Now that TCM’s inaugural Funday Night at the Movies series has come to a close, I think a review of this summer’s choices – and some suggestions for next year (if the channel chooses to continue it) – is in order.

This summer’s baker’s dozen consisted of:

• The Wizard of Oz (1939) – an essential for kids of all ages, no doubt
• Bringing Up Baby (1938) – somewhat appropriate because of all its zany behavior, and it does introduce two screen legends – Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant – to the youngsters, but it’s not altogether a great choice for this series IMO; screwball comedies are hit or miss with kids
• Sounder (1972) – Even though I remember watching this coming-of-age story as an eleven year old when it first came out, I think I got more out of it as an adult when I saw it again many years later.
• Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948) – a fan favorite to be sure (I lost count of how many of the TCM GP contest entrants mentioned this as one of their programming choices), but I can’t help thinking that A&B’s humor is rather dated for today’s more "sophisticated" set
• Oliver! (1968) – I love this movie and think musicals are one of the best ways to introduce classic movies to children, but this one is a little bit long and dull in spots.
• Little Women (1949) – believe it or not, I think the 1933 B&W version with Katharine Hepburn (shouting "Christopher Columbus!") is better, though TCM probably chose this one because of its Technicolor.
• Treasure Island (1934) – a terrific choice, and if the channel has the rights to Walt Disney’s 1950 version (originally released by RKO), perhaps they could show it next summer instead
• The Pride of the Yankees (1942) – I really don’t think this was a very good choice for the series giving the plethora of other classics in the library; it’s a "boys only" story that’s a bit overlong.
• Singin’ in the Rain (1952) – an outstanding choice which should probably be repeated annually
• Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) – again, a great story, but it’s probably too long (and dull in places) for many, and it’s better suited for older kids
• Shane (1953) – good choice, though some parents may object to the violence in it (and most other Western classics, for that matter)
• The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938) – yes, a classic that my kids will watch again and again
• 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1954) – the only Disney movie that made this summer’s series, and it’s a good (though not great) one

Each of the above films was introduced by SpongeBob’s Tom Kenny who, though his love for classic movies is genuine (per his night as Guest Programmer on July 12, 2005 when he chose, among others, Mad Love (1935) & He Who Gets Slapped (1924)), may have suffered because of the format the channel used. As host, he played a character that was ostensibly a classic movie paraphernalia dealer, and a bunch of neighborhood kids (who were obviously not trained actors) would arrive to discuss the movie with him during his intros and outgoes. The banter written for them was less than ideal – it didn’t seem to come from classic movie fans that actually had kids – and was even off-putting at times (in a different way than Ben’s sarcasm can offend). But hey, at least he wasn’t recommending Bergman movies like Fanny and Alexander (1982) to children like Mia Farrow inexplicably did during her GP spot in June, 2006!

TCM can do better, both in the presentation of these chosen classics for kids and in its selection of films (though admittedly the latter of these is difficult given the range in ages of its audience). Firstly, as a father of two, let me suggest some other choices for next summer’s Funday Night at the Movies series, which I think is a good idea that should continue (albeit with a slightly better execution). We’ve had a family movie night in our home for nearly 10 years now, and each of these has entertained (sometimes even educated) our children:

• I Remember Mama (1948) – Told through a series of vignettes, the film's story covers various hardships encountered by a family (led by Irene Dunne, in the title role) – financial struggles to afford schooling for the oldest son, the loss of a pet, an accident that puts one of the children in the hospital, the "coming of age" of a daughter – and how their love and teamwork help them to deal with these events. All the while, optimistic Mama and Papa impart some timeless values of unconditional love, hope and perseverance which contribute to making this movie an essential family classic, one that's very much worth the 134 minute time investment it takes to view it.
• Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) – this delightful musical comedy drama (set during the time leading up to the 1904 World’s Fair) can be enjoyed by the whole family; its story covers all the seasons, but especially the Halloween and Christmas holidays. Its wonderful cast is led by Judy Garland, making it a perfect bookend to The Wizard of Oz (1939). Two similar movies which TCM could show: On Moonlight Bay (1951) and its sequel By the Light of the Silvery Moon (1953), both featuring Doris Day.
• Scaramouche (1952) – another must-see swashbuckling adventure that features (what was) the longest sword fight in the history of cinema; colorful, funny, and vastly entertaining with an intricate storyline that probably influenced George Lucas (per the first Star Wars movie; much of its plot is so similar). If your children don’t object to B&W movies, I’d also highly recommend The Prisoner of Zenda (1937) with Ronald Coleman; the 1952 version starring Scaramouche’s Stewart Granger is O.K. too.
• My Fair Lady (1964) – this Academy Award winning musical is one of my kids’ favorites, per the number of times they request it for movie night, because of its many great songs, beautiful presentation, and funny moments.
• The Secret Garden (1949) – a classic story that’s been remade so many times I’ve lost count and here is the best original sound version in the channel’s library (waiting to be shown). Featuring MGM’s Margaret O’Brien, Herbert Marshall and a young Dean Stockwell (among many others), this heartwarming tearjerker is appropriate for all ages.
• Roman Holiday (1953) – another Audrey Hepburn Cinderella-like story worth seeing, especially suitable for preteen and older girls
• The Court Jester (1955) – one of Danny Kaye’s most endearing performances and, as a bonus, it features Robin Hood’s villain Basil Rathbone
• The Mark of Zorro (1940), Yankee Doodle Dandy (1942), National Velvet (1944), Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954) & The Yearling (1946) round out my top picks

Some of my other suggestions include: a couple starring Spencer Tracy – Captains Courageous (1937) & Boys Town (1938) – a different Frank Capra comedy – Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) – the Oscar winning Best Picture – The Greatest Show on Earth (1952) – an Alfred Hitchcock thriller – North By Northwest (1959) – another comedy, also starring Cary Grant – Father Goose (1964) – and two message pictures – These Three (1936) and (for teens and older) To Kill a Mockingbird (1962); my kids liked The Miracle Worker (1962) too. Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945) is good, and so is Sinbad the Sailor (1947) and The Thief of Bagdad (1940). Whether your kids would be interested in Fred and Ginger musicals like Top Hat (1935) & Swing Time (1936) or Charlie Chaplin (or Harold Lloyd or Buster Keaton) silents, I don’t know. Tracy’s Edison, The Man (1940) is also excellent historical fiction, but younger children would probably be bored, and Oklahoma! (1955), Damn Yankees! (1958), The King and I (1956), & State Fair (1945) are some other pretty good musical choices. I know that Disney’s animated classics and others like Mary Poppins (1964), Miracle on 34th Street (1947) & The Sound of Music (1965) aren’t in TCM’s library, but they’re great family programming at any time.

And if Tom Kenny’s not available next summer, I’d be happy to host the series;-)