CABIN FEVER
SWEET STREAMS
by Joan Birsh
Streaming films and TV shows represents an invaluable distraction. But what to watch…
I like lists. Not long lists (e.g. The 100 Most Popular Movies Ever). But short lists, like the one that follows, with just a few entries in a bunch of categories. NOTE: My comments in italics include a few facts I found of interest.
Just for the Fun of It
Three movies that you have probably seen before. But which make you laugh every time.
Groundhog Day… Bill Murray is brilliant as the smarmy weatherman who relives the same day over and over again. NETFLIX
This is one of the movies that families and friends have chosen to watch together/apart during the coronavirus quarantine.
Tootsie… Dustin Hoffman plays a struggling New York actor, who in order to win a part reinvents himself as a tough middle-aged actress. NETFLIX
Dustin Hoffman suggested the title of Tootsie. This was the name his mother gave her dog, and reportedly also her son.
Caddyshack… You know the plot – An exclusive golf course with a brash new member and a dancing gopher. NETFLIX
Caddyshack was inspired by the Indian Hill Country Club in the Chicago suburbs where Bill Murray and his brothers caddied as kids.
Husband movies
My husband Arthur says he only likes movies that have a horse in them. Two of his favorites:
Red River… In need of money following the Civil War, Thomas Dunson (John Wayne) and his young partner (Montgomery Clift) lead a cattle drive to Missouri. PRIME
This classic Western is my husband’s all-time favorite. The film was shot on a vast cattle ranch near Elgin, AZ from June to Nov. 1946.
High Noon… A town marshal is torn between his sense of duty and his new bride. He must eventually face a gang of killers alone. STARZ
In the 1952 Academy Awards Gary Cooper won Best Actor. The Best Song was “Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin” sung by Tex Ritter.
Oldies but Goodies
A remedy for coronavirus blues.
Top Hat 1935… Fred Astaire plays an American dancer in London to star in a show. He meets and attempts to win the affection of Dale Tremont (Ginger Rogers). PRIME
Fred is brilliant in the dance scenes. But how about Ginger. She makes every move that he does, but backwards in high heels!
Stage Door 1937… Katharine Hepburn plays a spoiled rich girl Terry Randall, one of a group of women living in a boarding house for aspiring actresses. NETFLIX
The other boarding house residents were played by some talented newcomers – Ginger Rogers, Eve Arden and a very young Lucille Ball.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s 1961… Audrey Hepburn shines as Holly Golightly, a party girl who becomes interested in a newcomer to her NYC apt. building. But her past threatens to get in the way of romance. STARZ
This film is surely of special interest to Bill and Carolyn Chaney. Ocean Reef Member Bill Chaney was Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Tiffany’s for 15 years.
TV Series
My picks of these three TV series couldn’t be more diverse.
Tiger King… This bizarre documentary chronicles a rivalry between big cat eccentrics (read tiger nuts). It takes a dark turn when Joe Exotic, a controversial animal park boss, is caught in a murder-for-hire plot. NETFLIX
Do I love it? No but it is “awful fascinating”. You can’t have a Facetime conversation or a Zoom party without dissecting Tiger King.
Marvelous Mrs. Maisel… Midge Maisel is a 1950s Upper West Side NYC housewife who discovers she has a flair for stand-up comedy. After her husband leaves her, she sets about turning her pain into punch lines, the raunchier the better. PRIME
I love this show! I’ve seen Season 1 and 2. Now I plan to catch up with Season 3.
The Great British Baking Show… Basic TV-contest format, with cheeky hosts and judges with high standards. But the show is unusually gentle and kind, and extremely British. NETFLIX
Seeing the celebrity chef and octogenarian Mary Berry discuss a cake’s “soggy bottom” does not whet my appetite for this show. But I’m in the minority. Most people love it.
Early Release Films
With movie theaters shut down across the country, many distributors are releasing their movies early on digital platforms. Be the first on the block to watch these three. All found on PRIME
Emma
Birds of Prey
Frozen 2
I don’t know about Birds of Prey, but Emma is Jane Austin and Frozen 2 is Disney’s sequel to Frozen 1. That’s enough to lure me into a TV rental.
B’way On Film
Here are 3 of the 15 plays andMusicals you can watch from
your couch.
Go to Google and type: 15 Broadway Plays and Musicals You Can Watch On Stage From Home
Rent
Sweeney Todd
Cats
I’m currently watching Rent, which won the 1996 Tony Award for Best Musical. How did I miss seeing it when it ran on B’way for 12 years?
Last Word: This article was designed to help you convert hours of frustrating “choosing” to hours of pleasurable “watching.” … Next week CABIN FEVER will recommend books. I would love to hear what you and other Members are reading. Email: jbirsh18@gmail.com.