A few years ago, I went through a period where I was ill and bedridden for several months. During that time, I watched many new movies and shows, some of which had been on my watchlist for years. My parents introduced me to Cheers. I finally saw Safety Last (1923) and discovered countless new musicals.
Those experiences reminded me of the power and magic of film—how watching The Boy dangling from that clock, or seeing Norm walk over to his favorite barstool every day—can add brightness to some otherwise dark memories. I love what Debbie Reynolds says in That’s Entertainment! III, about how movies “transported audiences away from… the troubled times of a world war.”
I can’t count the number of times I’ve reached for certain DVDs because I need something that will make me laugh, or something that I know I just really enjoy watching. Whenever I need a pick-me-up, my go-to show is I Love Lucy. I remember the first time my mom and I watched “L.A. At Last!” (the Bill Holden episode), my mom laughed so hard that tears were streaming down her face. I’ll hold that mental image in my mind forever. It was so special to get to share that moment with her and see her so full of joy.
(Fun fact: Japan was one of the first foreign countries to show I Love Lucy. When Bill walked down the streets of Tokyo during the filming of The Bridge on the River Kwai, people would yell [the equivalent of] “Love Lucy! Love Lucy!”)
For my go-to movie, I could probably just pick an old musical out of a hat! But in particular, The Band Wagon, Summer Stock, or Seven Brides for Seven Brothers never fail to put me in a good mood. Old musicals are so happy-go-lucky, and I love living in those worlds where I know everything is going to be okay. The only thing I have to worry about is whether Peter Lawford will steal the girl away from the leading man (which he seems to attempt in quite a few movies [*cough* Easter Parade *cough*])!
Film often plays an key role in the ability to educate us on important topics. Movies and shows that are willing to raise questions about, or awareness for, a certain topic, are important. But there are also times when I’m looking to escape the world I’m in, not to be reminded of it. I don’t always need to be impressed with the cleverness of a plot, or shocked by an unexpected twist. Sometimes, all I need is to feel safe and comforted; to watch something that will bring me pure joy.
How about you? What shows or movies make you happy?
Sources:
Andrews, B. (1985). The “I Love Lucy” Book. Doubleday.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. (1994). That’s entertainment! III [DVD]. United States.
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