Movies in black & white? Are you serious?

There are things in life that we take for granted. Family. Health. And a lot of other crap. But, one of the things in today’s society we under-appreciate is the classic movie. If you go up to any teenager today and ask them what their favorite classic movie is, do you know what they’ll tell you? Star Wars. Grease. E.T.

Now, don’t get me wrong. These are all classic movies in their own right. But, what about Casablanca? Singin’ In The Rain? The Snake Pit? These are classic movies. Movies that are not necessarily in color or with Dolby Digital surround sound. Movies that are not filled with high-tech explosions or violence. Movies that live! They have their own life. Sunset Blvd. A Streetcar Named Desire. Yankee Doodle Dandy.

What happened to the appreciation and respect that these movies deserve? I, for one, am ashamed at the parents who do not bring these amazing movies into the lives of their children. I was lucky. My parents, my mother specifically, welcomed me into the world of classic movies. I remember watching, for hours on end, Guys & Dolls, A Star Is Born, Rear Window, etc. I loved them. I still love them. They changed me. Sometimes, I think these movies are the reason why I want to be a writer. They might not be perfect. They might not be million dollar makers, but their special.

I really doubt we’ll be talking about Cats & Dogs: The Revenge Of Kitty Galore in 50 years. Do you? Gone With Wind? Oh, yes.

In this digital age, I’m so thankful that we have Turner Classic Movies. What would life be like if we couldn’t watch Meet Me In St. Louis at 11 o’clock at night? How could we live without watching a Judy Garland marathon?! I shudder at the lack of black and white movies made available to the cable watching public. Lately, I’ve been watching TCM a whole lot more than usual. I don’t know why. I find that as I’m getting older, I can admire these movies even more. Do you know how much talent these actors had? They had to sing, dance, AND act! We’re lucky today if these people even can act.

This past month they’ve been playing marathons of certain stars. Monday, was Elizabeth Taylor. Now, I wouldn’t call myself a Taylor fan. I love Suddenly, Last Summer and a few other of her movies, but I could never really say that I was a fan. But, after watching a few of her films that I’ve never seen before, I really do have a new appreciation for her acting skills. Isn’t that amazing? Finding out that there is a whole new selection of movies that you can enjoy?

This is the power of the classic film. If it’s good, it stays with you.

See you tomorrow! I’m off to the T.V! TCM awaits! – Kim

What are your favorite classic films? Are they musicals, dramas, comedies? Are you a classic film fan like me? Tell me in the comments!

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