For anyone who is interested, a long while ago, I made a bet with my sister: I would watch Breaking Bad, and she would watch ten classics. When I reminded her that she hadn’t honored our bet while I’d made it through four seasons, she said, “Yeah, but Breaking Bad is good. And you like it.”
Classic movie fans, please weep with me now.
A year after nagging my sister into watching the first classic film on my list, I forced her into a second just after Christmas. (I had to be present for her to watch, you see.) As before, she drifted off multiple times during the movie. For the first film, Body and Soul, I could understand. It was slow, and the hour was late. But this time, we watched a movie earlier, and this time, Rachel was watching this woman:
I mean, who can’t be entertained by MAE WEST?
My husband, who had urged I’m No Angel be the film I chose, watched Rachel in action and said, “Sorry, Leah, you need to give up. She’s not that tired.”
He was right. Until Rachel is more receptive to the possibility of liking classic film, I’m wasting my time. Naturally, I was feeling down, but shortly afterward, my friend watched the same film. She told me her husband said, “I give it 20 minutes,” and then was so amused that he was imitating West’s walk afterward. This is the kind of love I hope newbies to West will feel. So while I’m giving up on converting my sister to classic film, I am sharing her list for the hesitant watcher among your friends and family. But learn from my example: Make sure you choose someone who IS receptive. (You can, of course, check out this wonderful blogathon too). The list for Rachel has gone through many versions, and I’m cutting my first choice. But the other films are good starting movies for others; thanks to all of you who offered suggestions for Rachel in previous posts. Here the movies are (in no particular order):
- I’m No Angel
- The Third Man
- Smith Goes to Washington
- M
- The Awful Truth
- Scarface (1932)
- On the Waterfront
- The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
- The Man Who Knew Too Much (1934)
- Notorious
I wish you all greater luck than I had. Hopefully, at some point, my sister will change her incredibly stubborn mind all on her own, and give these wonderful films a try.
I know the struggle. I am constantly trying to convert my family into classic movie fans. Although they are more open to watching classic films. I’ve had the most success with comedies and Cary Grant films of course. The other night I had them watch Million Dollar Baby with Priscilla Lane and it was a huge hit thanks to May Robson’s wise cracking elderly heiress.
Thanks, Brittaney! I’ve had much better luck with friends and my husband. My mother is also pretty receptive. But alas, if anything, my younger sister is more adamant against them than Rachel. I didn’t even bother making a bet with her. Keep fighting the good fight!! I haven’t seen that Lane picture yet; you’ve got me convinced:)
Well, I’m flummoxed! I have three sisters and we’re all appreciative of classic film. In fact, we’re getting together in a couple of weeks to see Harold Lloyd in “The Kid” with live accompaniment.
The time will come. Looks like you’ll have to wait for her to turn to the light.
Thanks, Patricia. You’re lucky. My sisters are in sync with me on modern films (and Oscars obsession), so I’ll just have to be grateful for that until Rachel arrives there on her own (my other sister is even more set against them). In the meantime, I DO have friends I can sway:)
Go with screwball comedy, like Bringing Up Baby, that still holds up.
Good suggestion. When she read this blog, she laughed and said she’d try again. We’ll see if that happens. Maybe I could try that if she actually does!:)
All About Eve, Only Angels Have Wings, How Green Was My Valley, and maybe throw in another Hitchcock – The 39 Steps or Rebecca. The Awful Truth is a great choice.
The Awful Truth is one of my favorites.:) You know, I hadn’t thought of The 39 Steps, but I think you’re right. That’s such an accessible one, and quite funny in parts too! Thank you. Leah
I would suggest the James Stewart film, The Mortal Storm, one of the classic films which moves fast and where the first half of the movie is better than the second. Would have been one of the best films of all-time but the ending was such a let down.
Wrong film (Body and Soul) on Garfield for a new classic fan, try Pride Of The Marines if you wish to soften her heart…
Haven’t seen either of these! Thanks for the recs. Maybe they’ll work, once she’s softened up a bit.