Mystery: solved. We finally know where Sparkler safetylast_23's nickname came from! —SparkNotes editors
After years of spouting useless Humphrey Bogart trivia (he got his scar and lisp in WWI), scoffing at new movies (Paranormal Activity? Puh-lease!), and enduring constant sighs from my parents and friends, I’m forced to admit it: I’m a movie snob.
And I’m not your normal movie snob, either. I specialize in being a snob about movies made from 1918-1959. Why, you ask? Well, I’d tell you, but it would take about 5,000 words and it’s probably a really boring story for everyone but me.
This is my list of four old movies, comedies specifically, that I think everyone can enjoy. This is by no means a complete list of excellent old comedies, just four that aren’t mentioned as often as I'd like:
Safety Last! (1923): WARNING: SILENT FILM. But really, silent films aren't scary. All you need to watch a silent is about 90 minutes of undivided attention, or a clicker so you can pause whenever you want popcorn, because when you turn around, you could miss a title card, and maybe an entire chunk of plot. But if you’re willing, it’s worth it.
This movie stars Harold Lloyd, and there’s not much to the plot. Harold is trying to impress his sweetheart by getting a job in the big city. He’s just a fabric cutter, but she loves him anyway. This is actually a very funny movie, particularly the end...but I won't give it away.
Bringing Up Baby (1938): If you don’t fall in love with Cary Grant and Katherine Hepburn by the end of this film, I question your sense of humor. The plot is simple…er, sorta. Cary Grant is an archaeologist, Katherine is an heiress, and the story involves a Mr. Peabody, an "intercostals clavicle," missing clothes, and a tiger named Baby. Katherine and Cary have amazing chemistry, and there’s an unforgettable scene with Cary Grant in a frilly woman’s bathrobe. Check out the trailer below.
Animal Crackers (1930): Three words: Groucho. Harpo. Chico. What else do you need? The plot absolutely doesn’t matter in this movie. The highlights are Harpo’s physical antics and incomparable harp playing, Chico’s Italian accent and awesome piano, and, of course, Groucho’s cheeky one-liners. Be prepared to laugh until you cry.
The Philadelphia Story (1940): In case you haven’t noticed, I like Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Though they're great here, my favorite actor in this movie is also my favorite person ever: Jimmy Stewart. He’s positively wonderful, and his character will make your heart melt. This movie is immortal, and has a little something for everyone. Fun fact: it was remade in 1956, with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Grace Kelly replacing Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, and Katherine Hepburn, respectively. The remake a musical, and I highly recommend it as well.
Have you seen any of these? Do you recommend any others? Tell us!
Related Post: Old Movies that Are Still Fun to Watch
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By: Contributor
Topics: Digital
Tags: sparkler posts, movies, old stuff, nostalgia, old movies
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