5 Reasons We Love Classic Film

Written by

Image: giphy.com

Dear Reader, if you were our neighbour, we would invite you to our place to celebrate National Classic Movie Day on May 16.

There would be balloons, champagne and, of course, a classic movie. Oh – and cake, too!

Doris Day, James Stewart and Alfred Hitchcock are celebrating too. • Image: Cinephilia & Beyond

Rick at Classic Film and TV Café, an advocate of classic film and movie critic extraordinaire, hosts an annual blogging bash to mark National Classic Movie Day. His challenge: Choose five vintage celebrities who make classic movies seem all the more special to you.

We wrestled with this decision for weeks. In the end, we settled on five stars for whom we drop everything to watch. They are five of the reasons we love classic film.

1. Ida Lupino

Ida Lupino in They Drive By Night (1940) • Image: tumblr

Because Ida Lupino seems smart and tough. Her scenes make us think, “This, this, is a great actor at work.”

♦
2. & 3. Fayard and Harold Nicholas (The Nicholas Brothers)

The Nicholas Brothers in Stormy Weather (1943)

Because Fayard and Harold Nicholas seem unfettered by gravity. Their dance sequences make us feel exuberant.

♦
4. Thelma Ritter

Thelma Ritter in Miracle on 34th Street (1947) • Image: Primo Gif

Because Thelma Ritter is unfailingly charismatic. She is a study in scene-stealing.

♦
5. John Wayne

John Wayne in Stagecoach (1939) • Image: Imgur

Because John Wayne’s presence fills the screen. He makes us feel like we can conquer formidable obstacles, too.

Now it’s your turn. Who are some of your fave classic movie stars?

This is part of the Five Stars Blogathon hosted by the Classic Film and TV Café.

Posted in Fan Letter

Happily blogging about old movies and using the royal "We".

63 Comment on “5 Reasons We Love Classic Film”

  1. realthog May 15, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    Glad to see Ida Lupino right up there at the top, where she deserves to be. Always.

    Not so sure about one of your choices, who generally has me reaching for the “off” switch. You’ll probably guess who . . .

    Liked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 6:26 am

      I think I can guess who, Pilgrim. 😉

      Like

      Reply
      2. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 8:29 am

        What? I thought you were not a John Wayne fan?

        Please, PLEASE do not tell me you do not like Thelma Ritter.

        Like

      3. realthog May 16, 2017 at 9:14 am

        You guessed right the first time — I just don’t get the “Pilgrim” reference.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 10:13 am

        I think John Wayne said it in a film once, but every two-bit impersonation I’ve heard (mine included) always uses “Pilgrim”. It’s a great nickname!

        Like

      5. realthog May 16, 2017 at 10:17 am

        Ah! You see, even John Wayne impersonations have me diving for the remote!

        Liked by 2 people

      6. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 10:24 am

        Haha! John, you are true to your convictions.

        Like

  2. Sarah Brentyn May 15, 2017 at 6:10 pm

    I want to be your neighbour. I’d love to celebrate with you. These are brilliant choices and descriptions. I’d have to think on who would be my choices. Don’t have any off the top of my head.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 6:28 am

      It’s a tough choice. There are so many talented film actors – past and present – that it’s hard to narrow it down to just 5.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Patricia Nolan-Hall (@CaftanWoman) May 15, 2017 at 6:47 pm

    Movies AND cake. I’m there!

    When I watch Ida I don’t think of her consummate abilities first. First I think “I want to be that woman.” Thelma Ritter must have been every screenwriters wish. She could break your heart and make you laugh. “John Wayne’s presence fills the screen.” Indeed!

    Oh, the Nicholas Brothers. Our dad would call us to the TV to watch the Nicholas Brothers. His admiration for their skill was unbound. He wanted us to share that appreciation. How could we not?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 6:31 am

      I love that your dad would bring you in to watch the Nicholas Brothers. They are astounding. The first time I saw them, I thought, “Who ARE these guys, and how come I haven’t seen them before now?”

      Like

      Reply
  4. Debbi May 15, 2017 at 6:55 pm

    Movie, cake, AND Ida Lupino! Awesome! 🙂

    Happy National Classic Movie Day!

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 8:26 am

      It doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

      Like

      Reply
  5. Debbi May 15, 2017 at 6:56 pm

    Reblogged this on I Found it at the Movies and commented:
    Celebrate National Classic Movie Day with the Five Stars Blogathon! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  6. awolverton77 May 15, 2017 at 7:36 pm

    Total agreement on Ida Lupino – a treasure!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 8:28 am

      She really is a treasure, isn’t she? I can’t believe I’d never heard of her until I started watching TCM, and there was an evening of her films. I was STUNNED that I’d never heard of this terrific actress before.

      Like

      Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 8:28 am

      Ha! Thanks! It was tough to narrow it down to only 5 people…

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. First Night Design May 16, 2017 at 11:08 am

        Having said that, I probably wouldn’t include Wayne!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 11:11 am

        Yes, a lot of people don’t like John Wayne, and I completely understand that.

        Liked by 1 person

  8. Carol May 16, 2017 at 7:10 am

    I love Ida!
    Great picks.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 8:30 am

      Ida Lupino is a gem, isn’t she?

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
    2. Hoosier X December 20, 2020 at 6:43 am

      I like John Wayne quite a bit … but some of his films, especially later in his career, are a chore to sit through. I remember when I finally got to The Quiet Man … Ugh! This is an enduring cinema classic? I think it would have worked if they had written Maureen O’Hara as a person with an IQ above 65.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Silver Screenings December 20, 2020 at 8:50 am

        Yeah, the films later in his career are a bit of a grind. And I know what you mean about The Quiet Man. There are fabulous things about it, but overall it leaves me feeling Meh.

        Like

  9. dbmoviesblog May 16, 2017 at 8:51 am

    Excellent choices. John Wayne was such a legend, wasn’t he? I’ll be posting my entry later today.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 10:23 am

      I’ll be by tomorrow to catch up. I’m looking forward to seeing who you chose!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Patricia May 16, 2017 at 9:14 am

    Nice choices – Thelma was on my list as well

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 10:23 am

      Yay! I’m glad you chose Thelma, too. She deserves multiple mentions today.

      Like

      Reply
  11. Reads & Reels May 16, 2017 at 9:29 am

    I would love if they did this near me!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 10:25 am

      I think a lot of people would love it, even people who may not think they’re avid classic movie fans.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  12. thestoryenthusiast May 16, 2017 at 12:09 pm

    I just saw Ida Lupino in Pillow to Post and realized, “wow, she does comedy too!”

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 2:03 pm

      I have to see that one! Ida Lupino and Sydney Greenstreet in the same film = Too Much Fun, I bet.

      Like

      Reply
  13. maddylovesherclassicfilms May 16, 2017 at 12:27 pm

    Great choices. The Nicholas brothers had dancing skills that were out of this world!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 2:04 pm

      Weren’t they amazing? I can’t believe they’re not as famous today as Fred Astaire or Gene Kelly.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. maddylovesherclassicfilms May 16, 2017 at 2:06 pm

        I know! I love Astaire and Kelly, but Harold and Fayard were truly incredible. I am left open mouthed every time I watch one of their routines, how they didn’t hurt themselves is beyond me. So talented.

        Liked by 2 people

  14. carygrantwonteatyou May 16, 2017 at 3:10 pm

    Love that Thelma and the Nicholas brothers made your list–artists that wow us AND fill us with joy. And Ida is a favorite too…

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 16, 2017 at 3:41 pm

      So many talented performers from which to choose. I changed my mind several times, but Ida remained on the list the whole time.

      Like

      Reply
  15. Kurt May 17, 2017 at 12:26 pm

    If I recall. John Wayne used “Pilgrim” a lot in “The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance.” Pilgrim for (perhaps) someone who just arrived and does not know exactly what to do. Wayne did, however. Ritter as a scene stealer is a perfect description.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 17, 2017 at 12:34 pm

      Aha! Thanks for the “Pilgrim” tip. I have to say it’s kind of been driving me crazy…but not crazy enough to actually look up the answer.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  16. Michaela May 17, 2017 at 12:51 pm

    Inspired choices! I have a lot of catching up to do when it comes to Ida and the Nicholas Brothers. That being said, I would be crazy if I didn’t already know how immensely talented they were from the little bits I have seen.

    Also, yay for Thelma Ritter! And John Wayne is the absolute definition of “movie star,” regardless of his acting ability (which I happen to admire).

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 17, 2017 at 1:13 pm

      Thanks, Michaela! I love John Wayne’s movies. I think he has good comic timing, and he also has a rare ability to deliver long speeches while doing something that requires concentration, such as setting up a shot on a pool table, or re-shaping a horseshoe. Those scenes always impress me.

      Like

      Reply
  17. Constance Rose Metzinger May 17, 2017 at 7:21 pm

    The Nicholas Brothers! What a great choice. And it’s so nice to see Thelma Ritter up there too ( she appeared on a several other bloggers fav lists as well ). Ida Lupino I adore and only this week I have been exploring some of her early directorial projects.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 17, 2017 at 8:26 pm

      I would love it if Thelma Ritter was on everyone’s list!

      As for Ida Lupino, I recently discovered I own The Hitchhiker, which I’ve never watched. But I’ll be checking it out soon!

      Like

      Reply
  18. Elazar Abrahams May 17, 2017 at 9:14 pm

    Great posf and well written! Mind dropping a follow at http://www.tvandcity.com ? We’re a new site trying to gain traction.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 18, 2017 at 5:32 am

      Thanks! I’ll drop by your site later today. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  19. CineMaven May 18, 2017 at 7:10 am

    That dolly in shot to John Wayne is magnificent…and Lupino in “They Drive By Night” is a thing of scorching beauty: “The doors made me do it!” Awmgawd, Ida…Ida Idalize ya! Nice list, Ruth.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 18, 2017 at 8:07 am

      Bahaha! “The doors made me do it!” Although everyone in that film is utterly fab, I find I get bored waiting for Ida Lupino to reappear…

      Like

      Reply
  20. Paul S May 18, 2017 at 8:18 am

    I share your love of cake and of John Wayne. Watching Red River at my grandmother’s house is one of my earliest memories!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 18, 2017 at 8:57 am

      What a great memory to have!

      I don’t think I saw a John Wayne movie until I was a young teenager, however that never stopped me from doing bad impersonations of him when I was a kid. But when I saw him on television one evening, I suddenly understood why he became a legend.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  21. estellalynch May 18, 2017 at 10:46 am

    Thelma and Ida and Marion–oh, my! Loved this list. Always a feast for the eyes to watch The Nicholas Brothers dance. A joyful post indeed!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 18, 2017 at 11:45 am

      Thanks! It was difficult to narrow it down to only 5 choices because – as you know – there were SO many fab Hollywood folks back in the day.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  22. classicfilmtvcafe May 18, 2017 at 12:23 pm

    I live the inclusion of the Nicholas Brothers, whose incredible dancing was truly unique. As for Ida Lupino, she was a terrific actress, groundbreaking director, and TV pioneer. And she did all that at a time when the industry didn’t support women getting behind the camera. And, honestly, who doesn’t love Thelma Ritter? What a great list!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 18, 2017 at 4:50 pm

      Thanks, Rick! I had a lot of fun putting together this list. Thanks for organizing this inspiring blogathon. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  23. Le May 18, 2017 at 2:07 pm

    Did I hear the word cake? LOL
    Your choices were surprising and delightful. I’m so pleased to see Thelma Ritter included! Most of us chose A-list stars, and it’s good to see a character actress in a list.
    Thanks for the kind comment!
    Kisses!
    Le

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings May 18, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      I wanted to pick a few lesser-known folks because I knew the A-listers would get a lot of attention. Fortunately, there were lots to choose from!

      Like

      Reply
  25. thefilmedit June 10, 2017 at 11:04 pm

    Thelma Ritter is absolutely iconic!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings June 11, 2017 at 3:56 pm

      You got that right! Thelma Ritter is The Best. 🙂

      Like

      Reply
  26. jamesfitzpatrickphotography February 7, 2018 at 3:41 pm

    Love reading stuff from people who understand and love film. Here’s a few film still if you like movie photography. https://thestreetphotographersguide.blog/2018/02/07/the-10-greatest-film-stills-for-a-budding-photographer/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Silver Screenings February 7, 2018 at 3:49 pm

      Thanks! I’ll be by to read your essay. I’ve already learned a lot from you.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Start Singin', Mac!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.