. When people still dressed up to go to the fair and stayed overnight, the State Fair becomes a fairytale. This movie is filled with singing and dancing and makes you wish it was summer time.
Shop Around the Corner
Psychologically, I’m very confused… But personally, I don’t feel bad at all.
Jimmy Stewart is at his best in this movie. Taking place in a small shop in Budapest, this is the age old story of pen pal lovers who happen to be arch enemies. A story line that has been told a thousand times, but this is the first. Charming and sweet, this movie gives you all the warm fuzzies. Enjoy with a cup of cocoa and a soft blanket.
High Society
I know but George is frowning at me and I can’t dance when anyone frowns at me.
What do you get when you put Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly together for a movie? Answer- A classy affair. The socialites of new york tell there side of the story in High Society. All hell breaks lose when a young socialite (Grace Kelly) is getting remarried and reporters try to find out the real life of the rich and famous. Playful and comical, Grace Kelly is flawless as ever.
Roman Holiday
The best thing I know is to do exactly what you wish for a while.
Another Audrey movie because she is perfect. Young Audrey plays a princess gone rogue. She escapes from her foreign embassy to spend a day traveling as a citizen around Rome. While her companions go into chaos looking for her, she falls into the hands of a reporter who doesn’t know who she is. A fun story that will make you smile, this is a great movie for a girls night and a glass of wine.
The Trouble with Angels
I’ve got the most scathingly brilliant idea!
Mischievous is the word to describe Mary (Hayley Mills) and Rachel (June Harding) as we follow them through their journey through catholic school. They keep Mother Superior on her toes and causes trouble wherever they go. I have grown up loving Hayley Mills who always seems to play characters with vivid imaginations and this movie is no different.
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