Midnight in Paris

There is more than one Eiffel Tower, but I don’t think there is one as famous as in Paris, France. The Eiffel Tower in Paris is one of the most iconic places in the world to visit. There are many movies and books that use the Eiffel Tower as a popular location.On March 31, 1889 the Eiffel Tower opened for the first time. In the Woody Allen movie Midnight in Paris, the Eiffel Tower is just as noticeable as it is today.

In 2010, Gil and his fiancee Inez are vacationing in Paris with Inez’s conservative and wealthy parents. Gil is unsatisfied with his life as a screenwriter for Hollywood films, his time in Paris becomes more unsatisfying when they run into Inez’s friend Paul Gil does not get on well with Paul, who makes a day of enjoyment insufferable. After a long day, Gil gets drunk. He finds himself going back to the 1920’s. He assumes that this is just his imagination due to his drunken state. There he meets Zelda and F.Scott Fitzgerald. They take him to meet Ernest Hemingway who takes a look at the book that he has been writing that he has carried with him. However, Gil falls asleep and wakes up to be in the present day. Gil goes and tries to take Inez back to what he had scene the night before. She doesn’t believe him and goes back to bed. However, Gil ends up being transported into the past again. This time he ends up time traveling to Paris in the 1890’s. While in the past he meets many artists, like Salvador Dali. He ends up meeting a woman named Adriana who is from his time, but falls in love with Paris in the past. The next day Gil is out with Inez shopping. Gil ends up going into an antique shop and buying a gramophone and a pair of earrings. The next night Gil goes into the past and finds Adriana again and gives her the earrings. The two go to the Moulin Rouge where Adriana reveals that she decides to stay in the past permanently. Later on he finds himself in the 1920’s again. There he receives his book with a couple of reviews. When he goes back to present day he rewrites a couple of his chapters. He soon realizes that he does not love Inez as much as he used too. The two amicably break up as Gil prepares to move to Paris. The movie ends with Gil walking home with the female owner of the antique shop he visited earlier.

Midnight in Paris is one of those movies that make you think. Throughout Gil’s time traveling he was able to find out who he was and how to proceed on with his life. The Eiffel Tower was a popular place that was shown in the movie. Although, there was not a scene that specifically took place there, it was still evident. On March 31, 1889 the Eiffel Tower opened for the first time only to become one of the most popular tourist attractions in, not just Paris, France, the world.

And The Band Played On

There are many reasons why doctors are important in the world. They are the ones who care for people who are sick, prescribe medications, and make sure people are well. March 30, is known as Doctor’s Day and they do deserve to have a day for them. One of the most profound movies that I enjoy that involve doctors is And The Band Played On. Following a group of doctors in 1980’s when AIDS first appeared there is nothing that one doctor will do to stop him from uncovering the truth about this, then, mysterious disease.

Don Francis is a doctor who has been to and from many different countries for medical assistance. One day he finds out that one of his colleagues has died from a mysterious illness. Having experience with Ebola, he presumes that his colleague died of the disease. However, when a new patient comes in he realizes that the symptoms are not the same as Ebola. As Don goes to uncover the truth he discovers that this disease is a new disease that no one knows about. While the film goes one we watch as Don and his colleagues work tirelessly to find out what is killing a mass amount of gay people in San Francisco. Don realizes that this disease is the same disease that has killed many patients and tries to warn people of the exposure risk. Many people view Don as being a threat to the gay community as he is trying to help figure out why the disease is spreading like it is. But, he does gain the support of Bill Kraus, an openly gay man, who wants to stop this epidemic from going farther than it already has. When Kraus discovers that he too has AIDS, he starts helping Don out more with his research on how to prevent the disease from spreading more. Learning that AIDS can be sexually transmitted and through blood, things start to change for Don as his team of doctors works with a group of French doctors uncovering the truth about an unstoppable disease. Unfortunately, many people die as the research has unfolded AIDS and the story of this disease causes change for the better.

And The Band Played On follows a group of doctors as they try to figure out what a, then unknown, disease is. Don Francis does what he has been doing his entire life, which is heal sick people. Unfortunately, this movie takes place in 1981 and AIDS was a brand new disease that no one really understood. Today we know more about AIDS and how to prevent it from spreading. Doctors, like Don, had worked tirelessly to figure out what and why was killing people, like Bill Kraus, so quickly and unstoppable. Today, AIDS is still around, yet there is research that will, hopefully, lead to a cure for this deadly disease. Happy Doctors Day everyone!

The Man Who Knew Too Much

The Royal Albert Hall is one of the best known places for entertainment in London. On March 29, 1871 Queen Victoria opened the Hall for the first time. Known for its design and a series of shows that have been filmed live, the Royal Albert Hall is a happy place to be. However, in Alfred Hitchcock’s 1956 film The Man Who Knew Too Much a climatic thrill ride takes place there.

Ben and Jo McKenna are vacationing with their young son in Morocco. While aboard a bus, their son Hank accidentally finds himself in some trouble. A kind Frenchman helps them out, after some talk, the McKenna’s and the Frenchman pat ways. While out Ben runs into the Frenchman who is in disguise, he whispers something in his ear. As the Frenchman slowly dies, Ben McKenna that something is amiss. Things slowly become a nightmare for Ben and Jo when they learn their son has been kidnapped. Ben and Jo find themselves in a race against time not only to find their son, but to stop an assassination plot. Ben and Jo do everything they can, including going to the police. Unfortunately, the kidnappers are one step ahead of them. Ben finds himself in the clutches of the kidnappers only to escape and make it to Royal Albert Hall just in time to prevent the assassination of the Prime Minister. As a thank you, the Prime Minister invites Ben and Jo to the embassy. However, the ambassador is the one who had planned the assassination plot in the beginning. While this is unfolding, Jo sings a favorite song of Hanks loudly in hopes that her son will hear her. Hank does hear her, and Ben heads off to go get him. When he does, he runs into the Draytons, the couple who had taken Hank and were previously acquainted with the McKennas before the events, Mrs. Drayton lets Hank go. However, Ben finds himself at odds with Mr. Drayton who does not want to let Hank go. With Hank back, a scuffle ensues that results in Mr. Drayton being shot dead. Through all of this Hank is back in a hotel room with his parents happy to be reunited.

The Royal Albert Hall was used for the climatic scene in this movie. When Ben McKenna (portrayed by James Stewart) is running up the stairs trying to stop an assassination, he has to fight his way. Alfred Hitchcock directed the 1956 classic remake of The Man Who Knew Too Much that made audiences sit on the edge of their seat. There was a lot in Ben and Jo’s way for making sure that peace is restored and their family made it home safely.

Four Weddings and a Funeral

Mike Newell has had quite the history in film. Many of his movies are beloved by all. He directed a beloved romantic comedy starring Andie MacDowell and Hugh Grant, Four Weddings and a Funeral.

Charles (Grant) is a socially awkward Englishman. At the wedding of his friends, he meets Carrie (MacDowell) and is instantly smitten with her. The only problem is that Carrie is already seeing someone else. At another wedding Charles meets Carrie’s fiance, a wealthy politician. About a month later, Charles receives an invitation to Carrie’s wedding. He decides to go to the wedding but ends up leaving depressed. Trying to get over Carrie, his friend introduces him to his sister. Sadly, Charles friend dies of a heart attack during the grooms toast at the wedding. Afterwards, there is a funeral where Carrie and Charles meet again. Time goes on and Charles decides to marry a girl named Henrietta. He is unaware that Carrie is going to be divorcing her husband. While Charles does hear this news, he decides to go down the aisle anyway. Right when Henrietta and Charles are about to get married, Charles reveals that there is another woman that he loves. Henrietta leaves Charles at the altar with Carrie coming back into the picture. The movie flashes forward to reveal that Carrie and Charles are married as is all of their friends.

Four Weddings and a Funeral is a classic romantic comedy directed by Mike Newell. On March 28, 1942, this brilliant director was brought into the world. Four Weddings and a Funeral still delights audiences today just as it did in 1994.

Here Comes Peter Cottontail!

You didn’t think I would forget about the Easter Bunny? In the 1971 Rankin Bass Easter special, we are told a story about how the Easter Bunny came to be. Peter Cottontail is all set in line to become the Easter Bunny. Unfortunately, his one chance ends up being sabotaged by a vengeful rabbit.

We are introduced to Peter Cottontail by Seymour S. Sassafrass. He tells us the story of how all of this came to be. Early on we learn that Peter Cottontail is the son of the Head Easter Bunny, Colonel Wellington B. Bunny. When Peter is told that he would be taking on the responsibility of the Easter Bunny soon, he tells a lie and his ears flop down ( a sign that he is lying). Just when everything is set to be put in motion for Peter to assume his role of the Easter Bunny, Irontail steps in reminding Wellington of the law. Irontail is a vengeful rabbit who wants to ruin Easter all around. His tail was stepped on by a child once causing him to have to wear iron on. On the eve of Easter Sunday, Peter spends a night out with friends. He sets his alarm clock, who is a bird atop a clock, for the next morning. However, Irontail comes and puts bubble gum in the birds mouth causing the bird to croak. Peter sleeps all the way through Easter Sunday giving Irontail the advantage. Irontail doesn’t do to well, however according to the law the one who can give out the most Easter eggs on Easter wins. Irontail is able to give out just one egg making him the winner. When Peter wakes up he is unable to catch up to Irontail by the time Easter Sunday is over. With Irontail the winner he informs everyone of the changes that will happen to the beloved holiday. Peter leaves Easter Valley in disgrace because of what has happened. Along the way he runs into Seymour S. Sassafrass. Sassafrass understands Peter’s situation and lets him use his time machine. With the help of a caterpillar named Antoine, things start to go smoothly. However, Irontail gets wind of this plan and sabotages the machine. As Peter and Antoine go through several different holidays, Peter learns the importance of responsibility and being truthful. As all of this is going on, Peter starts to give out eggs only to have them stolen by Irontail. While in Christmas, he is just about to give out the eggs to a store owner in exchange for a talking Easter bonnet. This time, Irontail gets the eggs and Peter accidentally leaves behind Antoine. Landing in Valentines Day, Irontail casts a spell on the eggs making them turn green. Luckily, the next holiday is St. Patricks Day and everyone wants an egg. After all of this happens, Easter is restored to the happy holiday it once was before Irontail had turned Easter bonnets into galoshes and colorful eggs in mud colored eggs. The musical ends with Peter giving out eggs and Irontail working as a janitor.

This 1971 stop motion picture may only be just under an hour. Yet, it is an Easter classic that I enjoy every year. Here Comes Peter Cottontail may be just a fun kids movie, but it has the lesson of responsibility. Here Comes Peter Cottontail is one classic that is beloved.

Easter Parade

Today is Easter Sunday! A day of celebration and family time. There are very little Easter movies out there to go along with this holiday. Yet, there is on classic musical, Easter Parade. Starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, this musical is a fun filled one to watch all year round.

On Easter Sunday in 1912 Don Hewes (Astaire) is buying gifts for his sweetheart and dance partner Nadine. Unfortunately, Nadine gets a good job offer and breaks up with him. Upset and angry, Don goes out to a bar one night and meets Hannah Brown (Garland). Unaware of who he is, Hannah tells him off. However, when she does learn, she rescinds and partners with him for productions. After going through dance lessons, Hannah and Don find themselves falling in love. But, when Nadine comes back into the picture things get complicated. Hannah is attracted to Don’s best friend Johnny and admits to him that she loves Don. Johnny tries to get Nadine and Don back together upsetting Hannah. When Johnny realizes what he has done, he understands that they love each other inadvertently encouraging Hannah to go after Don. On Easter Sunday, Don receives a great amount of Easter gifts. Unaware that they are from Hannah he opens them one by one. Hannah walks in and tells him to put his new Easter top hat on. Singing the tune “In your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it, you’ll be the grandest fella at the Easter Parade.” The two go and enjoy their time Easter Sunday in the Easter Parade.

Easter Parade had classic music composed by the legendary Irving Berlin. All of the songs in this musical are well known making it more than just a movie to watch for Easter. In 1948, Judy Garland and Fred Astaire delighted audiences with the song and dances in Easter Parade.

Happy Easter

Upon this day Christ has Risen from the dead. Proving that He is the Son of God on this day He proved his might. When they went to the tomb, a stone had been moved showing His might. Jesus rose and showed the world His love once again. Happy Easter to all! I hope you remember why we have a day to celebrate!

A Streetcar Named Desire

“Stella! Hey, Stella” is one of the most well known lines in cinema history. Without Tennessee Williams we would not have this line, nor would we have A Streetcar Named Desire. Born on March 26, 1911, Tennessee Williams is one of the best known playwrights of all time. Several of his works have been made into movies, such as A Streetcar Named Desire.

The film opens with Blanche DuBois going to visit her sister Stella Kowalski. When she gets to the French Quarter in New Orleans, she realizes that Stella and her husband Stanley live in a cramped two bedroom apartment. As the two sisters reminisce, Blanche is spoken to harshly about her past by an abusive Stanley. Blanche reveals to Stanley that she was married once and widowed. Due to financial problems, she lost the estate that once belonged to her and Stella’s aristocratic family. As the film goes on we learn more about Stanley’s harshness after a night of poker with his friends. However, Stella is expecting and Blanche falls for Mitch, a friend of Stanley’s. A mentally unstable Blanche tells Stella that she still hopes for a proposal from Mitch. Mitch who has fallen in love with Blanche as well, says tells her that he wants to be with her for the rest of his life. Unfortunately, Stanley is skeptical to all of this about Blanche’s past. After Stella goes into labor, Stanley confronts Blanche about her past. Tearfully, Blanche tells him about her troubled past and her struggle with mental illness. Mitch, who is with Stanley, hears all of this with Blanche begging him for forgiveness. However, Mitch is hurt by not hearing the truth about Blanche’s mysterious past at first breaks everything off with her. As Stella’s labor goes on, an angry Stanley ends up raping Blanche. When the film closes, Blanche is being committed to a mental asylum with Stella finding the strength to stay leave Stanley once and for all.

A Streetcar Named Desire is one of the most well known plays and movies of all time. Tennessee Williams had quite the career in inspiring many writers from all around. A Streetcar Named Desire came out in 1951 to become one of the most beloved movies of all time.

The Lion King

Elton John is one of the most influential artists of all time. His music has inspired millions of people around the world. Although, not all of these people are singers, some of his music has been used in movies, such as The Lion King. In this Disney classic we are introduced to a young lion cub who is traumatized by tragedy. After losing himself he finds his way back home with a little help.

Simba is a lion cub who is destined to rule Pride Rock after his father Mufasa passes on. However, Scar, Simba’s jealous uncle goes out of his way to make sure that he gets the role of king. After falling into one of Scars traps and nearly getting himself, along with his friend Nala, killed Mufasa explains a few things to his son. He tells him about his life and the importance of remembering who he is. A couple of days later Scar puts a monstrous plan into action. With the help of hyenas he kills Mufasa and convinces Simba that it is his fault. Simba runs away leaving Scar to take over the Pride lands leading it to ruin. Simba ends up being raised by a warthog named Pumbaa and a meerkat named Timon. One day while out Timon ends up being attacked by an adult Nala. Simba and Nala reunite and are happy. After hearing about what Scar has done, Simba tells her that he is not going to go back. However, Simba runs into Rafiki who tells him that his father lives in him. This leads Simba to run back to the Pride lands to challenge Scar for the throne. Rafiki informs Nala, Timon, and Pumbaa about what is going to happen and they follow Simba to assist him. After a comical sequence, Simba is able to get to Scar where Scar tells everyone that Simba killed Mufasa. Simba, who still believes this lies, fesses up to the crime. Yet, as a fight ensues between Simba and Scar, the truth is revealed. Once the truth is out Scar admits it and ends up dying. The movie ends with Simba taking his place in the “Circle of Life.”

Elton John had contributed music not only to this movie, but to the hit Broadway musical as well. The Lion King came out in 1994 to please audiences everywhere with a story that tells everyone to remember who they are. Born on March, 25 Elton John is still as inspirational today as we was back then. The Lion King is a Disney classic that still inspires people to today.

Good Friday

When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, “It is finished,” and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.- John 19:30

Good Friday is one of the most sacred days of year for Catholics and Christians alike. On this day it is said that Jesus died on cross. He did not perform a miracle to heal himself. He did not use any form of magic to prove who He was. He went to the cross to save all the souls. On Good Friday, Jesus died upon the cross to save everyone from sin.