Tag: double feature

Take 3: The Little Match Girl (1987) Review (Golden Double Double Feature Part 4)

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Thanks for joining me for the fourth part of my Golden Double Double Feature! The majority of my review of The Little Match Girl is spoiler-free. If you’d like to learn more about why I chose this year’s double feature theme, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

Announcing The Golden Double Double Feature!

The Little Match Girl (1987) poster created by NBC Productions and National Broadcasting Company (NBC).

1. Out of the movies from Rue McClanahan’s filmography, why did you select The Little Match Girl?

Unlike my decision to review Mask and Mame, I knew Rue starred in The Little Match Girl before selecting the movie for the Golden Double Double Feature. However, similar to when I wrote about Mame and Mask, I had heard of The Little Match Girl, but hadn’t seen it prior to this double feature review. I also knew the 1987 film was an adaptation of one of Hans Christian Andersen’s stories. When it comes to The Little Match Girl, though, I was surprised to learn how many times that story was adapted, including in the 1980s. Throughout my eight-year blogging journey, I have covered my fair share of Christmas movies, especially those of the made-for-TV variety. With all that said, I decided to give The Little Match Girl a chance!

2. In The Little Match Girl, Rue portrays Frances Dutton. How is Frances Dutton similar or different from Blanche?

From what I remember, Blanche Devereaux came from a wealthy, Southern background. This fact was brought up from time to time on The Golden Girls. Rue’s character in The Little Match Girl, Frances Dutton, comes from a wealthier background as well. However, Frances and Blanche possess a major difference. While Blanche is sassy, bold, and even flirty, Frances is the complete opposite. In The Little Match Girl, Frances is not only soft-spoken and tender-hearted, she also has a gentler persona. So, it was interesting to see Rue portray a very different character in the 1987 Christmas film.

3. According to The Little Match Girl’s poster, the movie is based on Hans Christian Andersen’s story of the same name. Is there any story from Hans’ bibliography you wish had received a film adaptation?

As I mentioned in answer number one, I was surprised to learn how many times The Little Match Girl was adapted, including in the 1980s. But there have been other stories from Hans’ bibliography that received adaptations, with The Little Mermaid being a notable one. Therefore, I’d like to see an adaptation of one of Hans’ more overlooked titles. For example, The Bell revolves around the mystery of a bell that only rings at sunset. With nature playing a major role in The Bell, an adaptation of this story could be presented as live-action, with the cinematography of natural landscapes stealing the show. However, I think The Bell could also work as an animated project.

4. Was there anything about The Little Match Girl you liked or didn’t like?

Screenwriting, including the dialogue, in made-for-TV movies can be hit or miss. In 1987’s The Little Match Girl, however, I found some of the dialogue cleverly written. One example is when Neville meets the titular little match girl, Molly. When he orders a coffee, Neville adds alcohol from his flask. After Molly asks Neville about the flask, he tells her its “courage”. Molly then responds by telling him, “It doesn’t come in a bottle”. Later in the film, Police Chief Murphy threatens to shut down a local newspaper if there are any reports of Fennel Street’s residents being forced to leave their homes before Christmas. Joseph, the newspaper’s editor, tells Murphy, “Why don’t you crawl back in my father’s pocket where you belong”? Murphy spats out his response to Joseph when he says, “Cause I’m too big”. Because of how clever these responses were, it made these interactions (and the scenes themselves) memorable.

Like I just mentioned in this review, Police Chief Murphy threatens to shut down a local newspaper if there are any reports of Fennel Street’s residents being forced to leave their homes before Christmas. Joseph wants to report this injustice in order to save the homes of Fennel Street’s residents. One tactic is placing Molly’s picture on the newspaper’s front page to draw empathy for the intended cause. But the movie’s viewers don’t know if this tactic worked. That’s because the viewers never see the newspaper with Molly’s picture on the front page in circulation. This is an example of telling instead of showing. It’s also an example of how the movie prioritizes the stories of the grown-up characters despite The Little Match Girl being the movie’s title.

5. As I mentioned in my review of 1974’s Mame, there were two Christmas episodes of The Golden Girls; ‘ ‘Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas’ and ‘Have Yourself a Very Little Christmas’. If the show had created more Christmas episodes, what type of story would you have proposed?

In The Golden Girls’ sixteenth episode from the fourth season, ‘Two Rode Together’, Dorothy and Sophia take a trip to Walt Disney World. This creative decision was part of a trend where various sitcoms would set aside a special episode showing their characters taking a Walt Disney World trip. Based on what I recall, I don’t think any of these episodes take place around Christmastime. So, I would propose an episode of The Golden Girls where the “golden girls” spend Christmas in Orlando. Walt Disney World at Christmastime has been known for its beautiful decorations. Plus, I can think of hilarious antics that could be written into a story like this. Since three of Walt Disney World’s parks were open during the lifespan of The Golden Girls, there are a variety of attractions that could be featured in the episode.

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6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

For this part of my review, I will spoil The Little Match Girl. If you have not seen this movie and are planning on watching it, skip ahead to question number seven.

Whenever Molly uses one of her matches, the flame sparkles. A snow angel she makes toward the beginning of the movie sparkles as well. In one scene, Molly explains to Joseph’s son, Jamie, that angels ride on shooting stars directly from Heaven if anyone in the world is in trouble. When Molly is discovered missing by Jamie’s grandpa, Haywood, it’s implied Molly was an angel the entire time. While this was an interesting plot twist, it’s a creative decision that left me with more questions than the movie was willing to provide answers for. Did Molly pass away prior to the events of The Little Match Girl or was she an angel that always existed in Heaven, similar to the angels from Touched by An Angel? How long has Molly been an angel? Has anyone known about Molly’s angel identity? The more I think about this plot twist, I more I believe there’s important lore missing from the script.

7. Throughout The Golden Girls, cheesecake became an iconic staple of the show. What would you say is the iconic staple of The Little Match Girl?

You would think I’d choose Molly’s matches, as the 1987 film is titled The Little Match Girl. But I’m selecting a candle instead. The residents of Fennel Street organize a protest at the Dutton family house, in an effort to save their homes. During the protest, they carry candles, with one of the protesters’ candles being lit by Molly herself. Toward the end of The Little Match Girl, Molly lights the candles of an angel themed Christmas decoration. But beyond the movie itself, candles are sometimes associated with Christmas décor; from candles in windows to candles placed on Christmas trees. Light is also a major theme of the Christmas holiday, such as the season of Advent and the Nativity Star. I’d even say light is a major theme of The Little Match Girl.

8. The Little Match Girl is a made-for-TV film. How does this movie compare to other Christmas television movies you’ve seen and even reviewed?

Looking back on the Christmas television films I’ve seen and reviewed, some of those titles featured at least one younger protagonist. But if I had to compare The Little Match Girl to another made-for-TV movie I’ve covered, it would have to be the 1999 film, If You Believe. Both stories possess a younger protagonist whose actions significantly impact the life of at least one of the story’s key characters. If You Believe and The Little Match Girl contain a sense of magical realism. These movies share the flaw of telling instead of showing as well.

9. The Little Match Girl was released on December 21st, 1987 (within the third season of The Golden Girls). Do you think the show had any impact on the movie?

In my review of Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine, I speculated why the Hallmark Hall of Fame collection may not have cast any of the “golden girls” (Rue, Bea, Estelle, and Betty) in their movies during The Golden Girls’ lifespan. One of those speculated reasons was how Hallmark Hall of Fame and The Golden Girls were broadcast on separate networks. According to IMDB, 1987’s The Little Match Girl was not only produced by NBC Productions, it was also distributed by National Broadcasting Company (NBC). As I mentioned in my Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine review, The Golden Girls aired on NBC. With that said, I don’t believe it was a coincidence for The Little Match Girl’s creative team to consider casting Rue in their movie.

10. After watching The Little Match Girl, is there anything you can take away from your movie-viewing experience?

Like I said in answer number one, I have covered my fair share of Christmas movies throughout my eight-year blogging journey, especially those of the made-for-TV variety. When it comes to 1987’s The Little Match Girl, I found the movie fine and serviceable. While there were strengths within the film, such as the acting performances and the cleverly written dialogue, the movie’s flaws held it back from being a stronger presentation. Despite the movie’s title being The Little Match Girl, the script prioritizes the stories of the grown-up characters. This creative decision kind of makes the title seem misleading, as I expected the story to focus more on the titular little match girl, Molly. Even though the plot twist was interesting, it left behind more questions than the movie was willing to provide answers for. In my opinion, it feels like important lore may have been omitted from the script. Reflecting on The Little Match Girl, as well as other Christmas films I’ve seen and reviewed, I can think of titles that are stronger than the 1987 picture. However, I can also think of movies that are weaker than The Little Match Girl.

The Golden Double Double Feature banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original image created by Touchstone Television, Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, 20th Television, and National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

Thank you for being a friend!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Mame (1974) Review (Golden Double Double Feature Part 3)

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Thanks for joining me for the third part of my Golden Double Double Feature! My review of 1974’s Mame is spoiler-free. If you’d like to learn more about why I chose this year’s double feature theme, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

Announcing The Golden Double Double Feature!

Mame (1974) poster created by Warner Bros. and American Broadcasting Company (ABC)

1. Out of the movies from Bea Arthur’s filmography, why did you select Mame?

Similar to what I said about my decision to review Mask, I had no idea Bea starred in Mame until I saw the movie listed on her IMDB filmography. While I have heard of Mame prior to selecting it for the Golden Double Double Feature, I had never seen the film. But as I researched Mame before publishing this review, I learned the movie’s reception was mostly negative. Even though I watch every film I write about with an open mind, including Mame, the aforementioned reception led me to approach Mame with low expectations.

2. In Mame, Bea portrays Vera Charles. How is Vera Charles similar or different from Dorothy?

If I could choose one word to describe Dorothy Zbornak, it would be “honest”. In fact, her brutal honesty helps her achieve distinctiveness on The Golden Girls. I remember one scene on the show when Rose asks Dorothy if she can ask her a question. Dorothy matter-of-factly responded to Rose by saying, “Better than anyone I know”. Bea’s character in Mame, Vera Charles, shares this brutal honesty with Dorothy. The musical number, “Bosom Buddies”, perfectly highlights this characteristic. But there is a major difference between Dorothy and Vera. Because Vera is a stage actress, her personality is more dramatic. Meanwhile, Dorothy carries herself with a “tell it like it is” attitude. Though some viewers could perceive this type of attitude as rude, it has become appreciated not just by the other characters on The Golden Girls, but by the show’s fans as well.

3. According to Wikipedia, Mame was the Easter attraction at Radio City Music Hall. Yet, on The Golden Girls, it doesn’t seem like there was an Easter themed episode. Why do you think The Golden Girls didn’t capitalize on the Easter holiday?

Radio City Music Hall choosing Mame as their Easter attraction is a surprising decision. This is because, according to Wikipedia, Disney’s adaptation of Alice in Wonderland (a movie with more family-friendly appeal and a rabbit as one of the main characters) was re-released in March of 1974. To answer question number three, I believe the creative team behind The Golden Girls just never found an Easter themed story that was worth telling on the show. This belief is similar to my answer for the fifth question of my Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine review, where I speculate why The Golden Girls never received a television film.

4. Was there anything about Mame you liked or didn’t like?

As I said in answer number two, Vera was a brutally honest woman with a dramatic personality. These qualities, along with a drier sense of humor, allowed Vera to add some comic relief to Mame. One of the film’s funniest scenes is when Vera wakes up in Mame’s bathtub after Mame throws an extravagant party the previous evening. To help Vera become more awake, Mame turns on the shower. Vera just stands in the middle of the bathtub, providing no reaction to the shower’s water. I found that lack of reaction hilarious because I wasn’t expecting Vera to just stand in the middle of the bathtub and simply appear irritated due to the interruption caused by the shower’s water. In my opinion, Bea’s portrayal of Vera stole the show!

According to IMDB, Mame has a run-time of two hours and twelve minutes. This run-time could be felt, especially after Mame’s nephew, Patrick, grows up. The second half of Mame was drawn-out, which caused the film’s pace to slow down. In fact, the overall pace of Mame was inconsistent because of how drawn-out the second half was. Had the movie been trimmed to about an hour and forty minutes, Mame’s pace could have been a bit faster.

5. Mame is an adaptation of its respective Broadway musical. Several musical moments were featured on The Golden Girls, from the song about Miami I mentioned in my Mask review to “The Sky Is Falling” number from the episode, ‘Henny Penny – Straight, No Chaser’. What Broadway musical do you wish had been referenced on the show?

Like I said in my third answer of my Mask review, the overarching story of The Golden Girls is grounded in reality, meaning the situations depicted on the show seem realistic, more often than not. Though I haven’t seen any performances of Cats, I have heard it’s a musical that prioritizes performance and presentation over the story, forcing the audience to suspend a lot of their disbelief. I’m not sure if Cats was ever referenced on The Golden Girls. But if it wasn’t, I wonder how a show like The Golden Girls would have incorporated a musical like Cats into the story?

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6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

If you look at Mame’s poster, you’ll notice the bright colors sprinkled across the plain white background. This poster is such a good representation of the movie because Mame is a colorful film! The set and costume design adopts bold hues that nicely burst on screen. A great example presents itself during the musical number, “Mame”. All the men in that number, including Mame’s love interest, Beau, wear red riding jackets. Meanwhile, all the women, especially Mame, wear black riding jackets. These two colors effectively contrasted against the green foliage of the Burnside family plantation. While we’re still on the subject of the musical number, “Mame”, I want to talk about the choreography. As I just mentioned, the “Mame” number takes place at the Burnside family plantation. This sprawling space provided plenty of opportunities to showcase impressive dance sequences. Multiple groups of three men each leaped over hedges lining a walkway. These leaps felt reminiscent of horses jumping, which makes sense because, prior to the number, the characters participated in a fox hunt. Later in the number, both men and women leaped around a circular fountain. This creative choice was a simple yet visually appealing way of utilizing the landscape Mame’s creative team had at their disposal.

7. Throughout The Golden Girls, cheesecake became an iconic staple of the show. What would you say is the iconic staple of Mame?

Similar to when I reviewed Mask, there are several good answers I could choose for this question. Since I can pick only one “iconic staple” for Mame, though, I’ll select Vera’s telescope. In Mame, Vera portrays an astronomer in one of her plays. During the musical number, “The Man in the Moon”, Vera carries a beautiful telescope prop covered in gold glitter and pearls. Telescopes are typically associated with exploring, especially when it comes to space. This particular tool can help people see places and objects clearer, as well as discovering new possibilities. Mame’s musical number, “Open a New Window”, stresses one of the film’s major themes of opening your heart and mind to new opportunities, possibilities, and experiences in order to make life more fulfilling. What I said about the telescope perfectly correlates with this major theme from Mame!

8. Christmas plays a role in Mame, as “We Need a Little Christmas” is one of the movie’s musical numbers. Meanwhile, there are two Christmas episodes of The Golden Girls; ‘‘Twas the Nightmare Before Christmas’ and ‘Have Yourself a Very Little Christmas’. When it comes to Christmas stories, do the aforementioned episodes and Mame share any similarities?

Based on the “We Need a Little Christmas” musical number from Mame, as well as the synopsis for both Christmas episodes of The Golden Girls, I’d say a major similarity is how the events of each story affect a small group of characters to varying degrees. Though it’s a week before Thanksgiving, according to Patrick, Mame makes the decision to celebrate Christmas early. Because she, as well as the other characters in Mame, have been impacted by the Great Depression, she attempts to create joy during a time of hopelessness. Meanwhile, the “golden girls” not only discover Stan’s situation while volunteering at a soup kitchen together, they are also held hostage together by “Santa Claus”. Each Christmas episode of The Golden Girls emphasizes the characters working together to deal with the events affecting them.

9. Mame was released in 1974 (11 years before The Golden Girls premiered). Was there any element from the movie you think could have impacted the show?

I already brought up in this review how the musical number, “Bosom Buddies”, perfectly highlights Vera’s brutal honesty. However, this musical number also highlights how Mame can be brutally honest. The purpose of “Bosom Buddies” is to stress how, despite the brutal honesty among Mame and Vera, their friendship remains valued by each woman. As I was watching this musical number, I was reminded of the friendship between Sophia, Dorothy, Blanche, and Rose on The Golden Girls. There have been times where, at least, one of these women has been so honest, it catches the others off-guard. But, at the end of the day (or by the end of an episode), the friendship among the “golden girls” is cherished, even over a serving of cheesecake. So, to answer this question, I’d say the honest friendship in Mame could have impacted the friendship on The Golden Girls.

10. After watching Mame, is there anything you can take away from your movie-viewing experience?

When I answered question number one in this review, I brought up how I learned Mame’s reception was mostly negative. On IMDB, the film received a score of 5.9. Personally, I think the negativity toward Mame is a bit harsh. Yes, the movie has its flaws, such as its two hour and twelve-minute run-time. But, in my opinion, Mame is fine and entertaining-enough. The set and costume design clearly showed the film’s creative team had a strong vision and consistently stuck with it. The choreography was executed well, especially during the musical number, “Mame”. Bea’s portrayal of Vera was such a highlight, I wish she was featured in the movie more. Vera’s brutal honesty, dramatic personality, and drier sense of humor helped her steal the show! I’m honestly glad I approached Mame with low expectations. Those expectations were surpassed, allowing me to enjoy this film.

The Golden Double Double Feature banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original image created by Touchstone Television, Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, 20th Television, and National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

Thank you for being a friend!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Mask (1985) Review (Golden Double Double Feature Part 2)

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Thanks for joining me for the second part of my Golden Double Double Feature! My review of 1985’s Mask is spoiler-free. If you’d like to learn more about why I chose this year’s double feature theme, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

Announcing The Golden Double Double Feature!

Mask (1985) poster created by Universal Pictures

1. Out of the movies from Estelle Getty’s filmography, why did you select Mask?

I had no idea Estelle had starred in Mask until I saw the movie listed on her IMDB filmography. Prior to selecting it for the Golden Double Double Feature, I had heard good things about the movie. In fact, I learned about Rocky’s story as I researched the film before this review. By choosing it for this year’s double feature, I found the perfect excuse to finally check Mask out!

2. In Mask, Estelle portrays Evelyn Steinberg. How is Evelyn Steinberg similar or different from Sophia?

In Mask, Estelle portrayed Evelyn Steinberg. Evelyn is not only Rocky’s grandmother, but also the mother of Rusty (Rocky’s mom). While Evelyn is the mother of a main character like Sophia on The Golden Girls, she isn’t as outspoken or a storyteller like Sophia. Instead, Evelyn tries to keep the peace within her family and doesn’t get involved in family conflicts. She ended up receiving less screen-time in Mask than Sophia did on a typical episode of The Golden Girls.

3. Mask is based on the real-life story of Roy L. “Rocky” Dennis. Can you think of a time on The Golden Girls when real-life stories, themes, or ideas were woven into the script?

Though The Golden Girls is classified as a sit-com, the overarching story is grounded in reality, meaning the situations depicted on the show seem realistic, more often than not. One classic example is the sixth episode from the third season, ‘Letter to Gorbachev’. Because the episode aired on Halloween in 1987, that could have given The Golden Girls’ creative team an excuse to make a Halloween-themed episode. Instead, the creative team crafted a story where Rose writes a letter to both President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev sharing her thoughts on nuclear war. Because nuclear war, as well as The Cold War, were two of the most discussed issues during the 1980s, fans of The Golden Girls were probably comforted by one of their favorite characters being just as concerned as they were about these real-life subjects. Rose’s decision to write the aforementioned letters also shows viewers how anyone, no matter their age, can make a difference.

4. Was there anything about Mask you liked or didn’t like?

I said in the past how I typically don’t gravitate toward “slice of life” stories. In my opinion, these types of stories are not as intriguing as other story types. But the “slice of life” approach to storytelling worked in Mask’s favor. It presented Rocky’s story as a glimpse into his life instead of the chronological presentation most biopics adopt. This creative decision brought something different to the biopic genre. What also worked in Mask’s favor was the strength of the acting performances. Each cast member, from Cher’s portrayal of Rusty or Eric Stoltz’s portrayal of Rocky, put genuine emotion behind their performance, finding the heart of the people they’re portraying and bringing the humanity to their names. That genuineness made me feel like I was watching people living their lives instead of actors portraying another person.

As I said in answer number two, Evelyn ended up receiving less screen-time in Mask than Sophia did on a typical episode of The Golden Girls. I was disappointed by her limited amount of screen-time, as Estelle is one of the reasons why I chose to watch Mask. According to Wikipedia, Evelyn “tries to mediate the tension between her husband and her daughter”. This statement made me believe she’d play a bigger role in the story. But as I already mentioned, Evelyn received a limited amount of screen-time. Her limited involvement in the story disappointed me as well.

5. Looking back on 1985’s box office, several movies, including Mask, feature younger protagonists (children, teenagers, young adults). Yet younger characters don’t often appear on The Golden Girls. If a younger character had been included within one of the show’s scripts, what kind of story would you have pitched?

One of the sweetest moments in Mask is when Rusty, her boyfriend, Gar, and their motorcycle friends help Rocky in his time of need. Rocky is worried about not having the appropriate attire for his upcoming junior high graduation. After hearing Rocky’s concern over what to wear, Gar tells Rocky to get him a beer from the refrigerator. When Rocky opens the refrigerator, he finds a brand-new suit his mom, Gar, and the rest of the motorcycle friends pitched in to pay for. Inspired by this moment, I would have advocated for a story on The Golden Girls where Dorothy helps one of her students attend either their graduation or prom by funding one of their expenses, whether it’s attire, a ticket, or a ride to the event. Blanche, Rose, and Sophia could also help Dorothy in her effort to assist her student.

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6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

Rocky volunteers at a summer camp for blind and visually impaired youth called Camp Bloomfield. While there, he falls in love with a camper named Diana. They attend a New Year’s Eve themed camp party, which was officially called ‘New Year’s Eve in July’. While I’m familiar with the concept of ‘Christmas in July’, I’ve never heard of ‘New Year’s Eve in July’ before. This makes me wonder why the concept of ‘New Year’s Eve in July’ didn’t catch on in pop culture, let alone entertainment media?

7. Throughout The Golden Girls, cheesecake became an iconic staple of the show. What would you say is the iconic staple of Mask?

There are several good answers I could choose for this question. But, if I can select only one “iconic staple” for Mask, it would have to be Rocky’s map of Europe. Throughout the film, Rocky dreams about taking a motorcycle trip across Europe with his friend, Ben. He even places pins on the map to keep track of which cities he’d like to visit. Rocky’s map of Europe is a perfect visual representation of why dreams are important. However, the map is also a good representation of a lesson Rocky learned from one of Rusty’s motorcycle friends, Red. Rocky shares with Rusty how Red said a person’s spirit is everywhere after they pass away. This lesson, along with the map, show just how powerful the human spirit can be, even long after a person’s death.

8. The Golden Girls takes place in Miami, Florida. This location has been referenced throughout the show, from mentions within the dialogue to an entire song about the city. Does the setting in Mask impact the film’s story like Miami impacted The Golden Girls? If so, how?

Mask not only takes place in California, it was also filmed there. But this location doesn’t impact the story like Miami impacted The Golden Girls. That is because the script prioritized the connections Rocky had with the people in his life. This creative decision was reminiscent of home being more about who you share it with.

9. Mask was released on March 22nd, 1985 (six months before The Golden Girls premiered). Was there any element from the movie you think could have impacted the show?

Throughout Mask, Rocky is concerned about Rusty’s addiction to drugs. He not only places pamphlets about the subject in his home, he also directly confronts his mom about her addiction. The topic of drug addiction was woven into Mask in an honest way, realistically showing viewers how it can affect the person with the addiction as well as their family. As I mentioned in this review, the overarching story of The Golden Girls is grounded in reality, with several episodes incorporating real-life topics into the script. One example is the eighth episode from the first season, ‘Break In’. In this episode, Rose is shaken after a burglary takes place in the home she shares with Dorothy, Blanche, and Sophia. It not only gets to the point where Rose’s sleep schedule is impacted, the other “golden girls” (Blanche, Sophia, and Dorothy) encourage Rose to seek counselling. To answer question number nine, I believe Mask showed the creative team behind The Golden Girls how to honestly address real-life topics in their stories.

10. After watching Mask, is there anything you can take away from your movie-viewing experience?

Mask perfectly embodies the quote, “Those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind”. The genuineness of the acting performances helped contribute to this embodiment, showing each actor’s and actress’s portrayal as someone realistically living their life. What also contributed to this embodiment was how Rocky’s story was told. Instead of adopting a chronological presentation, the creative team behind Mask chose the “slice of life” route, giving viewers a glimpse into Rocky’s life. Like I said in answer number one, I had heard good things about the movie. Now that I’ve seen Mask, I can honestly say this praise is warranted! In fact, I’d say this is one of the best biopics I’ve ever seen. Watching this movie reminded me of Amadeus, as both biopics brought something different to the genre’s table.

The Golden Double Double Feature banner created by me, Sally Silverscreen. Original image created by Touchstone Television, Witt/Thomas/Harris Productions, 20th Television, and National Broadcasting Company (NBC)

Thank you for being a friend!

Sally Silverscreen

Take 3: Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine Review (Golden Double Double Feature Part 1)

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Thanks for joining me for the first part of my Golden Double Double Feature! The majority of my review of Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine is spoiler-free. If you’d like to learn more about why I chose this year’s double feature theme, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

Announcing The Golden Double Double Feature!

Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine poster created by Hallmark Hall of Fame Productions, Ridini Entertainment, and CBS

1. Out of the movies from Betty White’s filmography, why did you select Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine?

When I created my Hallmark Hall of Fame tier rank list in 2020, I not only placed The Lost Valentine in the “Get It On Sale for Half Off” (a.k.a. Good) tier, I also recommended the film because of the use of flashbacks and recognition of Valentine’s Day. But it’s been over eight years since I’ve seen The Lost Valentine. While selecting the 2011 Hallmark Hall of Fame picture for this review, I didn’t know if my opinion on the film would remain the same as it was years ago. On my Year-Long Bingo Card, three of the bingo squares are “Review at least 2 Hallmark Hall of Fame films”, “Revisit a movie you haven’t seen in over 5 years”, and “Review a holiday themed movie that isn’t Christmas”. So, when I saw The Lost Valentine on Betty’s filmography, I remembered liking the movie, as well as how the movie would complete those aforementioned bingo squares.

2. In Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine, Betty portrays Caroline Thomas. How is Caroline Thomas similar or different from Rose?

On The Golden Girls, Rose Nylund is known for her innocence and naivete. These qualities add charm to Rose’s character, as well as provide some of the show’s comedic moments. Betty’s character in The Lost Valentine, Caroline Thomas, lacks Rose’s naivete for two reasons. Caroline’s experiences during World War II and even afterwards give her an awareness of how unpredictable life can truly be. Her lack of naivete also makes sense with the story itself, as The Lost Valentine is a serious drama grounded in reality.

3. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine is based on a book by James Michael Pratt. What book adaptation would you have liked to see Betty star in?

    For 2024’s Eurovisionathon readathon, I read The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald. From what I remember of the book, I could picture Betty portraying a character from that story. Katarina crafted characters that sounded and felt distinct from one another. Plus, the small-town setting seemed Hallmark-esque, creating a sense of community through dramatic and comedic character interactions. The “golden girls” have distinct personalities on The Golden Girls, allowing each character to be unique. Even though the show is classified as a sit-com, there were emotional, serious moments woven into episodes. With all that said, I think a story like The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend would have complimented Betty’s acting talents, as The Lost Valentine perfectly showcased her comedic and dramatic timing.

    4. Was there anything about Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine you liked or didn’t like?

    As I mentioned in answer number one, I recommended The Lost Valentine because of the use of flashbacks. These flashbacks added context to the events presented on screen, especially when it came to Caroline’s part of the story. Meghann Fahy portrayed Caroline’s younger self while Billy Magnussen portrayed Caroline’s husband, Neil. Both Meghann’s and Billy’s acting performance was strong. But together, their on-screen chemistry effectively sold the believability of Neil and Caroline’s relationship! What works in the favor on this relationship is the emotional depth Billy and Meghann bring. A great example is how Caroline’s and Neil’s eyes possessed the pain of being apart from each other. Watching Meghann’s and Billy’s performance felt like witnessing a couple upholding their promise of love instead of two actors simply portraying characters. I wish Billy and Meghann had been cast in more Hallmark projects together.

    Jennifer Love Hewitt stars in The Lost Valentine as a television reporter named Susan Allison. Susan received a subplot where she contemplates her future with her boyfriend, Andrew. This is one of those subplots where you know the relationship isn’t going to last because the film’s female protagonist will eventually fall in love with the male protagonist, which, in The Lost Valentine, is Caroline’s grandson, Lucas. That creative decision led to Susan’s subplot being predictable. Instead, her subplot should have prioritized her reconciliation with her family, especially since Susan mentioned toward the beginning of The Lost Valentine how she doesn’t have a strong relationship with them.

    5. The Golden Girls didn’t receive any television films (like other shows such as Little House on the Prairie, Murder, She Wrote, etc.) In your opinion, why do you think this creative decision was made?

    A typical episode of The Golden Girls is about thirty minutes long. Meanwhile, most television movies receive a run-time between an hour and thirty minutes to two hours. If a tv show’s creative team chooses to make a made-for-TV movie, they need to create a story that justifies a longer length of time. So, I’m guessing the creative team behind The Golden Girls never figured out a story that couldn’t be told in half an hour.

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    6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

    Like I said in my number one answer, it’s been over eight years since I’ve seen The Lost Valentine. Because of this, I had completely forgotten the humor woven into the story. Comedic moments sprinkled throughout the film was such a pleasant surprise for me. One of my favorite scenes was when Caroline reads a sports magazine to a group of veterans at a local hospital. While she’s talking about the New York Yankees, Caroline says she doesn’t hate the team, she just doesn’t like it when they beat a team she likes more. How that piece of dialogue was written, as well as Betty’s sweetly honest delivery, created a scene that was genuinely hilarious. Moments like the one I described alleviated some of The Lost Valentine’s heavier scenes yet never overshadowed the story’s serious subject matter.

    For this part of my review, I will spoil The Lost Valentine. If you have not seen this movie and are planning on watching it, skip ahead to question number seven.

    Toward the end of The Lost Valentine, after Caroline welcomes Neil home, she discovers rose buds growing on a rose bush in her garden. That specific rose bush was not only the first plant Caroline and Neil planted when they moved into their home, the rose bush was believed to be dead for the majority of the movie. When Caroline discovers the rose buds, she reminisces about Neil as she dances to music from the past. All of a sudden, a man who I assumed was Neil’s ghost appeared behind Caroline. After that, the hose Caroline was holding falls to the ground. But the scenes that follow are flashbacks of Caroline and Neil and scenes featuring Lucas and Susan. Is the fallen hose implying Caroline passed away, joining Neil in the afterlife? Or was Caroline so caught up in remembering the past, she dropped the hose by accident? That part of the story was, in my opinion, too open-ended for a stand-alone film. But because The Lost Valentine is based on a book, maybe the source material would provide a clearer explanation than the adaptation did.

    7. Throughout The Golden Girls, cheesecake became an iconic staple of the show. What would you say is the iconic staple of Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine?

    You’d think I’d pick the titular valentine, as it plays a significant role in The Lost Valentine. But, instead, I’m choosing the red rose. When it comes to growing roses, it takes time, patience, commitment, and care. Even as Lucas wants to uproot a rose bush he believes is dead, Caroline reminds her grandson how she doesn’t give up on things that easily. These aspects perfectly represent some of the major themes of The Lost Valentine; like serving others and putting your love toward something you believe matters. Caroline’s rose bush also provides the story with a nice full-circle moment.

    8. The Hallmark Hall of Fame collection overlapped with The Golden Girls (in terms of existence). Why do you think Hallmark Hall of Fame didn’t try to capitalize on the popularity of the “golden girls”?

    From 1979 to 2011, Hallmark Hall of Fame movies aired on CBS. The Golden Girls existed on NBC. While Hallmark Hall of Fame and The Golden Girls overlapped (between 1985 to 1992), there were two to four Hallmark Hall of Fame films released per year, implying tighter production schedules. Though a typical season of The Golden Girls ran from September to May, a certain amount of time needed to be set aside to film episodes, especially since The Golden Girls was filmed in front of a live studio audience. These factors may have made casting any of the “golden girls” in a Hallmark Hall of Fame presentation difficult, but not impossible. However, trying to accommodate any of the “golden girls” schedules could have affected the schedules of the other cast and crew members of a Hallmark Hall of Fame project.

    9. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine was released in 2011 (19 years after The Golden Girls ended). Is there any element from the movie you wish was incorporated on the show?

      One of the overarching themes of The Lost Valentine is serving others. A great example is when Caroline visits veterans at a local hospital. On The Golden Girls, there were two episodes involving veterans; ‘From Here to the Pharmacy’ and ‘Charlie’s Buddy’. However, these episodes prioritized Rose’s and Blanche’s attempt to finding romance. As far as I know, there wasn’t an episode of The Golden Girls where the “golden girls” took the time to honor veterans. Therefore, I wish this type of story had been incorporated on the show. One example is the “golden girls” volunteering at an Honor Flight ceremony.

      10. After watching Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine, is there anything you can take away from your movie-viewing experience?

      For years, Hallmark’s motto has been “When you care enough to send the very best”. Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine perfectly represents that motto! The amount of care that Caroline put into waiting for Neil is a beautiful display of putting the needs of others before oneself, one of the major themes of The Lost Valentine. Other parts of the story represent this theme as well, such as Susan’s quest to find the truth about Neil’s whereabouts. By revisiting the 2011 Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, I was reminded why I like it. Strong elements, such as the acting performances and the screenwriting, made my movie-viewing experience enjoyable. I was also reminded of things I had completely forgotten, like the humor woven into the story. As I said in this review, the comedic moments alleviated some of The Lost Valentine’s heavier scenes yet never overshadowed the story’s serious subject matter. This is a Hallmark Hall of Fame movie that still holds up, even fifteen years later. Therefore, it will stay in the “Get It On Sale for Half Off” (a.k.a. Good) tier of my Hallmark Hall of Fame tier rank list!

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      Thank you for being a friend!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Announcing The Golden Double Double Feature!

      On By 18cinemalane4 Comments

      When I publish one hundred posts, I create a double feature as one of 18 Cinema Lane’s traditions. My review of Autumn Sonata achieved the aforementioned milestone by becoming my one thousandth published post! But this was not the only milestone my Autumn Sonata review reached. That would also be becoming my four hundred and fiftieth published movie review! Because one post accomplished both milestones, I decided to do something different for this double feature. Instead of reviewing two movies, I’ll be reviewing four of them. As I thought about possible double feature themes, I came to a realization. Each of the “golden girls” (Bea Arthur, Betty White, Rue McClanahan, and Estelle Getty) has a filmography. So, for this double feature, I will cover movies featuring the stars of The Golden Girls! These films will be Mame, Hallmark Hall of Fame’s The Lost Valentine, The Little Match Girl, and Mask.

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      Thank you for being a friend!

      Sally Silverscreen

      That’s a Wrap for my Second Chance Christmas Double Feature

      On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

      Now we’ve come to the end of another double feature, as both chosen titles, Young at Heart and An Old Fashioned Christmas, have been watched and reviewed! In the introduction, I brought up the following question:

      Did these two movies deserve a second chance?

      For my answer, I’ll say Young at Heart was more deserving of a second chance than An Old Fashioned Christmas. With Young at Heart, I not only received an opportunity to check out more projects from Frank Sinatra’s and Alan Hale Jr.’s filmography, I was also given an official introduction to Doris Day’s movies. I found a good excuse to see more musicals, as well as films from the 1950s. Overall, I enjoyed Young at Heart more than Hallmark’s 2010 presentation. As someone who loves An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, the sequel left a lot to be desired. Despite being titled An Old Fashioned Christmas, the film didn’t feel like a Christmas film. Instead of prioritizing the messages and themes of the holiday, the script primarily focused on stories that could have taken place any time of year. It also doesn’t help how so much of the story revolves around a love triangle. Looking back on An Old Fashioned Christmas, it makes me wonder if the sequel’s poorer quality, as well as becoming forgotten by time and Hallmark themselves, is the reason why I’ve, more often than not, seen DVD copies of the movie included in Christmas movie box sets?

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      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Take 3: An Old Fashioned Christmas Review (Second Chance Christmas Double Feature Part 2)

      On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

      Thank you for joining me for the second part of my Second Chance Christmas Double Feature! Unlike my review of Hallmark’s Frankenstein, this review of An Old Fashioned Christmas will contain a few spoilers. If you’re curious about why I chose An Old Fashioned Christmas  for this double feature, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

      Coming Soon to a Blog Near You; The Second Chance Christmas Double Feature!

      An Old Fashioned Christmas poster created by RHI Entertainment, The Government of Ireland, Parallel Film Productions, MNG Films, Muse Entertainment Enterprises, and Hallmark Channel

      1. How were you introduced to An Old Fashioned Christmas and why was it selected for this double feature?

      I have declared An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving as one of my favorite Hallmark movies. Years ago, when I discovered the 2008 film received a sequel, I was eager to check that movie out. But as time went on, Hallmark gave the sequel fewer airings during their Christmas line-ups, making it more difficult to watch the film. I’ve always looked for the right time to write about An Old Fashioned Christmas. I even included it on two lists; 2022’s top ten movies I’d love to review and 2023’s top ten Christmas movies I’d love to review. On both lists, I said I found a few DVD copies of the 2010 title. But, more often than not, these DVDs were included in Christmas movie box sets, which, typically, are expensive. Fortunately, An Old Fashioned Christmas was uploaded on Youtube, which is how I watched it.

      2. You’ve mentioned An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving being one of your favorite Hallmark movies. Did An Old Fashioned Christmas contain any elements that made you like the 2008 film?

      One of the reasons why I love An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving is how immersive the production is! The attention to detail and historical accuracy created the illusion of taking the audience to another time and place. This same strength was found in An Old Fashioned Christmas! One simple, yet effective, example were the props. Anytime Tilly and Isabella shared a meal with the Shannon family, the table was covered with fine china dishes, crystal goblet-style glasses, and even a shiny silver teapot. These specific props reflected the story’s time period, which appears to be the late 1800s. They also symbolized the prestigious family history of the Shannons.

      3. Is the theme of “second chances” incorporated in An Old Fashioned Christmas’ story? If so, how?

      One of the reasons why Tilly wanted to travel to Ireland was to meet her father’s side of the family. After she gets to know her paternal grandfather and uncle, Tilly writes a letter in the hopes Isabella will make amends with Sean (Tilly’s grandfather). So, in An Old Fashioned Christmas, not only is Tilly given a second chance to connect with her father’s side of the family, Isabella received a second chance to build a bridge between herself and Tilly’s grandfather.

      4. Was there anything about An Old Fashioned Christmas you liked or didn’t like?

      Similar to Young at Heart, the dialogue was one of the best parts of An Old Fashioned Christmas! Because of the thought and effort put into this film-making aspect, conversations between characters sounded intelligent and eloquent. During breakfast one morning, Lady Shannon asks, “Wouldn’t it be lovely for Americans to have titles”? This question relates to how her son, Cameron, will become an Earl someday. Isabella responds by saying, “Actually, we do. We all share the same title: American”. The way Isabella answered Lady Shannon’s question carried a sense of confidence and grace, simply stating a major difference between her world and the world of the Shannon family. I also thought Isabella’s response to Lady Shannon’s question was pretty clever.

      Speaking of Lady Shannon’s son, Cameron, I found him to be the worst character in An Old Fashioned Christmas. He always acted like he had something to prove. Plus, Cameron attempted to get the last word in every argument or conversation. The longer I watched An Old Fashioned Christmas, the more annoying Cameron became. I recognize the film’s creative team was trying to create a male character different from Gad (Tilly’s fiancé). However, this goal can be achieved without making that male character completely unlikable.

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      5. On 18 Cinema Lane, you’ve covered plenty of Christmas films. How is An Old Fashioned Christmas similar to or different from other Christmas pictures written about on your blog?

      As I answered for question number three, meeting her father’s side of the family was the reason Tilly wanted to travel to Ireland. Like I also answered for question number four, Isabella responded to Lady Shannon’s question by stating Americans share the same title: American. The story of an American protagonist traveling to Ireland to learn more about her father’s side of the family felt very reminiscent of Christmas at Castle Hart. Another similarity these films share is how a majority of their stories take place in an Irish castle.

      6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

      What makes An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving such a great movie is how the story embraces the Thanksgiving holiday. The film boasts a Thanksgiving dinner and showcases themed decorations, like a handmade blanket. But the 2008 picture also weaves the messages and themes of the holiday into the story and dialogue, truly making An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving feel like a Thanksgiving movie. An Old Fashioned Christmas definitely looked like a Christmas movie, as decorations and themed activities were sprinkled throughout the film. However, it did not feel like a Christmas picture. That’s because the majority of the story emphasized the love triangle between Tilly, Gad, and Cameron. An Old Fashioned Christmas is a Hallmark presentation where the protagonist says they are going to do something, but spends the majority of the film not doing what they said they were going to do. One of the reasons for Tilly and Isabella’s trip to Ireland was for the Earl of Shannon to mentor Tilly in her writing, in the hopes of getting Tilly’s work published. But throughout the one hour and fifteen-minute movie, Tilly barely accomplishes any writing goals. In fact, the only writing Tilly does is composing letters to her mother.

      7. How would the story of An Old Fashioned Christmas change if it revolved around another holiday?

      I just mentioned for question number six how the majority of An Old Fashioned Christmas’ story emphasized the love triangle between Tilly, Gad, and Cameron. Other stories, such as the Earl of Shannon mentoring Tilly, didn’t really have anything to do with the Christmas holiday. Therefore, changing the plot of An Old Fashioned Christmas to another time of year wouldn’t make a difference.

      8. Did An Old Fashioned Christmas deserve a second chance? If so, why?

      Now that I have seen An Old Fashioned Christmas, this is, honestly, a tough question to answer. On the one hand, I received some closure for how the story continues after An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving. I also developed my own, honest opinion about the sequel. But, on the other hand, An Old Fashioned Christmas, kind of, let me down. The Christmas holiday almost seems like an afterthought in the 2010 title. There were underutilized aspects of the story, like Tilly pursuing her writing dreams. So, to answer this question, I’m thankful I received an opportunity to check out An Old Fashioned Christmas. However, I don’t think it was worth the wait.

      9. After watching An Old Fashioned Christmas, is there anything you can take away from your movie viewing experience?

      If you ignore the fact An Old Fashioned Christmas was created as a sequel to An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, this is an ok film. The attention to detail and historical accuracy create a visually immersive experience. The dialogue was also well written and delivered. But if you intend to watch An Old Fashioned Christmas as a sequel to An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, you will be underwhelmed. With Tilly, Gad, and Isabella as the only returning characters, the family dynamic between Tilly’s family and Isabella is absent. Like I said for questions number six and seven, the majority of An Old Fashioned Christmas’ story emphasizes the love triangle between Gad, Tilly, and Cameron. It did not help that Cameron was such an unlikable character. Honestly, this movie will likely be a one-time watch for me. Since I still love An Old Fashioned Thanksgiving, I’ll just stick with the 2008 picture.

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      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Take 3: Young at Heart Review (Second Chance Christmas Double Feature Part 1)

      On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

      Thank you for joining me for the first part of my Second Chance Christmas Double Feature! Similar to last year’s review of I Am David, my review of Young at Heart is spoiler-free. If you’re curious about why I chose Young at Heart for this double feature, you can check out the introduction in the link below.

      Coming Soon to a Blog Near You; The Second Chance Christmas Double Feature!

      Young at Heart poster created by Arwin Productions and Warner Bros.

      1. How were you introduced to Young at Heart and why was it selected for this double feature?

      I was introduced to Young at Heart back in January of 2020, through a recommendation from Maddy (of the blog, Maddy Loves Her Classic Films). Several months later, I received another recommendation for Young at Heart. This time, the suggestion came from Moviecriticqueen (of the blog, Movies Meet Their Match). For five years, this movie has stayed on my movie recommendation board on Pinterest. But I have tried to find the right opportunity to write about the film. When I participated in the Sixth Annual Barrymore Trilogy Blogathon, I was originally going to review two movies; Young at Heart and Twentieth Century. Due to technical difficulties, I only had time to write about one film, which I selected the 1934 title. In 2021, I wanted to participate in the Star/Genre Of The Month Blogathon, as January’s featured star was Doris Day. But a busy schedule prevented me from joining the event.

      2. You discovered Young at Heart was a Christmas movie after you learned more about the film on IMDB. What else have you discovered about the 1954 picture?

      While watching Young at Heart, I discovered Alan Hale Jr. portrayed a character named Bob. Those familiar with their television history would recognize Alan from his starring role (‘Skipper’) on Gilligan’s Island. I will admit the only projects from his filmography I’ve seen are Gilligan’s Island and The North Avenue Irregulars. Even though I’m more familiar with Alan’s appearances on Gilligan’s Island, it was a pleasant surprise to see him star in a different medium!

      3. Is the theme of “second chances” incorporated in Young at Heart’s story? If so, how?

      Yes, specifically in Barney’s part of the story! When he’s introduced in Young at Heart, Barney (portrayed by Frank Sinatra) is a very pessimistic man. He feels no matter what he does, he will never find success. Throughout the film, one of the few people who believes in Barney is Doris Day’s character, Laurie. During their initial meeting, Laurie tells Barney how anyone can control their own fate. She also encourages him to complete one of his songs. By befriending Barney, Laurie gave him a second chance to prove how valuable he is. Without spoiling the movie, Laurie and Barney’s friendship pays off!

      4. Was there anything about Young at Heart you liked or didn’t like?

      One of the best aspects of Young at Heart was the dialogue! The writing and delivery were so sharp and witty, it made interactions between the characters interesting! When Barney first arrives at the Tuttle family’s house, he meets Aunt Jessie. During their conversation, Barney nonchalantly asks Aunt Jessie what kind of aunt she is. With a stern tone in her voice, Aunt Jessie promptly tells him her name came first and the curtains came later. This simple exchange between Aunt Jessie and Barney shows some of their character development, as well as the dynamic these characters share.

      As I answered for question number three, Barney is a very pessimistic man who believes he can’t find success. I recognize how overcoming insecurities and doubts takes time. But, in Young at Heart, Barney spends most of the movie being pessimistic. He doesn’t change his perspective until the end of the film. This creative choice made Barney a static character. I wish his transformation had gradually taken place over the course of the story.

      Adorable Christmas card image created by Rawpixel.com at freepik.com. <a href=’https://www.freepik.com/free-vector/christmas-greeting-card-vector_2824854.htm’>Designed by Rawpixel.com</a>. <a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/christmas”>Christmas vector created by Rawpixel.com – Freepik.com</a>. Image found at freepik.com.

      5. On 18 Cinema Lane, you’ve covered plenty of Christmas films. How is Young at Heart similar to or different from other Christmas pictures written about on your blog?

      It is true that Christmas has a place in Young at Heart. However, the story spans over the course of several months. This means only a portion of the movie is set during Christmas. So, if I had to compare Young at Heart to any of the Christmas films I’ve reviewed, it would be Meet Me in St. Louis. The 1944 movie not only takes place over a year, there is one scene set during Christmas.

      6. Did you develop any thoughts and/or questions while watching this film?

      As I was watching Young at Heart, I found moments of irony when it came to Barney. When Barney first meets Laurie, he talks about serving in the military during World War II. This reminded me of how Frank’s character, Clarence “Brooklyn” Doolittle, was in the Navy in Anchors Aweigh. During his conversation with Laurie, Barney says he’s never created a hit song. Throughout Frank’s career, he had several hit songs to his name. One notable example is “New York, New York”, which has become the unofficial theme song for New Year’s in Times Square. Any time Barney performed at a restaurant, the patrons didn’t pay him any attention. I’d like to think if Frank had shown up at any restaurant, most of the patrons would have stopped what they were doing to focus on Frank.

      7. How would the story of Young at Heart change if it revolved around another holiday?

      Like I answered for question number five, Young at Heart spans over the course of several months, with Christmas playing a role in only a portion of the movie. Therefore, I don’t think the story would change much had another holiday served as the primary focus.

      8. Did Young at Heart deserve a second chance? If so, why?

      I do believe Young at Heart deserved a second chance! By finally checking this movie out, it gave me an opportunity to see more projects from Frank Sinatra’s and Alan Hale Jr.’s filmography. Young at Heart also became my introduction to Doris Day’s films, as I had never seen any of her movies before 2025.

      9. After watching Young at Heart, is there anything you can take away from your movie viewing experience?

      Young at Heart and The Chalk Garden share one thing in common; a character-driven story that works because of the strength of the cast. But a major difference between these films is how Young at Heart’s script is more “slice of life”. There were conflicts woven into the story. However, these conflicts were either abandoned or resolved at the very end of the movie. I wish Young at Heart had put a little more emphasis on problem-solving among the characters. Another thing The Chalk Garden and Young at Heart have in common is the dialogue, as it was well-written and delivered in both films. There was, clearly, thought and effort put into this film-making component, which made interactions between characters interesting. While I found The Chalk Garden good, Young at Heart was, in my opinion, just fine. The 1954 production could be used as an introduction to Doris Day’s filmography.

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      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Coming Soon to a Blog Near You; The Second Chance Christmas Double Feature!

      On By 18cinemalane2 Comments

      Whenever I publish one hundred posts, I commemorate the achievement by creating a double feature! The two movies are chosen based on a shared theme. My 900th post was a Comparing with the Critics introduction to 1976. But my review of The Chalk Garden is what inspired this edition’s double feature. When I reviewed the 1964 film earlier this month, I talked about receiving a second chance to write about the movie. This opportunity caused me to think about other titles I’ve been meaning to check out. Looking back on all the blogathons I participated in, I realized I still haven’t seen 1954’s Young at Heart. Upon discovering it was a Christmas movie, I immediately found the perfect excuse to finally see An Old Fashioned Christmas. After selecting and watching these films, I will try to answer the following question:

      Did these two movies deserve a second chance?

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      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen

      Concluding my Double Feature: 2004 Edition

      On By 18cinemalaneLeave a comment

      It’s time to wrap up another double feature, as both chosen titles, Hallmark’s Frankenstein and I Am David, have now been watched and reviewed! In the introduction, I brought up the following question:

      Based on these two movies, how has the cinematic landscape changed in twenty years?

      Looking back on each movie, a realization came to me. One thing I Am David and Hallmark’s Frankenstein have in common is the timelessness each story contains. It also helps how these stories are more straight-forward, which makes it easier for the audience to understand what is happening on screen. Realizing these statements could also be applied to The Polar Express, my answer to the aforementioned question is how, back in 2004, it seems like there was a desire on the cinematic landscape to create timeless entertainment. Now, twenty years later, studios and film companies are competing with one another to make the most relevant titles possible. On the current cinematic landscape, it’s all about capitalizing on trends and fads, creating titles for the here and the now. The problem with this film-making approach is how five, even ten plus years from that movie’s release, that movie will be dated on arrival. This film-making approach also makes movies seem more disposable instead of a long-lasting product with more opportunities to be revisited.

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      Have fun at the movies!

      Sally Silverscreen