Comments on: Gray skies are gonna clear up, put on a happy face

By: Suzi Doll

Suzi Doll — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 19:41:25 +0000

I love all of these classic movies mentioned above, and I have watched them all many times. But, I have to disagree about old movies not having “unsolicited messages.” For example, the musical 42nd STREET is rife with issues and ideology that Depression-era viewers would pick up on–from class consciousness to the plight of women during the Depression to the whole “we have to all pull together for the show to survive” cliche as show-business speak for FDR’s policies. Just because the message isn’t there on the surface of the plot doesn’t mean it’s not there. Sometimes being aware of them increases appreciation for these films. It’s a testament to their artistry that you can enjoy them as superficial entertainment, without any message or issues getting in the way, or dig deeper and discover more.

By: Al Lowe

Al Lowe — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 18:47:10 +0000

Of course, there’s Bye Bye Birdie itself or any of the George Sidney musicals – Thousands Cheer, Anchors Away, the Harvey Girls, Annie Get Your Gun, Kiss Me Kate.
Or there’s Danny Kaye, at the end of On the Riviera, singing Give me a happy ending every time.

By: MDR

MDR — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:21:41 +0000

It’s always interesting to see what movies people select to cheer (or pump) themselves up; some great additional suggestions so far, thanks! I once read a message board inquiry from someone that wanted a list of sorrowful movies – they wanted to watch something that would make them feel sad – and wondered WHY???

By: moirafinnie

moirafinnie — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:52:35 +0000

I love your list, HH--and your readers' suggestions. One film that reminds me of what's important in life and makes me smile is that paean to anarchy, You Can't Take It With You (1938). Pretty corny, I suppose, but there's something about several of the very random characters who pop up that touches and amuses me: Spring Byington's attempts to write the Great American Novel, Donald Meek as the inventor/clerk who's created the mechanical bunny coming out of the cabbage, and Dub Taylor as the blithely oblivious, xylophone playing ex-football star. I guess this movie reminds me that one ought to hang around, just to see what the heck is going to happen next.

By: Jenni, St. Louis

Jenni, St. Louis — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:10:00 +0000

Great post HH! I always think that if this country is going down the tubes, then why do so many immigrate here for a new start in life? Anyhow, you listed some great movies to cheer one, movies with great messages,not some ideology to cram down a viewer’s throat. It Happened One Night, Bringing up Baby, What’s Up Doc?, Yours, Mine, and Ours, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, It’s a Mad,Mad,Mad,Mad World, Destry Rides Again, Support your Local Sheriff, The Cheyenne Social Club; a few I find irresistable to ignore.

By: Patricia

Patricia — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 13:09:52 +0000

Heart and sentiment are supposedly out of fashion. Some of my go-to feel-goods:

LIFE WITH FATHER – Mr. Day’s rant at the newspaper – who can’t relate and laugh.

THE MUSIC MAN – “I always think there’s a band, kid.”

TRUE GRIT – Rooster taking that fence in the last scene leave me with a glow.

GOOD MORNING, MISS DOVE – A straight-laced George Bailey. Where would those folks be without her?