Thursday, December 9, 2021

Thursday Movie Picks: Rags to Riches

 


I’m gone to Toronto today and will make sure to take it easy but will be going to the Picasso exhibit and will do some Christmas shopping. So, today it’s all about Rags to Riches which we all wish would happen to us. My hubby buys the lotto hoping for even a million...cracks me up. Most people who win at Lotto, blow it in 5 years and that is the truth, sad but true. This week, over at Wandering  Through The Shelves, it’s about striking it rich in one form or another. I will wonder what everyone will choose, here are my 3...

1. MR. DEEDS GOES TO TOWN- 1936

Frank Capra is just great to showcase the every man who is loved, then vilified before being loved once again. Even though some critics, who get no sex, call it Capra-Corn, most recognize how great most of his films are and I love many of his films. This stars Gary Cooper as a Tuba playing Joe who gets 10 million as an inheritance from his Uncle. He moves to the city into a very large home and wonders what to do. Enter Jean Arthur as a jaded reporter tasked to see if this guy is for real . She plays him like a deck of cards and so do the lawyers etc.. who want the money. He just wants to help the people who are hanging on by a thread because of the Great Depression and the Dustbowl. It is such a nice film worth a few looks. I am a rare gal who is not a huge fan of Cooper but I like him in this. Jean Arthur is always a treat. The character actors often make Capra's films rise above the norm. 

2. MRS. PARKINGTON-1944

Greer Garson and Walter Pisgeon made many films together with their most famous being Mrs. Miniver, but I like this one better. Mrs. Miniver just seems too saintly. The pairing of these 2 stars was so popular that many thought they were together in real life. This movie starts off in a mining town with Greer's character as the daughter of an innkeeper, her mom, and she makes the beds etc... the owner of the mine, played by Pudgeon, stays at this Inn and likes the gal but he is facing the harsh reality that the people in the town don't like him. When there is a mining disaster and her mom is killed, he decides to marry the lass and brings her to his huge home. She must now get used to giving the orders instead of being on the receiving end. She meets a former flame of his who helps her by showing the ropes. This tale of marriage and heartbreak is told in flashback as she is dealing with her very self-obsessed kids and grandkids. It's a good movie made better by Agnes Moorehead as the former flame.

3. THE SOUND OF MUSIC- 1965

We all know the story of a novice nun, who doesn't follow the rules and is sent to the Baron Von Trapp household to govern his 7 kids. She is dirt poor and, when meeting them, does wear the worst outfit anyone can wear. She teaches the kids to sing and brings life and love back into his home. He is slow to come around and brings a Baroness back from Vienna to meet the kids and have a big party. This all happens before the Nazis take power. Now, aside from a song that mentions snow and Christmas, it is not a Christmas movie since it takes place in summer, has Nazis and no other reference to Christmas. It is a nice family film with brilliant singing by Julie Andrews and wonderful locals in and around Salzburg. 

So...which films would you choose?

30 comments:

  1. Hi, Birgit!

    I'm delighted to see you screening movies today and knowing that you're heading out to view a Picasso exhibit and do some Christmas shopping. (I will email you my extensive want list. Remember, dear friend: When it comes to buying gifts for Shady, money's no object. :) Did you see that dreadful story in the news about the car hung up on rocks 50 yards from the brink of Niagara Falls with a deceased female driver inside?

    I like your Rags to Riches film selections. I watched Mr. Deeds decades ago. We need to remember that 10 million dollars was considered a lot of money back in 1936. Today it's a down payment on a loaf of bread. Yessum, you're a little bit John Wayne, and I'm a little bit Gary Cooper, and yet we get along just fine. :)

    I have not seen Mrs. Parkington, but I know I'd enjoy it because I did see the two leads in Mrs. Miniver, plus I love Agnes Moorehead and like brat packer Peter Lawford.

    Great pick with Sound of Music, a film most of us have seen at least once, I would imagine - even Shady who hates musicals.

    For my picks I will list Trading Places, Social Network and Cinderella. The latter is a real "Cinderella story." :)

    Have a safe and happy day, dear friend BB!

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    1. Oh yes, I am sore from all the walking. My hips are not happy for sure but I was so happy to go and spent wildly...I got a pair of socks a fridge magnet from one of the Picasso art pieces. I’m glad you look so hum drum like. Mix Of Cooper and Wayne..I bet one can add Cary Grant or Cary Granite. I think you would like this Greer Garson picture. I hope you can find it.

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    2. Your picks are perfect by the way.

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  2. Enjoy the exhibit.
    Does the movie Trading Places count?
    Merry Christmas!

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  3. Hi Birgit - have a lovely time and enjoy yourselves ... sounds like fun - what we all need at the moment. Two films I haven't seen ... but always interested in your and everyone's choices - cheers Hilary

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    1. We do need to have fun and get out despite the plague.

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  4. I really need to start watching Greer Garson's movies.

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  5. Well I have seen the Sound of Music... well who hasn't it. Don't know the other films though Birgit. Hope you trip to Toronto goes well, Kate x

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  6. Going to Toronto sounds like fun. I used to love going there and shopping at and around the Eaton Center downtown. Hope you all have a good time.

    I know I've seen plenty of films with this theme, but let me think...

    Citizen Kane seems like an obvious choice that is a favorite of mine.

    Maybe Count of Monte Cristo where the hero descends to the depths of prison only to end up in a very good financial position.

    Then there is my big favorite (one that I've used before in other themes) The Greatest Showman. I get so uplifted every time I watch this film.

    Lots others I might think of if I dwelled long enough, but I'll let others come up with those.

    If I won a big lottery I think I'd put it to pretty good use since I'm not big on expensive possessions. I'd probably invest in land and business to increase my wealth if I could.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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    1. I just saw the decorations in the Easton Centre as I was out of time. Eatons actual store area now is Norstrum and I saw shoes in there for over $1,300. ..blahniks. Crazy prices!! I love your picks especially The Greatest Showman which is such a good movie.

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  7. I've only seen The Sound of Music, but I've heard of the others (of course!). I think the first one I think of is Brewster's Millions (the remake).

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    1. Glad you know of the otherS and I have seen the remake but never the original which I want to.

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  8. On one of my trips, the guide pointed out the mountain area where they filmed that iconic scene from the Sound of Music shown in your photo.
    Only movie that comes to mind is Body Heat and she had to murder her husband to get the money.

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    1. I never took that tour when in Salzburg but next time. I’d love to be on that mountain. I still have to see Body Heat.

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  9. A family film WITH Nazis! Who'da thunk it?

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    1. With or without, Nazis and Christmas just don’t mix

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  10. Yes, I have seen The Sound of Music, but not even heard of the other two or several of the actors. I know, I know. I live in a closet and get fed crap, which makes me worm!!! Sure enjoyed reading how you felt about some guy named Pigin!

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    1. I am always glad you enjoy reading my posts and am glad you saw The Sound Of Music

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  11. I remember crying my eyes out at Mrs Miniver, but I don’t know Mrs Parkington. And, of course, who doesn’t know Sound of Music? I had quite a crush it Julie Andrews aged 8.

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    1. Mrs. Miniver was a huge hit when it came out and a favourite of many but I appreciate it but it is not my fav.

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  12. Hmmm....

    I really need to see 'Mr. Deeds Goes To Town' again. It's been so long that I can scarcely remember anything about it. But I like Jean Arthur a LOT! And I dig Capra movies in general.

    I really had to think about this topic for awhile before I came up with some good choices:

    'WHAT A WAY TO GO'
    starring Shirley MacLaine, Paul Newman, Robert Mitchum, Dean Martin, Gene Kelly, and Dick Van Dyke. This is SUCH A FUN movie!!

    'WAKING NED DEVINE'
    An underrated and sadly little-known gem!

    If we make the topic "Rags To Riches And Back To Rags Again', I would go with...

    'THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING'
    starring Michael Caine and Sean Connery. One of the greatest adventure movies ever made.

    'THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE'
    which nearly everyone has seen. A true classic!

    ~ D-FensDogG
    STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS

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    1. There are many but I do love your picks. I have yet to see your first one but love Waking Ned Devine..the poor guy with the pigs and that horrible woman with the cats. The Connery and Caine film is under-rated and Treasure is excellent.

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    2. Oh, you GOTTA see 'What A Way To Go'!!

      You can tell that EVERYONE in that star-studded cast really enjoyed working in that movie. They were all having tons o' fun, which also makes it fun for us to watch.

      For the record, my favorite was Gene Kelly:
      "Ah, the little people. I love 'em!" :^D

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  13. Birgit,

    The only I've seen of your picks is The Sound of Music, which is a childhood favorite and still is today if nothing else in sentiments only. I think "Mr. Deeds Goes To Town" sounds like a film right up my alley. I will see if I can locate this one to stream. The first movie that comes to mind for this theme is "Trading Places". Hilarious movie! Have a joyful Christmas season, darlin'!

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    1. I think you would love Mr. Deeds, the original film of course. Trading Places is hilarious and perfect for this week.

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  14. I loved the Sound of Music. Definitely my pick:)

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    1. It is a great movie that I love watching and I have the movie soundtrack as well as the original with Mary Martin from Broadway.

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