Once Upon A Time...Everyone Was Gay

The other day, I popped Meet Me In St. Louis in the ole VCR, and something occurred to me...

They just don't make movies like they used to.

When movies of yore began, the beginning credits would roll while a full orchestra and choir would sing some razzley-dazzley, sappy, yet upbeat, love song. And of course you don't understand what the choir is singing because it was made 60 years ago and the feed isn't all the great, but you can't help but have your spirits lifted. You know you're going to be in for a treat.

As the credits fade out, a perfect scene of Americana appears on the screen and you see a great big Victorian house with a perfectly mowed yard--the orchestra still faintly playing in the background. And then the story begins...and you are never disappointed.

Of course, the gist of the story is usually different, but the general I-feel-good!-I-wish-I-lived-back-then feeling remains the same.

I mean, when was the last time you were watching a movie and had the urge to make your own catchup or eat and enjoy some cornbeef and cabbage or have a dance with the neighbor kids right in own your house?! When was the last time you watched a movie and truly believed that everybody in that girl's 20 foot radius really did know the song she just burst into singing and wondered, "How come that never happens to me?"?! Or when was the last time you watched a movie and could really imagine a time when there was no crime?!

Judy Garland and Lucille Bremer never filled their time worrying about Greenhouse gases...they had songs to sing and world fairs to attend! There was no time to bother with the silliness of corrupt world leaders or terrorist's attacks...they had boys to woo and dance cards to fill.

Ahhhh. I miss that time. I'm sure I would have been good at it.

No. They just don't make movies like that anymore. We're lucky if we get a happy ending! (Charly, anyone?) It's a pity, really. I blame "The Academy." They give all the awards to movies that make you come away feeling like you need to go hit a bar or pop a couple Prozac.

When did all the happiness die off?

Thank goodness for VHS...

...Long live the oldies.