One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.
As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.
Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.
I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”
When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.
See you at the movies!
***Spoilers Ahead!***
126. Penny Serenade (1941) Directed by George Stevens
The Movie: Julie Gardiner (Irene Dunne) reflects on her life as she listens to “Penny Serenade”. Julie remembers the night she meet charming news reporter Roger Adams (Cary Grant). The two meet on a snow dusted New Year’s Eve and their whirlwind marriage. Julie and Roger continue their romance on his train to San Francisco.
Roger is sent to Tokyo and Julie soon joins him. Julie is pregnant and excited to spend the time with Roger. Tragedy strikes however as an earthquake rocks Tokyo. Julie loses her unborn child and her and Roger return to San Francisco.
Julie is informed by her friend Applejack (Edgar Buchanan) that her and Roger should adopt a child. Roger, meanwhile is struggling to keep his newspaper afloat, Julie focuses on a nursery for an impending arrival of a child.
Julie and Roger apply for a child, a two-year-old boy. The director of the adoption agency Miss Oliver (Beulah Bondi) and informs Roger and Julie that a five-week-old girl is available. Roger is not so sure as he wanted a boy, but when he sees the young girl he falls in love with her.
Roger and Julie are put on a one year probation for the child, where they must prove to be fit parents. During the year, Roger has lost his newspaper and does not have a stable income. Roger is told that the law will not allow him to keep his daughter. Roger makes an impassioned plea to the judge over seeing their adoption. Julie and Roger are granted custody of their daughter, Trina.
The years go by and the family continues to experience love and fulfillment. One Christmas, Julie and Roger are told that although Trina is too young to play an angel in a play, she is given the role of “echo” and they beam with pride.
Tragedy strikes the Adams’ again as in a letter to Miss Oliver, Julie informs her that Trina has died, and Roger is in the midst of a depression. Julie believes that she might be the reason and plans on leaving Roger. As Julie is about to leave, they receive another phone call from Miss Oliver. Miss Oliver informs that a two-year-old has become available. Julie and Roger decide to adopt the child and rebuild their family.
Why I Love Penny Serenade (1941): First and foremost, any film with both Cary Grant and Irene Dunne is guaranteed to be a winner (see my list, much later). Also. It is a legitimate tear jerker, which the stars deliver the goods. Grant’s plea with the judge is a highlight, in fact Grant would say this film is his best performance and he was nominated and robbed of an Academy Award. This was his first nomination.
Irene Dunne is so lovely in the film. She too loves the film as she said it reminds her of her adopted daughter.
George Stevens once again proves he is underappreciated director. He keeps the melodrama from being too wrought with clean cuts and smooth camera movements.
The use of music in the film is genius, and Dunne’s Julie reflecting on the music to high and low points of her life is pure joy and heartbreak.
Penny Serenade is a masterclass in great acting, beautifully told with charming leads and stellar direction.