Reply to Topic
I'm not even really supposed to be here, as I haven't watched a majority of the movies of this era. But here I am, and first of all I'd like to thank @mark f for posting that thoughtful review of GWTW - especially for those insights about Mammy as the wisest character and the maturation of belle Scarlett.
I also will comment that of all the films I've seen ( and haven't yet seen) from the 30's, I cannot imagine hardly any movie scoring higher than GWTW. It is a classic that reaches across the years and never fades. Meaningful and entertaining and richly engaging and the epitome of everything a great movie should be.
And for me ( even tho I haven't voted in this list but CR has graciously encouraged me to butt in with comments
) GWTW would rate at the top of the list.
Except for one movie - and that would be the joyous and timeless Wizard of Oz . It's a close call, but that is my personal favorite of all the 30's movies. And here's why: It appeals ( as many great movies, such as To Kill A Mockingbird) to the child and adult in us all. It never goes out of style, : generation after generation of children are enthralled by this film, not to mention the countless remakes. It is as reassuring to return to as watching the glittering stars in the night sky - as filled with gentle and familiar guidance as the North Star, and filling us with the same wonder that never dims when we gaze upon the Milky Way. It is simply- as the best creations in literature and cinema must be- universal.
But here's the deepest ( and my personal) reason I rate it #1 - I am a music lover who attends all sorts of concerts, song circles and friendly jams. I can tell you that there is one song - whenever it's heard, whoever sings it, and however it's sung - that makes the entire crowd hush and listen and wipe a tear from their faces , which fill with fond remembrance and joyful wonder.
And that is Over the Rainbow.
For everything this movie is to its millions of fans , and for everything that Over the Rainbow is to 80 years of we singers and listeners, I rate The Wizard of Oz as Number 1.
And now - on with the list - and I still eagerly await the input of the 30s cinemaphile contributors who are surely more informed and diligent than I.
I also will comment that of all the films I've seen ( and haven't yet seen) from the 30's, I cannot imagine hardly any movie scoring higher than GWTW. It is a classic that reaches across the years and never fades. Meaningful and entertaining and richly engaging and the epitome of everything a great movie should be.
And for me ( even tho I haven't voted in this list but CR has graciously encouraged me to butt in with comments
) GWTW would rate at the top of the list. Except for one movie - and that would be the joyous and timeless Wizard of Oz . It's a close call, but that is my personal favorite of all the 30's movies. And here's why: It appeals ( as many great movies, such as To Kill A Mockingbird) to the child and adult in us all. It never goes out of style, : generation after generation of children are enthralled by this film, not to mention the countless remakes. It is as reassuring to return to as watching the glittering stars in the night sky - as filled with gentle and familiar guidance as the North Star, and filling us with the same wonder that never dims when we gaze upon the Milky Way. It is simply- as the best creations in literature and cinema must be- universal.
But here's the deepest ( and my personal) reason I rate it #1 - I am a music lover who attends all sorts of concerts, song circles and friendly jams. I can tell you that there is one song - whenever it's heard, whoever sings it, and however it's sung - that makes the entire crowd hush and listen and wipe a tear from their faces , which fill with fond remembrance and joyful wonder.
And that is Over the Rainbow.
For everything this movie is to its millions of fans , and for everything that Over the Rainbow is to 80 years of we singers and listeners, I rate The Wizard of Oz as Number 1.
And now - on with the list - and I still eagerly await the input of the 30s cinemaphile contributors who are surely more informed and diligent than I.
Last edited by lenslady; 11-27-18 at 04:12 AM.
