Editor's Choice: Vintage Film
I know I am late to the party... but it's Friday ding-dong! Yes, I am aware that I am, well, three weeks behind. However, on a blustery, dark drive from the coast, an idea struck me that I simply couldn't ignore. Yes actually, every now and then, I do come up with a good idea. Don't worry, I am not sure it happens often, but I am known to pull one out every once in awhile :)
Anyway, if you have been following my blog for the last couple of months, you will have noticed that I am really into collecting vinyl albums (or records, whatever your preferred term is - I wont judge). With some basic deduction, it will come as no surprise that I am all around vintage, retro, oldie - nut. I love everything that comes with a sticker age of 1989 or older. Generally, I like my entertainment like some folks like their wine: nice and aged. I prefer vintage in whatever I can get my hands on. That includes - but is not limited to - music, movies, fashion, television, furniture, etc. To some, I am sure that collecting old oddities seems like a foolish endeavor. Why not move into the future with the rest of the world? Why would you prefer things with less technology? Don't you like hand held computers, constant communication, and music in one click? Don't you prefer your music to have more bass than tune? These are all questions that I have been asked by many of my generational counterparts (well, maybe not the last one but trust me folks, I can read between the lines). I suppose these are valid questions if you grew up after the change of the last millennium. They may even be valid questions to those who grew up smack dab in the middle of the previous century! Sure, I love convenience. I love next day deliveries, easily accessible Spotify playlists, and being able to call someone while wandering aimlessly around my house. I understand the allure of global economy and constant connection, but I am sure thankful that my Grandpa has given me a solid education of the golden age. Sure, the 1900's in America came partnered with a monumental list of problems. I am more than happy that our society has been able to move forward from more than a few of those things. However, setting that aside for a moment, there is a certain magic that emanates from things of times gone by. Its a magic that you just cant find in an item newly bought from a big-box store in 2019. I can't even really explain it either, which I know is not much help. I just know that when I grab something aged and forgotten at a garage sale - or a Goodwill, or in a basement corner - that there is undeniably a story attached to it. There is at least a generation of eyes, ears, and hands that have experienced it before me. That is what makes it special - it has a story and had importance to someone before it came to me. I can only venture my best explanation, but there is no real words for this feeling. So, maybe go out and have a nose around your grannies basement or a garage-sale yourself? Or if your vintage enthusiast like me, keep on reading! But, if you know vintage really isn't your thing, no need to fret. Go find an article about Apple's newest release to read - no judgement here!
So, with that tirade over, I can get onto the stuff you came here for. On that windy nighttime drive, I had a sudden hankering to talk with ya'll about what you should be watching in 2019 - at least as far as vintage film is concerned! Now, I don't want to offend anyone as far as age goes, so if there is something below that I consider vintage which you don't, please take my admiration as it is meant: a compliment.
Now, on with the fun. Here is my list of vintage entertainment you should catch this year!
Gilligan's Island
This show was my introduction to the world of classic 20th century television. It is a perfect encapsulation of the creative wave of imagination that gripped the era. There is no better way to define it. With a 90% on Rotten Tomatoes, this show ran from 1964 to 1967 and featured a whole cast of quirky characters. From The Skipper to Ginger the Movie Star, there is no doubt that this television series made a splash in 60's culture. With this in mind, it is always fair to question the way these old television shows portray women and people of color. These episodes certainly serve as proof of a time when society was not as aware. It is definitely not right, and watching it can make you feel better about how far we've come, but they serve as a testament to a time when it wasn't given a second thought. Being conscious of this, I am sure hoping you can appreciate it for what it is. Here's the quick synopsis:
"Seven people set sail on what is scheduled to be a three-hour sightseeing tour on the charter boat The Minnow, get caught in a storm and end up stranded on an uncharted tropical island together. The comedy comes from the failed attempts at escaping the island and the interaction of the very goofy group." - Wikipedia
There is no question about it, if you haven't seen this show yet, you're missing out big time. I encourage you to rent it on Google Play, Youtube, or branch out and buy a good old fashioned DVD box set! Check out the fun photos below!
Fun Fact: Producer Sherwood Schwartz picked Gilligan’s name at random out of a phone book! - neatorama.com
Complete your tour and click here to watch the famed theme song "The Ballad of Gilligan's Island"!
The Dick Van Dyke Show
I don't think I am alone when I say that this show might be one of the best to grace television screens across America. A glowing depiction of the American home from 1961 to 1966, The Dick Van Dyke Show is sure to find the key to your heart. All the characters are witty and over zealous, while maintaining that certain 20th century charm. I always find myself drawn to the strong women in this show, Sally Rogers especially. Played by Rose Marie, she is always willing to speak up and tell Rob and Buddy what she thinks. That's the kind of role model I love seeing in television, especially in older media. In other words, Ms. Rogers don't need no man! Here is a quick synopsis of the show:
"Considered to be one of television's classics, "The Dick Van Dyke Show" centers on the personal and professional lives Rob Petrie, a writer on the fictional Alan Brady Show. He's happily married to former dancer Laura, and they have a young son, Ritchie. The plots generally revolve around problems at work -- where Rob got into various comedic jams with fellow writers Buddy Sorrell, Sally Rogers and producer Mel Cooley -- or at home." - Wikipedia
If you are faced with a rainy afternoon and are looking for a new show, look no further. I have to admit, this one is my favorite one on the list. It is my happy place and is an amazing way to experience the golden age of television. I am pretty sure there is nothing better than Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, and some slapstick drama. Catch it on Hulu, Amazon, or Itunes at any time. Plus, check out the pictures and clip below!
Fun Fact: The Dick Van Dyke Show was chosen by First Lady Michelle Obama as her all-time favorite TV show!
- Neatorama.com
Trust me, you don't want to miss this show. Click here to check out the "Dick Van Dyke Show Intro" theme song!
Ma and Pa Kettle
Getting into our imaginary time machine and jumping even further back into the 20th century, this is a show I think you would get a kick out of. First released in 1949, this is the epitome of hilarity. All black and white, the series of movies remind me of good times with my grandparents when I was home sick from elementary school. Though, my grandparents weren't quite as country as Ma and Pa and the depictio of Native Americans in the movies are more than troubling. If I take the show in as an example of media at the time, then I can enjoy it. An absolute classic for anyone who likes slapstick comedy with good ratings. Here is the synopsis:
"Ma and Pa - the hillbilly duo - have their hands full with a ramshackle farm and a brood of rambunctious children. When the future comes a-callin' in the form of modern houses, exotic locales and newfangled ideas, Ma and Pa must learn how to make the best of it with luck, pluck and a little country charm!" - TCM.com
Relatively hard to stream, this show is a little bit more difficult to get your movie watching hands on. 9 movies, all available in box sets and Youtube, are just one roller coaster of fun! My favorite of the collection is "Ma and Pa Kettle" which features them in a new house in the suburbs. Check out the photos and clip below! PS. Sorry for the quality of these photos. They are pretty old and were not made to withstand the newfangled technology that we have these days!
Fun Fact: Kilbride retired after making "Ma and Pa Kettle at Waikiki" due to an automobile accident and did not appear in "The Kettles in the Ozarks"! - Wikipedia
Check this clip of "Ma and Pa on Vacation" out. It will add some comedy to your slow and uneventful day. Click here!
I Dream of Jeannie
Okay, lets set one thing straight before I go into this show. The stench of sexism in this show is strong! There is no doubt that the idea of an indentured servant that is confined to her house is a direct reflection of the beliefs of Americans at the time. If you can separate the amount of sheer sexism involved, then this show is pretty imaginative and entertaining. It is lighthearted with a tone of fantasy that makes it much different from your everyday sitcom. Running from 1965 to 1970, this show is an interesting take on 1960's romance and a odd take on an American sitcom. Here is the synopsis:
"I Dream of Jeannie is an American fantasy sitcom starring Barbara Eden as 2,000-year-old "Jeannie" and Larry Hagman as an astronaut who becomes her master, with whom she falls in love. But unlike most genie stories, there are no three wishes rule - so Jeannie uses her magic all the time, often without talking to her rescuer about it first." - Wikipedia
Please take the time to at least check this show out. This was one of my first ventures into vintage film, along with Gilligan's Island, and it really drew me into the artistry of 20th century cinema. Its amazing what some lights, makeup, and a black & white camera can do. Stream it on Itunes or Amazon. Check out the photo and clip below!
Fun Fact: Barbara Eden was pregnant for the first several episodes of the series and was covered by extra veils! - Mentalfloss.com
Click this here to check out the ultra-famous theme song "Jeannie". It is by far one of the best theme songs out there! It also almost makes an appearance in an episode of Friends: cool stuff!
Well folks, as you can see, I could probably go on and list about 50 more vintage shows for you to watch. They are just my favorite pastime! My rampant enthusiasm for 20th century memorabilia aside, I think that its vital for our culture to take some time and reflect on where we came from. Yes, we live in a time of astounding technological achievement, and I am sure that we will continue to grow this way. But, I find that competency emerges when we reflect on the journey which society has taken. Just think back to a time when kids were elated to gather around their family's radio. Then we moved onto television, where you could tune into the channel that hosted your favorite nighttime special. Drive-in's and diners were weekend entertainment and no one was worrying about how many likes their latest post on Instagram had gotten. I can't help but feel I was born in the wrong time, but like my Dad always says: "you're just an Old Man" (by the way, if you're not a Star Trek nerd, take 3 seconds to look up the character Dax . You'll thank me later)! Anyway, I know that some of you out there can relate to my old-soul feelings, but as you scroll this on your screen, do me a favor and add some of these shows to your watch list. They are most definitely worth the jump back in time.
Talk soon.
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