Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Sometimes Being Sick Is a Blessing


Okay that title was a hook. The past 2 days weren’t really a blessing when I was confined at home on 2 gorgeous spring-like days with what can best be described as the flu.

Usually when I’m feeling crummy, I curl up in the big chair and watch one of the movies from my DVD collection. Monday, though, all I could do was sleep, stare at the HGTV channel, and sleep. Tuesday I did manage to read quite a bit on a manuscript – and sleep.

I wish I had more time to enjoy my DVDs. I have started quite a collection of historical movies, mostly classics made from books by Austen, Bronte, Montgomery, and others. The period pieces are great escapes into a lost world where romance was chivalrous.

Friday, a new addition arrived for my collection in the form of the 2007 Masterpiece Theatre edition of Jane Eyre. I bought it on recommendation only. I watched it late into Saturday night (even though I knew with DST that I’d really be lacking in sleep come Sunday morning). This is a superb adaptation of the Bronte classic. I want to watch it again soon.

Also in my collection are:
Sense & Sensibility (with Emma Thompson)
Emma (A&E version with Kate Bleckinsale)
Emma (with Gwyneth Paltrow)
Persuasion (with Amanda Root)
Pride & Prejudice (A&E version with Colin Firth – in VHS and DVD)
Pride & Prejudice (with Keira Knightley)
Pride & Prejudice (1985 BBC version – YUCK – I’ll sell it cheap)
The Scarlet Pimpernel (with Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour)
Wives and Daughters
Lorna Doone
Sarah Plain and Tall (all 3 in the series)
Anne of Green Gables (all 3 in the series)
Sound of Music
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

I know I have others and love most all of them, but that is all my tired mind can recall at the moment.

So, am I silly to enjoy these movies? Anyone else want to confess to what movies you love to watch and re-watch? What is it in these classics that can so inspire us long after they were first written?

8 comments:

Lynette Sowell said...

I also love the classics. :) One of my all-time favorites was the 1970's miniseries of Little Women, when Susan Dey played Jo, and Meredith Baxter Birney played Meg, Eve Plumb was Beth. Anyway, it really, really brought the book to life for me--when I first started writing. I didn't like the version that came out a few years ago nearly as much. Sadly, the late 70's version isn't on DVD. :(

eileen said...

Movies? I don't own any. I read. Maybe I need to invest in a few for rainy days....hmmm? Hope you are feeling better, Becky!

Ruth said...

I absolutely LOVE the new Jane Eyre, thought it was fabulous! Some possible suggestions based on your list - the A&E Scarlet Pimpernel series starring Richard E. Grant, North & South (also by Elizabeth Gaskell...rivals P&P for my favorite love story!), and the Masterpiece Theater version of Bleak House. Also, I had to laugh when you said you'd sell the '85 version of P&P cheap...I think it's terrible too!

Becky said...

Ruth, I believe it was your blog's recommendation that made me buy JANE EYRE before viewing it once. Thanks.

Kristy Dykes said...

Hope you're feeling better now. I LOVE all the movies you mentioned! The Scarlet Pimpernel with Jane Seymour is GREAT! I have some of those movies too. You know what's really funny--and tender and romantic? My husband now watches these type movies with me AND ENJOYS THEM. Him, the sports nut all these years. In fact, he visits the library often and sometimes brings home an armload of chick movies.

Kristy Dykes said...

Oh, and my husband LOVES to watch Ever After with Drew Barrymore. I'll be working in my study and walk through the fam. room and notice he's watching a rerun of it. This happens a lot. Even our daughters noticed it. We three grinned at each other when we caught him at it. It was a fun little family moment.

Anonymous said...

Hey Becky, so glad you are doing better! I have to confess to still getting a catch in my throat, and yes sometimes a tear or two, at "It's a Wonderful Life" and "Pollyanna." I think it's the idea of one person having such an impact on so many others. I think that is such a Christian message, and one for writers, too!

Anonymous said...

Becky;
How about the Count of Monte Cristo? That's one of my all time favorites.
Vasthi