Classic films offer treasure trove of “new” viewing
By far, the best theater is one that has comfortable chairs, free food and a remote control. Because there were no worthy releases this week, I had the privilege of rediscovering the joys of classic movies. This week I enjoyed an old movie marathon, swooning over characters played by Rock Hudson and Cary Grant. The sad thing is, most teens probably don’t even know how entertaining these men were. How about Doris Day or Grace Kelly? These people were merely the best actors of their time.. Their talents would hold upon big screens today.
My movie this week is the 1959 film Pillow Talk featuring Rock Hudson and Doris Day. The movie, which instantly became my new favorite, opens with Hudson’s character serenading a woman via his party line, which is a shared telephone line. Day’s character enters the scene, irritated with her shared party line partner, Hudson, because he is always on the line, always with a new woman. Having never met in person, Day and Hudson feud over the phone. As the movie progresses, Hudson’s character tricks Day’s character into falling in love with him.
Pillow Talk is also known for its great supporting actors, Thelma Ritter and Tony Randall, who are brilliant. These characters deliver great comic relief.
If you liked Down with Love with Renee Zellweger and Ewan McGregor, which is a farse of several Doris Day movies, then you will love Doris Day’s films. Her poise and class make her Hollywood’s sweetheart.
Services like Netflix and classic movie channels like TCM and AMC make these gems available at little or no cost. If you like Pillow Talk, try other films from the same genre like To Catch a Thief, A Touch of Mink, Breakfast at Tiffany’s and Sabrina (the first one). These movies are classics with amazing actors. The acting of the 1950’s and 1960’s has a certain charm that is hard to duplicate today.