First Movie, Favorite Movies

Once, when I was young, possibly 4 or 5, I remember my father taking my older brother and sister to a movie. I didn't know what movies were or why my mom and I were staying home. It must have been a Monday night because the next morning my mother ironed. I ironed, too. I practiced ironing on my father's handkerchiefs and some other small items. It was not the first time I'd ironed but it was the first time I burned my finger. Of course I cried. My mom took me upstairs, administered to my finger, then brought out a box of popcorn that my father had brought from the theater the night before. It was my first introduction to popcorn and became an instant favorite.

My first experience attending a movie theater was when I was perhaps 5 or 6. My parents took me to a double feature. I think the first movie was for people older than I was. I don't remember its title but I remember that men were on a sailing ship and one of them was whipped. It was a dreadful experience, especially seeing those images larger-than-life in a place where I couldn't run and hide.

Thankfully, the next movie was light, joyful, and fun. It was Walt Disney's "Song of the South" and I loved it. I haven't seen it since that first viewing. I understand it's not sold in the United States but is available in England and one or two other countries.

As I was searching online for a video to post I learned that there's a great controversy over "Song of the South." It's sad that it is so. In my memory it's a joyful movie about two children and the antics of several personified animals told by a loving and lovable grandfatherly gentleman. How I wish adults hadn't adulterated it with their narrow and prejudiced views. My thoughts here, of course, are based my viewing of the movie decades ago when I was a child. Perhaps I would have a different view of the movie if I watched it now.

This was one of the first movies to combine animation and live actors. In the well-known song, "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah," you can see Disney's success. Here it is for your viewing and listening pleasure.

At Song of the South you can learn more about the movie, the actors, the characters, the music, etc. And here you can read more about the controversy that surrounds "Song of the South."

Some of my other favorite movies include (in no particular order)

• "Temple Grandin"
• "Cranford"
• "Hobson's Choice"
• "Letters to Juliet"
• "Fiddler on the Roof"
• "The Whales of August"
• "Anne of Green Gables"
• "Wives and Daughters"
• "A Room with a View"
• "Fried Green Tomatoes"
• "Second-Hand Lions"
• "Sabrina" (with Julia Ormond)

Did you see "Song of the South" as a child? If so, what did you think? What are your favorite movies?

This is another post in The Book of Me series, created by Julie Goucher of Anglers Rest.

--Nancy.

Copyright © 2014 Nancy Messier. All Rights Reserved.