Thursday, December 1, 2016

Thursday Movie Picks-Your Comfort Movie


I'm glad the theme this week is Comfort movie because I need this. Beside my pain, I had a PSW tell me my mom is going downhill and won't last long, my doctor was horribly rude to me that I left the office bawling and my best friend is going through a horrible hell at the moment (no deaths) and I wish I could help her more. My worry for her is large and she is still in denial. Anyway, if you head on over to Wandering Through The Shelves, you will see what the other movie bloggers have chosen for their comfort movie. Here are my 3...

1. IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE-1946


Yes, I spoke about this movie before and if any of you don't know the plot, you have been hiding under a rock. George Bailey has reached his crisis point and, through the prayers of all who love him, you find out about his life and how Clarence, his guardian angel, earns his wings. It stars my favourite actor, Jimmy Stewart and this is my favourite film. Regardless what befalls one, we have to remind ourselves how truly wonderful our life is. The above clip....Jimmy Stewart did this in one take.

2. SINGING IN THE RAIN-1952


Love this musical that is so rich, not only in dance and music but in comedy and writing that even my hubby, who dislikes musicals, likes this one. It takes place when silent films become a thing of the past when sound takes over. The over the top characters are truly not that far off and many scenes shows what really did take place (ie-picking up the woman's heartbeat from the mic). Gene Kelly wore the actual outfit from Rudolph Valentino in one scene and they made fun of an early sound picture with John Gilbert. Jean Hagen, as Lena Lamont, almost stole the picture and I think she should have won an Oscar for her role.

3. WHAT'S UP DOC-1972


I think I may have chosen all of these before but...it's good to bend the rules and this is my next comfort movie because it is so hilarious. There are 4 bags (not women but actual bags) owned by 4 different people who all converge in this one Hotel in San Francisco. Needless to say the bags get all mixed up with a brilliant car chase near the end of the film. Barbra Streisand never looked better and the same goes for Ryan O'Neil. It is a brilliant take on the old screwball comedies of the 1930's.

What are your comfort movies?

41 comments:

  1. Wow. I never thought of anything as a comfort movie, BUT if I just want to chill out and be completely mindless I'd pick 'It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World'. I never liked Ethel Merman and when she lands in the garbage can I laugh every time. As for folks in denial, my nephew is divorced, his ex is living with someone else already, and he still thinks he can make it right. DUH! Made for an interesting Thanksgiving dinner with everyone totally hushed.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sorry to hear that, Birgit! Prayers for you.
    Comfort movie - The Princess Bride.

    ReplyDelete
  3. So sorry about your mom, not the best of news to hear indeed, especially if it was reported to you in an insensitive way. I did see Its a Wonderful Life from start to stop a few years back (like 3 years back). Hadn't seen it before from start to stop. Such a good movie! Bandits with Bruce Willis and Billy Bob Thornton comes to mind for a comfort film. Something to just laugh about when you need a few laughs.

    Hugs to you!

    betty

    ReplyDelete
  4. Seen the first two, never have seen the third though. Looks fun in a screwball way indeed. I have quite a few, Nothing to Lose and Hot Pursuit, 80's one, are two I watched recently.

    Ugg to life piling the crap on. Hopefully things turn around. Denial can be hard for some to break out of.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Three great choices! I absolutely love What's Up, Doc?, and Kenneth Mars is incredible in it.

    Sorry things are going so badly in your personal life. I hope things improve for you (and your friend).

    ReplyDelete
  6. I've still never seen It's A Wonderful Life, it's unbelievable how much I've slacked on that. lol

    ReplyDelete
  7. I'm so sorry you are going through so much.
    Thinking of you and sending positive energy your way.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi, Birgit!

    Laughter is the best medicine, so they say, and Jean Hagen, The Barbra and Ryan O'Neil offer plenty. I have seen all three of these films and enjoyed them. What's Up Doc is my Pick To Click because I like hip, sophisticated, adult oriented, intelligently written comedies.

    Dear friend, I am very sorry to learn about your mother and your friend and also to learn that you are still in pain. My prayers go out to all of you. I pray for blessings and miracles in your world this holiday season, dear BB.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'm sorry about your mom. I can sympathize quite a bit with what you must be going through. I wish our support systems were better during these times :(

    I may be the only person on the planet who doesn't like "It's a Wonderful Life". I've only seen "What's Up Doc" once, but "Singing in the Rain" is a treasure. I enjoy movies, but I've never thought of them in terms of "comfort". Looking at my DVD shelves, trying to feel the comfort level ;) I find myself drawn towards the mindless entertainment fun of The Fifth Element and the Riddick movies. I know when I come across them on tv, even with commercials, I just leave it on that channel. Surely that says _something_?

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'm sorry to hear that you are going through so much. Hope things will get better soon.

    I've only seen It's a Wonderful Life and I loved it. Absolutely need to rewatch it on Christmas time. I can't believe I haven't seen Singin in the Rain yet.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Birgit I’m sorry to hear about all that you’re going through. I hope your pain lessens soon. I’m disturbed about your doctor being rude to you. I’m going to offer some unsolicited advice…Listen people are so often intimidated by their doctors because they go to them when they are having problems or are ill and look to them for guidance but bottom line-That guy or woman is being paid by YOU and is therefore you’re employee while you are there, would you let your employee talk to you like that? Of course not! Put them in their place, their job is to be of service to you…if they can’t do that AND treat you with respect move on and find someone who can-and report the doctor if you think it’s warranted.

    Okay off my soapbox. These are terrific picks! Both Wonderful Life and Singin’ in the Rain are so venerated that I suffer a bit of fatigue with both. I really love them but they are so ubiquitous I haven’t watched either in a few years. For Christmas movies I default to Christmas in Connecticut, White Christmas or occasionally The Lemon Drop Kid among others before IAWL. I’m crazy for musicals so it’s easy to find an alternative to Singin’.

    But What’s Up Doc? Is one of my comfort movies as well. Endlessly enjoyable and rewatchable. It’s one of my top 5 Streisand films but not just because of her participation. There’s so much more, especially Madeline Kahn who is simply awesome.

    This week is so fun since you get to see where people head for their comfort films which might be far removed from your own. I’d be shocked to see a matchup between anyone this time.

    If I thought for a while I could probably come up with a minimum of a hundred comfort movies so I was very rigid this week, I kept to the cut off and did no extras to keep from going overboard.

    The Prize (1963)-It’s Nobel Prize week in Stockholm and as the winners gather reprobate writer Andrew Craig (Paul Newman) begins to suspect that one of the other winners physicist Max Stratman (Edward G. Robinson) has been replaced by an imposter. As he blunders about looking for answers his initially doubtful chaperone Inger Lisa Andersson (a very beautiful Elke Sommer) comes to believe him and tries to help. Both fun and suspenseful this is the Hitchcock movie that Hitchcock didn’t make!

    Women’s World (1954)-Ultra luxe, star studded drama of a corporate competition for the top job at an automobile company. Three couples, the loving Midwesterners (June Allyson & Cornel Wilde), the wry but troubled East Coast couple (Lauren Bacall & Fred MacMurray) and a Texan and his rapacious wife (Van Heflin & Arlene Dahl) are brought to New York by the owner of Gifford Motors, (Clifton Webb) so he can assess not only who is best for the job but whose wife is the most suitable. Shot in Cinemascope, laced with humor, nicely directed in sumptuous settings (the offhandedly mentioned country house is a mansion of enormous size!) with a fine group of performers cast to their strengths this makes no heavy demands on the viewer, like wrapping yourself in a warm, cushy blanket.

    My Dream is Yours (1949)-Doris Day’s second film is a bandbox pretty concoction. She plays Martha Gibson, a hopeful widowed singer with a young son discovered by radio agent Doug Blake (Jack Carson) who has a hard time getting her a big break despite the fact that she sings like a bird. That doesn’t stop him from trying everything under the sun with the help of his good friend Vi (Eve Arden). In the meantime Martha falls for radio star Gary Mitchell (Lee Bowman), a pompous jerk with a drinking problem. Eventually her chance comes, she’s a smash but there’s pesky romantic complications to deal with. Cheery musical loaded with great music, a bright studio sheen and Doris at her early best. There’s a sequence where she and Jack Carson dance with Bugs Bunny, Tweety Bird and other animated Warner cartoons that is like some kind of fever dream!! Though it’s radically different from the other movie Martin Scorsese has sited this as his inspiration for his “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore”.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love all your choices. I watch It's a Wonderful Life every Christmas Eve. For the past year or so, my big comfort movie of choice has been The Blindside. It soothes me. There's something about Sandra Bullock as a blonde . . . Do you need to get a new doctor? I had a doctor who was rude to me. I never saw him again. My younger, better version of a doctor is super nice to me. I'm very sorry about your mom and your friend.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
  13. Birgit, I'm so sorry about your Mom and your friend. BIG HUG! May you find some comfort, soon. Some doctors are just horrible! I had one tell me my mother would die before the week was out and he sounded relieved. That was a year and a half ago, so he was obviously full of shit.

    We watch "It's a Wonderful Life" every year, during our much-anticipated Christmas movie marathon, Dec. 24 & 25 (we have no relatives here). It never gets old! ☺ I've also seen the other two and enjoyed them.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Growing up with sisters, I saw the first two films constantly. Those two along with Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Though I have not seen the last one, it looks to be right up my alley. I shall have to try and look it up some time. (I really should be taking notes).

    ReplyDelete
  15. My heart goes out to you, Birgit! Especially since you include my #1 movie of all time, Singin' in the Rain, in your picks this week! Just a perfect movie, no doubt about it!

    Hang in there. This too shall pass. Sending all the digital hugs your way!

    ReplyDelete
  16. What can I say? So sorry at all your bad news. Sending hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm all for comfort movies and books in times like this. I like your picks. For myself, I'd add Calamity Jane with Doris Day, Two and a Half Weeks, any version on Pride & Prejudice, and Despicable Me 1 & 2. Big, big bear hug, with much love, to you, Birgit.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I used to watch It's a Wonderful Life every year. For some reason seeing this post I realized I haven't seen it quite a while. Will have to pop it in this holiday season. I haven't seen the others yet. ;)

    Sending you a very big hug.
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh yes, I agree with Alex. The Princess Bride is a real comfort movie. I didn't really like It's a Wonderful Life but I loved Singing in the Rain. For Pride and Prejudice I like the English version with Colin Firth in it. I also like Miracle on 34th St. at this time of year.

    Sorry to hear you are still in pain, hope things will get better soon.

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've seen and enjoyed all of these movies, and like most people Ive seen It's a Wonderful Life enough times to recite the script.

    ReplyDelete
  21. So sorry about your mother and your friend. Naturally, this stuff happens at this time of year. Too bad the medical professionals weren't.

    Comfort movies... I don't know if I've ever found comfort movies. I'd have to think about that.

    But your three... I've seen every one. I love What's Up Doc. I went through a screwball comedy phase. (Oscar, with Sylvester Stallone, is actually not that awful. Not a great screwball, but in the ballpark.)

    ReplyDelete
  22. I'm so very sorry about all the problems and bad news. I hope the SW is wrong about your mother. You chose awesome comfort movies, great classics with wonderful stars! If I chose it would be a 60s movie called "The Great Race" with Tony Curtis, Natalie Wood, Jack Lemmon, and Peter Falk. It doesn't get much more fun than that! I love everything about that movie even the music. I hope your week improves! :)

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm so sorry to hear about all you are going through. Sending many hugs and good thoughts your way.
    I never really thought about a comfort movie before but I think I would say A Christmas Story. I love Ralphie and family and even though I know the dialogue by heart it still makes me smile.
    Take care, Birgit. *hugs*

    ReplyDelete
  24. oh my dear Birgit I am so sorry to hear your Mum is so poorly...my heart goes out to you all and I am thinking about your family at such a terrible time...take any comfort that you can,stay strong for her and hug her as much as you can ....big hugs from me xxxxxx

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thinking of you and your Mum - and of your friend too. These are three great movies and I hope rewatching them really does bring you comfort.

    That's Purrfect

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hi- I just saw a comment you posted on a blog that I follow. I am so sorry to hear about Mia. I know how much our pets are parts of our hearts and families and it is so hard when something happens to them. Sending you hugs.
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
  27. So sorry to hear about Mia. Please let me know if there's anything I can do.
    Hugs

    ReplyDelete
  28. BIRGIT ~
    I sure hope things improve soon in and around your life. It's sad to be experiencing so many troubles when this should be such a joyful time of the year.

    I never thought of a film before as a "Comfort" movie, but I get that. It makes sense.

    If I were to name just three right off the top of my mind, for sure I'd go with 'IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE' also.

    Another Christmas movie that I love almost as much as '...WONDERFUL LIFE' is the 1970 musical 'SCROOGE' with Albert Finney. And that one too fills me with warmth and wonder.

    Let's see... for #3 I could also go with the original 'MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET', but to take my list out of the Christmas genre... I think I'll mention 'ONE FROM THE HEART'.

    I know that many people hate 'ONE FROM THE HEART', but I don't understand that at all. It's delicious looking, and has one of the greatest musical soundtracks ever recorded. Sure, the story is pretty thin, but there are some wonderful characters and portrayals in it. Harry Dean Stanton and Raul Julia both crack me up in that movie.

    But there are so many that could make this list for me: Born Yesterday; Tortilla Flat; Heaven Can Wait; A Little Romance; Planes, Trains And Automobiles... etc.

    Take care, Birgit!

    ~ D-FensDogG

    ReplyDelete
  29. 'But I can't make love to a BUSH!' hahahahah I do love Singing in the Rain. Lena is hilarously brilliant. Although Cosmo steals the show.

    And What's Up Doc is so funny - couldn't stop laughing when I first saw it. 'I'm Eunice Burns!'

    ReplyDelete
  30. Sorry to hear you're having a rotten time at the moment, Birgit. I love It's a Wonderful Life too.

    Susan A Eames at
    Travel, Fiction and Photos

    ReplyDelete
  31. No need for a doctor to be rude to a patient, and sometimes you just gotta cry it out! Shame on him. I'm so sorry you're having to deal with all this just now, and you definitely need the uplift of a comfort movie. I've enjoyed the first two...love both. DOn't think I've ever watched #3 though. You take care, sending hugs. And best wishes for your Mom and your friend too. TFS

    ReplyDelete
  32. How are you doing?
    And along with everything else, I'm sorry you ended up with a rude doctor. You don't need to be dealing with that.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Sorry to hear about your mom, my prayers are with you! Great movie picks, I think I've seen parts or most of all three of those. For this time of year, my comfort movies would be White Christmas and Home Alone.

    ReplyDelete
  34. Sorry for all the crap you've been dealt, Birgit, and for your worry about your friend. It's hard when we seem to worry more about others than they do about themselves (because they're in denial).

    Alas, comfort movies are a great go-to. You've made me want to What's Up Doc.

    I'd go animation for comfort - I'm thinking Beauty and the Beast, Jungle Book, that kinda thing. But your picks are great.

    Keep a smile, hon. It IS a wonderful life.

    ReplyDelete
  35. I am so sorry to hear about your mom and best friend. They (and you) are in my prayers.

    Good film choices, especially #1.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh Birgit, I am so sorry to hear of your pain and your mom and friend's suffering. This has been such a rough year for so many. *hugs*

    My favourite comfort movies are: Under the Tuscan Sun, Love Actually, and almost anything by John Hughes, but especially The Breakfast Club.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Birgit, It's A Wonderful Life is a great movie. I love the sentiments behind the story but sometimes I find it hard to watch it because of George's deep despair. I didn't watch it last year but I would like to see it this year. Singing in the Rain I've only seen bits of it but would like to see it all someday. The last movie is new to me, so I'll have to look into that one. Thanks for the movie review, my friend and a good evening!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Don't you love Jimmy Stewart? Wonderful Life has to be one of the all time best Christmas movie. Good ole Clarence:)

    ReplyDelete
  39. I apologize for not replying once again. I just love all your comments and your kind words have really touched my heart. I'm glad you liked my movies I picked and I love all of yours. Princess Bride is great and I almost picked Under The Tuscan Sun as well. I just have no words to express my gratitude to know lol of you in blogland.

    ReplyDelete
  40. "It's a Wonderful Life."
    There are certain movies that, when I'm channel surfing, cause me to linger.
    That is one such movie.

    ReplyDelete
  41. I'm sorry to hear about the rough patch. On top of that, someone being rude to you during such a rough patch is just inexcusable. I hope your doctor rides a bicycle with no seat for 100 miles until his underwear is just pure blood. That seems fair, right?

    Kidding aside, your list of comfort movies made me want to see all of them. It's a Wonderful Life especially. Fantastic movie.

    ReplyDelete