While people fastidiously scrutinize their expenditures, carefully selecting which items will be placed in their grocery carts or shopping baskets, movies seem somewhat impervious to the economic slump. Of course, that certainly does not suggest the movie industry will not experience some degree of decline. Still, experts assert it might not be as significant as other forms of entertainment. One reason? Movies are a relatively inexpensive way to transport ourselves to fascinating places: places where we anticipate excitement, view mesmerizing landscapes, and observe the best and worst that reside in the human heart. For two hours or so, movies help us overlook our cares and enter a different reality.
Although the elderly cannot always get to the movie theater, they especially take pleasure in this enjoyable pastime. With the advent of VHS and DVD players, movies can be realized in the privacy of our homes. And although there are some newer titles that are noteworthy, the classics continue to capture the interest of many older individuals. Perhaps there was a type of honesty and romance in the 30’s, 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s film industry that eludes present times.
With the holidays quickly approaching, a VHS tape or DVD might be a fine gift idea for a parent or grandparent. Let’s briefly examine some titles your loved one may wish to include as part of his or her movie collection.
- Holiday Themes-White Christmas (1954), Miracle On 34th Street (1947), It’s A Wonderful Life (1946), The Bell’s Of St. Mary’s (1945), The Ten Commandments (1956), The Bishop’s Wife (1947), Meet John Doe (1941)
- Female-Oriented-Gone With The Wind (1939), The Sound Of Music (1965), Whatever Happened To Baby Jane (1962), The Little Foxes (1941), National Velvet (1944), Light In The Piazza (1962), Little Women (1933)
- Male-Oriented-Mr. Smith Goes To Washington (1939), Ben-Hur (1959), To Kill A Mockingbird (1963), Patton (1970), How The West Was Won (1962), Spartacus (1960), Rebel Without A Cause (1955)
NOTE: The list is not meant to stereotype. Naturally, a number of women love political or war themes, and some men enjoy Bette Davis and musicals; there will certainly be a crossover in preferences.
It is certainly not necessary to experience an economic downturn for movies to be popular; the industry appears to transcend external environments. Still, when times are more challenging, people seem to especially enjoy a good flick. Movies whisk us to fanciful places where our troubles seem lighter. Frankly, that sounds like something we can all benefit from every now and then.
