I am still recuperating from my illness and now my poor hubby has it which makes me feel horrible. I don't want anyone to have this horrible cold. The good news is he is already feeling much better and I am back to work so let's hope next week I am all better. Thank you immensely for all your well wishes, it has truly touched my heart. This week it is all about high school competitions but can't be sports related so spelling bees, music, you name it. If you wish to join, head on over to Wandering Through the Shelves to sign up and see what the other have chosen for this week's topic. Here are my 3.....
1. STRIKE UP THE BAND-1940
Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland made so many movies together from the famous Andy Hardy series to others that would showcase their amazing talents. This is where typical (HA) high school kids put their heads together to put on a show! Now we all have done this when we were in high school, right? .....HA! These wild and wacky kids decide to enter a competition to be on a show with Paul Whiteman's orchestra. The famous band leader shows up in the film and the sets and the talent is something you will never ever find in high school but who cares! This is a showcase of the young talent at MGM and what talents.
2. BYE, BYE BIRDIE-1963
We take a nice small town with a nice suburban family who have an innocent girl with a double D chest enter a competition to win one last kiss from Conrad Birdie a Rock N Roll singer (obviously based on Elvis) before he has to go into the army. Of course, double D (Ann Margaret) wins and the Elvis entourage with all the cameras and crew hunker down to this pretty little town and cause much mayhem. Dick Van Dyke plays a songwriter , with mother issues and Janet Leigh plays his gal who only wants to get married. Paul Lynde just about steals the show as the dad of double D. It is quite witty and a pretty good satire on the nutty ways teens reacted to their heart throbs back in the day. Gower Champion directed and choreographed the original musical play that won many Tony's and you can still see a little of his inventiveness in the Telephone scene.
3. TAKE THE LEAD- 2006
This is, to me, an under-rated gem and based on a true story. Antonio Banderas plays a dance teacher sent to an inner city school to deal with the worst delinquents. He decides to teach them...dance! They are, at first reluctant( no kidding) but soon, after seeing the teacher dance the tango with a sultry bitch, they realize there is more to this dance than they thought. The teacher has a regular dance class for the high class snoots and one girl doesn't feel like she fits in so she joins the inner city ruffians. These kids start enjoying their class and their teacher signs them up for a ballroom dance competition. What will they do? How will they react with all the stuffed shirts? You'll just have to watch and find out. This won't win any awards but it's fun and sweet even if the ending is a bit over the top.
So what films would you choose?
It can be music? School of Rock!
ReplyDeleteI almost picked that movie:)
DeleteI'm glad to hear you're getting better. I haven't seen any of your picks, but I've seen a few scenes of Take the Lead because my mother was watching it, and they were quite good. Maybe I should give it a try.
ReplyDeleteIt's not a bad film...nothing major but I think quite good
DeleteHi, dear Birgit!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are recovering from your illness and hope your hubby soon feels better, too. Mrs. Shady and I often pass the germs back and forth in a similar manner. Wishing you and your family good health from this moment on, dear friend!
As you know I avoid most musicals, but I have tremendous respect for old movies like Strike Up the Band. Think how much high school musicals have changed since that one was made. How many of today's "stars" can measure up to Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney? Notice how they used the word "gay" in so many songs back then.
I saw Bye Bye Birdie. Philly teen singing idol Bobby Rydell played Hugo, the jealous boyfriend who runs on stage at the end of the clip and punches Birdie.
I have not seen Take the Lead but have seen similar movies over the years in which a charismatic mentor inspires a class of tough and/or skeptical students to achieve greatness, such as To Sir With Love, Stand and Deliver, Mr. Holland's Opus and School of Rock.
Thank you, dear friend BB!
Thank you for your kind words Mr. Shady:) I am feeling better. I can't think of many young stars that have that much talent as Judy did or the over the top exuberance of Mickey Rooney. Yes...you are right about Bobby Rydell...I didn't even think of that but you would know. I have seen all the film you mentioned except Stand and Deliver. That one has still evaded my watch
DeleteGood to hear you are feeling better Birgit...and good wishes to hubby.....going to try take the lead......haven't been watching much as it tennis season and I am glued to the TV with hubby on domestic duties......xxxxx
ReplyDeleteTake the Lead is a sweet film. I am feeling better, thank you so much. My friend is glued to the tennis right now also
DeleteGlad the germs are going away at your bay. I've seen Take The Lead it was a good little movie indeed. Life of a King was one I watched recently, not bad.
ReplyDeleteI have not heard of Life of a King ...will check that out
DeleteGlad to read that you are improving. May it continue until you're completely recovered. Bye=bye Birdie sounds fun! I'll see if Netflix has it.
ReplyDeleteThank you..I am getting better thank God....or the antibiotics:) Bye Bye, Birdie is a lot of fun. Janet leigh said she got such a work out that she wouldn't want to do another musical after this one.
DeleteI'm glad you're feeling better. I haven't seen any of these, but I've heard of Bye Bye Birdie.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you have heard of that film:) One day I will try to find one of yours that you have chosen and watch it
DeleteCan't imagine when you have time to see all these movies. Have heard of one of them but not seen any. Glad you are feeling better, hope hubby gets better soon.
ReplyDeleteHubby is already feeling better! I watch many movies each week or have seen them in my past. This past week, since being ill I must have seen 12 or maybe 14 movies
DeleteYour poor husband, but glad you are feeling better! I think I would like to see Take the Lead; sounds interesting!
ReplyDeletebetty
He is already feeling better which is good. Take the Lead is a good flick. You feel good after watching it.
DeleteI found Bye Bye Birdie to be very enjoyable, but I hear there are a lot of differences between the movie version and the stage version, so I'd like to see the stage version sometime.
ReplyDeleteYou are right about this! Dick Van Dyke wasn't too happy about the film version especially since so much attention was given to Double D, um, I mean Ann Margret
DeleteBye Bye Birdie is such a spirited happy movie and a terrific choice. Nice way to look at the theme, I never thought of it. Paul Lynde does almost walk away with the film but the extreme charisma of the young Ann-Margret holds off all comers.
ReplyDeleteI actually discovered Take the Lead from it being picked on a previous week, I think it was a dance theme, and thoroughly enjoyed it. That's one of the best parts of this weekly series, finding new titles to see.
Can't believe it but we match again!! I have to honestly say I NEVER expected Strike Up the Band to show up anywhere but in my list. HA! :-)
I struggled with this week, I kept thinking of films and they were sport related but finally came up with three.
Chops (2007)-This documentary follows different groups of students as they prepare and then compete in the annual Essentially Ellington High School Jazz Band competition. Terrific look at the commitment of both the students and teachers who care passionately about music and what it takes to compete.
Fame (1980)-Covering four years at New York’s High School for Performing Arts where students are constantly competing for advancement and acknowledgment all leading up to the big finale and graduation. This led to a successful spin-off TV series.
Strike Up the Band (1940)-It’s Judy Garland & Mickey Rooney as high schoolers and aspiring musicians who want their band to compete in the upcoming Paul Whiteman competition for high school bands. Problem is the fare to the contest in Chicago is $200. What to do? Why put on a show of course!! Mickey’s a bit much as he usually was but Judy is lovely and sings like a dream naturally. The tagline will give you some idea of what to expect "Their Sunniest, Funniest, Down-to-Mirthiest Hit! It Beats the Band!”
I know-Hahhaaaa-I thought if anyone will pick Strike Up The Band it would be you and I was right! I thought you might find another old film with June Allyson. I have not heard of Chops but it sounds great. One day i will give Fame a chance but i remember when this came out and all the hoopla it was given. I was already sick of leg warmers and this had these coming out of the ying yang!
DeleteNON-SPORTS?! That's NON-GOOD! I was all set to mention 'BETTER OFF DEAD'. Fine! I'll just go spend my two dollars somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteGlad you're feeling better, even if you did give your husband what you had in order to get rid of it.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Hahahaaa-The sports thing would be too easy. I would have had to pick the one with Don Knotts and the mule. My hubby is already feeling better...he got rid of it in 3 days. Thank you though for your nice words, always appreciated:)
DeleteSorry to hear you were not feeling so well. Glad you are on the mend. Wow, how did you find films for this specific theme? I'm not sure I would have been able to come up with one. I do like the concept of this whole Thursday Movie Picks. I just wish I had more time for blogging.
ReplyDeleteIt was tough thinking up films for this but I made it. I hope you could join one day. Blogging does take up time doesn't it. Thank you as I am so happy to be on the mend.
DeleteBye Bye Birdie is so cute and an excellent pick. I got to play Albert in a middle school production of the show and had a LOT of fun. Dick van Dyke is one of my idols, but Joel is right about Ann-Margaret's charisma being the main take-away from the film.
ReplyDeleteLOVE Take the Lead - I had picked it for Dance Movies week way back when. The actors who play the students are all so good and their various rivalries are very believable. Definitely a favorite.
Strike Up the Band is one of the Mickey/Judy pictures I haven't seen, but after this week it seems I must see it!
The studio showered Ann Margaret much to the other actor's chagrin. I enjoy watching Take The Lead even if the ending is a bit implausible, it's still a lot of fun. Oh yes, you must watch this fun film with Garland and Rooney
DeleteGlad to hear you are both on the mend. I have seen Ann-Margret sing Bye Bye Birdie (they showed it on Mad Men) but not the film. Undoubtedly saw Strike up the Band as Sunday afternoon TV in the 60s/70s. Not even heard of the 3rd one! Looks good though.
ReplyDeleteThanks Anabel...slowly making headway. I enjoyed the last film and hope you get a chance to see it
DeleteI've seen Bye, Bye, Birdie but not the other two.
ReplyDeleteBye Bye Birdie is fun isn't it?
DeleteBring It On - Eliza Dushku. Th9oguh some people consider cheer leading a sport.
ReplyDeleteCheaters - Jena Malone, Jeff Daniels.
Election - Reese Witherspoon. Though I've only read the novel.
I went 0-3 on your picks.
I would say Bring It On as a pick. I have seen Cheaters around today and Election is so good
DeleteI've only seen Take the Lead and I really enjoyed it. Very underrated movie.
ReplyDeleteIt is under-rated isn't it?
DeleteGlad you're on the mend and that the hubby is recuperating.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any of these. Interesting though that we did high schools the same week:) The last one looks like one I'd enjoy.
Get some rest:)
I plan on resting this weekend. I think you would like the last pick
DeleteThe telephone scene in Bye, Bye Birdie is brilliant. I remember thinking how much fun it would be to do that scene when I first saw the movie long ago.
ReplyDeleteThat's my favourite song scene in the film.its so much fun
DeleteBye Bye Birdie! Love it !
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun one for sure
DeleteI love Bye Bye Birdie! It was one of the first musicals I ever watched and enjoyed :) I saw Take the Lead and that was a good one, too. Sister Act would be a good one for this theme (I think those kids were high school age, it's been a while since I've seen it).
ReplyDeleteSister Act 2 is a perfect choice and others have chosen it.
DeleteGlad to hear you're feeling better. You are feeling better, right?
ReplyDeleteI was going to say I'd never seen Take the Lead, but from your description I realize I have. Cute movie.
I am feeling better...slowly but surely. Take The Lead is a fun film for sure.
DeleteI love this kind of movie! I saw Take the Lead quite recently by chance while channel surfing and enjoyed it very much! Then there's Akeelah and the Bee (spelling bee competition where an entire community helps her prepare against all odds and win). Then of course there's the high school musical series. Then, Fast Forward where a bunch of kids get together and go to another city to participate in the competition of the year. Oh, so many. And so enjoyable! Love your picks Birgit. And am so happy you're well on your way to recovery. Make sure you take care of yourself even though you're back at work! Hugs! And hope your husband gets well soon!
ReplyDeleteYes....I still have to see that film you mentioned...spelling bees look just so damm hard and most of the word I have never heard of. Thank you so much, Vidya, for your kind words. We are both on the mend. I plan on taking things easy.
DeleteNot seen the first too - although Bye Bye Birdie has come up in conversations before. Good call on Take The Lead. The true story is probably more interesting than this film. Sorry but I'm not a fan, only because I associate to with secondary school and being forced to watch films like this all the time
ReplyDeleteI know know some people don't care for Take The Lead at all but I enjoy it even though the ending is just so over the top. It would never happen in such an uptight place like that but it's still fun.
DeleteThis seemed like a really hard theme! I totally drew a blank. But it seems like I do that every week so maybe I need to accept that I am just simple. ;)
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling better and I hope hubby is back to normal soon.
You are anything but simple! I bet I would be feeling the same in regards to books. Even though I love to read, I mainly read non fiction.
DeleteSo glad you're feeling better. Sorry the hubby is sick. Blech.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to post She's All That. It's sort of a competition, if you think of a bet as a competition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI9fYsgduGE
Oh yes...that would be a pick. This week was a hard one
DeleteI am glad that your hubby is feeling better, and I hope that you feel better as well. I would choose School House Rock :)
ReplyDeleteMy hubby is almost all bett and I am slowly on the mend....thank you:) That film is a perfect choice although I am not a Jack Black fan
DeleteI haven't seen any of these films. I have heard of Bye-Bye birdie, but don't think I have seen it. Take The Lead looks like a good film. I like those kind of films.
ReplyDeleteGlad you are feeling better!
: )
Take the Lead is a fun film to see and uplifting. Thank you...I'm glad I'm finally on the mend
DeleteHappy to hear you're feeling better, Birgit.
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid I have nothing to offer on these type of films - they've never been my thing! :(
Susan at
Travel, Fiction and Photos
Thank you...I'm so glad I am finally feeling better. There are some movie genres that are also not my thing
DeleteDid you say Antonio Banderas plays a dance teacher? And it's underrated? What is wrong with people?!!
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you are much better, and hope your DH soon gets to the same feeling better as well! (don't trade it back n forth, which is what we've done with a cold!) I only saw Birdie, and that was fun. Lots of good music in that, and it's fun to rewatch now, and see the actors so young. Don't know the other 2 selections. TFS & have a good week.
ReplyDeleteJilda has seen the first won but not the third one. I haven't seen any. I know, I'm a movie slacker.
ReplyDeleteSorry you've been under the weather. And now your hubby is puny:(
It's been oppressively hot here. The weather channel put out warnings about the heat. I hope the folks here that whined about the cool weather here during the winter are HAPPY :)
R
Rotten about that cold or flu or whatever had you and now your husband down. Hope he bounds back quickly.
ReplyDeleteThe Banderas movie sounds very interesting. I haven't even heard of it.
Hope your husband is feeling better. Nothing like a bad cold/flu. All of these movies sound great. I've seen none of them though.
ReplyDeleteSo how are you feeling? Did you get rested over the weekend?
ReplyDeleteMy choice is Take the lead, why I hear you ask? Well if I wanted to be anyone it would be Antonio Banderas because quite simply he's got the moves, real sophisticated like, when it comes to chatting with the ladies.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen any of these. I have heard a lot about Strike Up the Band and Bye, Bye, Birdie. I would probably pick one of those first. :) Great post!
ReplyDelete~Jess
Sorry to hear your husband is sick now! I hope you're both better soon. Summer colds are the worst.
ReplyDeleteThat category would have stumped me. Nothing springs to mind.
All three of these are knew to me. I'm sorry your husband is sick. It sure is going around. I hope you both feel better!
ReplyDeleteI hope you both feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteOthers have already mentioned the two that came to mind first for me: Chops (so good) and Election. How about Drop Dead Gorgeous? I suppose you could also count Napoleon Dynamite.
Ashamed to say I don't know any of these films, so I'd like to watch them all! Was the last one based on a book? I read a YA story like that few years ago, by Jill Murray.
ReplyDeleteYou know, I'm to the point where if I was sick, I'd lay there and read. *gasp* I know. It's come to that. I am a true, through and through bookworm.
ReplyDeleteMickey Rooney and Judy Garland were a wonderful duo.
ReplyDeleteHope you're feeling well today.
I think I've seen Take the Lead but can't really remember.
ReplyDeleteDance movies are awesome.
Bye bye Birdie.... now that was a FUN high school movie. I remember it even after all these years.
ReplyDeletex Asha