Sunday, November 2, 2014

First Movie, Favorite Movies

Once, when I was young, possibly 4 or 5, I remember my father taking my older brother and sister to a movie.  I didn't know what movies were or why my mom and I were staying home.  It must have been a Monday night because the next morning my mother ironed.  I ironed, too.  I practiced ironing on my father's handkerchiefs and some other small items.  It was not the first time I'd ironed but it was the first time I burned my finger.  Of course I cried.  My mom took me upstairs, administered to my finger, then brought out a box of popcorn that my father had brought from the theater the night before.  It was my first introduction to popcorn and became an instant favorite.

My first experience attending a movie theater was when I was perhaps 5 or 6.  My parents took me to a double feature.  I think the first movie was for people older than I was.  I don't remember its title but I remember that men were on a sailing ship and one of them was whipped.  It was a dreadful experience, especially seeing those images larger-than-life in a place where I couldn't run and hide. 

Thankfully, the next movie was light, joyful, and fun.  It was Walt Disney's "Song of the South" and I loved it.  I haven't seen it since that first viewing.  I understand it's not sold in the United States but is available in England and one or two other countries.

As I was searching online for a video to post I learned that there's a great controversy over "Song of the South."  It's sad that it is so.  In my memory it's a joyful movie about two children and the antics of several personified animals told by a loving and lovable grandfatherly gentleman.  How I wish adults hadn't adulterated it with their narrow and prejudiced views.  My thoughts here, of course, are based my viewing of the movie decades ago when I was a child.  Perhaps I would have a different view of the movie if I watched it now.

This was one of the first movies to combine animation and live actors.  In the well-known song, "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah," you can see Disney's success.  Here it is for your viewing and listening pleasure.



At Song of the South you can learn more about the movie, the actors, the characters, the music, etc.  And here you can read more about the controversy that surrounds "Song of the South." 

Some of my other favorite movies include (in no particular order)
  • "Temple Grandin"
  • "Cranford"
  • "Hobson's Choice"
  • "Letters to Juliet"
  • "Fiddler on the Roof"
  • "The Whales of August"
  • "Anne of Green Gables"
  • "Wives and Daughters"
  • "A Room with a View"
  • "Fried Green Tomatoes"
  • "Second-Hand Lions"
  • "Sabrina" (with Julia Ormond)

Did you see "Song of the South" as a child?  If so, what did you think?  What are your favorite movies?

This is another post in The Book of Me series, created by Julie Goucher of Anglers Rest

--Nancy.

Copyright © 2014 Nancy Messier. All Rights Reserved.

6 comments:

  1. One of my favorites, too!!! Thankfully, my Daddy recorded it from tv, I guess, so we watched it many times! I especially loved it when my granny told me that Joel Chandler Harris was in the family! Uncle Remus in my family?!! Nothing could have made me happier as a child and it still brings a smile and lots of great memories! Thanks for the smiles and memories on this cold and dreary morning!!!

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    1. Somehow I missed it coming out on tv or even when it was reissued to theaters in 1974 and in the 1980s. How fun that Joel Chandler Harris is one of your ancestors! Stay warm, Rochelle.

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  2. As a child, we had an oversized book of Uncle Remus stories which Dad would read to us in "Uncle Remus" dialect. He was so known for his telling of the stories, that the teachers at our elementary school, would have him come to school on his lunch hour to read to the children in their classrooms. Sadly, that would never happen today. The last time I know of Dad reading one of those stories was on a Christmas night, with his college and high school age grandchildren in their sleeping bags at his feet listening like they did when they were little. Thank you, Uncle Remus, Brer Rabbit, and friends for many wonderful memories.

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    1. What a sweet memory, Joyce. Wouldn't it be wonderful if someone had thought to film your father (if video was available at the time). You would certainly treasure it, I'm sure. Many years ago when I was in college I borrowed a Joel Chandler Harris book of Uncle Remus stories from the library. It was very difficult to read because of the dialect. I think I should borrow a copy again and see how I fare. Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment.

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  3. I love reading these posts about you! I found a place you can watch the whole movie (Song of the South). . . on youtube. We should watch it sometime! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1CAB4C5B77D47FD3

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    1. Thanks, Brenna. We should watch it over Thanksgiving. That would be fun.

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