Fireproofing Your Marriage

The movie Fireproof is about saving a marriage which is at risk of burning to the ground. It's a modern tale with a Christian foundation, and we hosted a couple's night at our parish for its viewing. I liked the movie a lot -- especially its premise that no marriage is "fireproof." But that prayer, communication, and forgiveness go a long way toward protecting it. See a sample section of the Love Dare challenge, which is available in a book version and requires 40 days of commitment based upon the verses found in 1 Cor. 13. So Day 1 challenges you to relearn "Love is Patient," and Day 2 "Love is Kind," then "Love is Not Selfish," "Love is Not Easily Irritable," etc.  Further discussion topics for couples are found on study guides at the "Fireproof" website. I think this movie would be also be a good tool for teens to learn about the sacrament and success of marriage vows.  Made by the creators of "Facing the Giants" and rated PG.

Another Christmas movie

My daughter and I searched all the local libraries until we located a copy. We love Hallmark movies, and this one (from 1999) is even better than most: romance, kids with puppy dog eyes, Santa, and a Guardian Angel that saves the day THREE times! Don't miss "A Season for Miracles."

Love Comes Softly

Love Comes Softly, Hallmark film.

We watched a copy borrowed from the library last night. The girls and I had fun catching all of the out-of-period idiosyncrasies: hair, mannerisms, situations. The male protagonist reminded us immensely of Colin Firth! All in all a predictable yet pleasant family show about courage and love.

"Follow the Stars Home" by Hallmark

Here's another movie with pro-life themes. Hallmark made "Follow the Stars Home" in 2002, based on the book by the same title. I highly recommend this inspirational tale for families because it shows the strength and blessings that come from making "good" decisions. Love is a decision -- not just a feeling. This movie touches on both sides of dating, broken marriage (some alcoholism and domestic violence are suggested but not clearly shown), abortion, and birth defects.

*spoiler = Younger children might be scared by the scene when a puppy is put in a pillowcase and thrown into the river.

The happy ending of this movie ultimately shows that loving sacrifice, patience, and hope make for a better life.

Review of The Nun's Story

I'm glad that I previewed the Audrey Hepburn movie "The Nun's Story" from 1958. Although unrated, it was classified as "PG" by our library. I would probably let my high school aged children view this one -- because there is no bad language and only mild violence. In the end, however, **spoiler ** = she leaves the convent! I would want to know this beforehand, and so would other Catholic mothers.

The movie is based on Kathryn C. Hulme's book about the experiences of her friend, who was a nurse and an ex-nun in Belgium. "Sister Luke" is portrayed quite respectfully during her novitiate and up to making her final vows with the Carmelites. For its day, this was probably an intimate view of the clergy and convent that many had never seen before. Sister Luke finds her faith tested and struggles with obedience in quite normal ways. She is very smart and full of good intentions. The elder nuns are very supportive and gently loving towards her. But working in the Congo hospital with Dr. Fortunati, she wrestles with her growing esteem for the good doctor. Their interactions are portrayed more like a secular flirtation/attraction, although the author claims this was a fictatious addition by the Hollywood writers. There are also personal conflicts for Sister Luke because of World War II and her Belgian patriotism. In the end, she chooses to leave the convent. Unfortunately, the movie does not address her difficulties after she is free of the convent. The Catholic Bishops web site is kind to this movie, but I doubt it serves much usefulness amongst those discerning a vocation.

Note: Audrey Hepburn actually met Marie-Louise Habets (the former nun) while preparing for the role, and Habets later helped nurse Hepburn back to health following her near-fatal horse-riding accident on the set of the 1960 film "The Unforgiven." Hepburn earned her third Academy Award nomination for "The Nun's Story."

"Persuasion" on PBS

I was persuaded to like the new PBS version of "Persuasion" upon my second viewing tonight with the local Jane Austen Book Club. The hero and heroine are sublime, and the first three-quarters of the movie are excellent! (Could have been a better casting of Lady Russell and Mrs. Smith, but sister Mary is QUITE hilarious.) There's an excess of running -- without bonnets, my dears -- in the final three scenes! Overall, Anne is a dutiful girl, who keeps her sense of humor and perspective through many trials. Another fine message that modern daughters would do well to imitate! Available at many libraries (the book is even better) or online.

"Enchanted April"

"The Enchanted April" book from 1922 was made into a wonderful film back in 1992. Some libraries and rental stores should still have it. Best watched during your own rainy season – such as this 4th week of April! You cannot help but feel warmed by the Italian sun. The story revolves around four British women who leave damp and rainy London to go on a holiday at a secluded coastal villa in Italy (Portofino). Two housewives, each in her own way suffering through an empty marriage, are joined by a beautiful young socialite and an elderly dowager. Two are selfish and two are unselfish, but all four find hope again through the beauty of their surroundings and a good bit of reflection and humor along the way. The book "The Enchanted April" by Elizabeth von Arnim is available to read online at: http://digital.library.upenn.edu/women/arnim/april/april.html and would be a perfect supplement to any British Literature unit (grades 7 and up).

Random Harvest

The other evening Turner Classic Movies paid tribute to Greer Garson, who also starred in the beautiful and touching movie Mrs. Miniver.

The movie my husband and I watched was Random Harvest starring Ronald Colman (who also starred in A Tale of Two Cities) and of course Greer Garson.

This 1942 movie was based on a book by James Hilton who also wrote Lost Horizon. It is a story set during World War I. Mr. Colman plays Smithy a soldier suffering from amnesia and recently released from an asylum. Ms. Garson plays Paula, a vivacious stage entertainer who has a soft spot of the ailing "Smithy". When Smithy is in danger of being returned to the asylum and in order to protect him, Paula runs away with him.

The two inevitably fall in love, marry and have a child.

One day, Smithy has a chance for a good employment position and goes to Liverpool for an interview. However, an accident prevents him from keeping that appointment but it helps restore his memory.

The tale now gets complicated for all involved.

I had never seen this movie before the other night. It captivated both my husband and me with the beauty of the storyline. It is now on my list of the top love stories of all times.


"She's My Daisy" video.

Marty

On the O'Reilly Factor yesterday, Bill O'Reilly picked 90 year young Ernest Borgnine as the American Icon of the Week. Mr. Borgnine certainly deserved that honor. I am so happy I watched that segment because a wonderful movie that I had just about forgotten about, was highlighted. That movie was Marty which was released in 1955.

I remember first watching the movie as a young girl and I really enjoyed it. It was a movie that was set in a city. I don't recall if it was New York City or not but that is one reason I remember deciding to watch it. I have a penchant for New York City based movies.

Ernest Borgnine played a single guy who was a butcher by trade and who lived with his mother, (an actress by the name of Esther Minciotti). His mother unintentionally put pressure on him to get married and have a family. He was a lonely guy who felt no girl would want to date him because he wasn't attractive. He did have a bunch of friends who he hung around with for company.

One day, he meets a lonely and shy teacher, (beautifully portrayed by actress Betsy Blair), and eventually they hit it off. Unfortunately, jealously drives Marty's mother and his friends to tell him that she is not good enough or attractive enough for him.

This becomes a problem that Marty has to face. Does he please his mother ? Does he please his friends, and therefore submit to peer pressure? Or, does he go to the woman he is falling in love with?

I highly recommend it.

Old Romantic Movies List for Moms

The following are for the mom who would like to enjoy a romantic move with her dear husband or by herself. They are some of my favorite romance movies. All prior to 1960:

1. Summertime 1955 Katherine Hepburn and Rosanno Brazzi

2. The Enchanted Cottage 1945 Robert Young and Dorothy McGuire

3. Three Coins in the Fountain 1955 Clifton Webb and Dorothy McGuire

4. Now, Voyager 1942 Bette Davis and Paul Henreid

5. An Affair to Remember 1957 Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr (who died today. May she rest in peace).

6. Sabrina 1954 Audrey Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart and William Holden

7. Rebecca 1940 Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier

8. Jane Eyre 1944 Joan Fontaine and Orson Welles

7. The African Queen 1951 Queen Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn

8. Backstreet 1941 Charles Boyer and Margaret Sullavan

9. Imitation of Life 1959 Lana Turner and John Gavin

10. Magnificent Obsession 1954 Jane Wyman and Rock Hudson