HOLIDAYS AND MOVIES

July 4^th has come and gone. 

On the fourth, we attended a nice outing at the Moose Lodge.  As we made our way home, I thought, “What will I blog about this week?”

Arriving home, I found the answer when I turned on the TCM channel.  The movie Yankee Doodle Dandy, the story about the life of George M. Cohan played by James Cagney, was about to begin.  Of course I had to watch this movie again for the UMPTEENTH time.  There is something about the songs in that movie that give me chills and makes me proud to be an American.  As I sat watching Cagney sing about how grand is our flag, I thought about movies I usually watch during other holidays of the year. 

I am a big fan of old movies.  It does not matter if they are in black and white or color, I happen to watch and re-watch my favorites over and over again.  Can’t say just how many times I’ve seen the Maltese Falcon and not just the Bogart version either.  I am glued to the antics of Nick and Nora Charles and sing along with Sam as his fingers tickle the ivories as he does “As Time Goes By” in Casablanca. 

During October (around Halloween), I have to see Vincent Price in the movie, The House on Haunted Hill.  Easter time, I am entertained by watching Fred Astair dance and sing in Easter Parade.   Let’s not forget all the great movies centered on the Christmas holiday.  I make sure to catch A Christmas Carol and White Christmas.  I know almost all the words to the songs in the movie. 

I need a hanky when I watch An Affair to Remember around Valentine’s Day.  Ah amour, amour…..even though I know how the movie ends, I still get tears in my eyes.  They just don’t make movies like that anymore.

Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day there are usually war movies being shown by TCM.  A few of my favorites, In Harms Way with John Wayne;  To Hell and Back  with Audie Murphy; and believe it or not Kelly’s Heroes   Who doesn’t enjoy seeing a movie with Clint Eastwood, Telly Savalas,  Carroll O’Connor and Don Rickles as well as Donald Sutherland.  What a cast of greats in that flick

I had been asked one time which movie do I associate with St. Patrick’s Day.  The answer is The Quiet Man since it takes place in Ireland.  I just love watching that fight scene near the end.

As I thought about the old movies I enjoy, I realize I can add another to my July 4^th list; Independence Day with Will Smith.

Now that July 4^th has come and gone, the next holiday, Labor Day, will be here before we know it.  There is no movie I can associate with this holiday, but my hubby thought that Norma Rae, The Valley of Decision or   The Molly Maguires could fit the bill.  Of course he would say The Molly Maguires since it had been filmed in the country in Pennsylvania where we had lived.  My pick for a good Labor Day movie to watch is The Valley of Decision because I found a bit of romance to the storyline. 

I am certain most of you have favorite movies you associate with the holidays.  I find it fun just vegging out in front of the TV with a bowl of popcorn and a beverage to watch these flicks

Until next time…..since summer is here, I may try to find a movie or two I associate with the season.  One comes to mind at this moment. A Summer Place….young love and rekindling of an old love all mixed together; all I need is the DVD, bowl of popcorn and a tall glass of ice tea (Long Island preferable).