Nobody Puts Baby in the Corner!

by Anna Campbell

I was really saddened recently to see that Patrick Swayze had passed away at the tragically early age of 57.

For me, he will forever be the wonderful Johnny Castle from DIRTY DANCING, one of my favorite movies ever.

I can't tell you how many times I've watched this movie. I can't tell you how many times I've giggled at "I carried a watermelon" or cry in numerous bits of the film, most notably the ending. With its famous "Nobody puts Baby in the corner" line. Sigh! What a man!

This is a film that really touches a chord with a lot of the women I know. Perhaps because many of us identify with Baby/Frances. Perhaps because she fulfills so many fantasies for geeky girls.

This is a classic Ugly Duckling story. Frances is the plain, intellectual sister who hangs in there, takes risks and eventually wins the prince. Not only that, she gets to dance at the ball as the star of the show. And her prince who at first seemed completely beyond her reach recognizes her for the wonderful woman she is.

It's also a classic coming of age story. Baby starts out young and awkward and by the end, she's ready to fly. Literally! Who can forget that shot of Johnny lifting her high in the air at the end of the film as everything around her erupts into a dance of joy? Fantastic stuff! I always want to cheer at that moment.

I think the emotional arcs in this film are pitch perfect, which is perhaps another reason why it's such a favorite with audiences. Johnny goes through his own emotional journey - he gradually stops being the almost godlike creature of Baby's crush and turns into a real man with uncertainties and wounds and unexpected strengths. We realize by the end that she has given him as much as he's given her.

And isn't that a perfect love story?

So are you a DIRTY DANCING fan? If not, what's your comfort movie?

Marvelous Movies - Anna Campbell

by Anna Campbell

As those of you who visit my website know, every month I do a column called My Favorite Things. It's pure self-indulgence, really, but it gives me a chance to write about stuff I like. Among an assortment of topics, I talk about places I've been and books and movies that are particular favorites.

The last two months (March and April), I've been talking about movies. March's topic was THE BIG EASY which is such a great romance and so much fun. And April's is THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS starring Daniel Day-Lewis and his flowing hair. An absolutely magnificent film and one I'd highly recommend if you haven't seen it.

You can see what I said about the film here. And also feast your eyes on some yummy pictures - love this one of him staring stalwartly into the distance! You'll also find links back to previous columns, including a list of my top 11 favorite films.

I thought it might be fun to think of my top three films - for today that is, as this list tends to change hourly if not daily! If you ask me tomorrow to name my top three, you'll get a different answer.

But today, the first of my favorites is LAWRENCE OF ARABIA which is where that spectacular still at the top of this blog comes from.

I was lucky enough to be living in a major city when the restored version of this masterpiece was released in the cinemas. I think I went to it about ten times. It became a bit of an obsession. But the chance to see that magnificent photography in 70mm as David Lean intended and to hear Maurice Jarre's haunting score in full surround sound was too precious to waste. I've always had a soft spot for Peter O'Toole and my crush was reawakened big time, seeing his wonderful performance over and over again. Mind you, Omar Sharif isn't exactly tough to look at in this film either.
My next film is a real girly classic. DIRTY DANCING! Nobody puts Baby in a corner! This was another film I went to see a couple of times in the cinema although it works much better on TV than LAWRENCE OF ARABIA. This is a wonderful coming of age story about two people who are so much more than they realize they are.

What works for me in this film is that for all its fantasy elements, it's very real. The relationships have that awkwardness that real relationships have. For example, I always cry when Baby/Frances finally confronts her father on the porch in the rain. They love each other so much which is why they manage to hurt each other so profoundly.


The last of my short list is an oldie but a goodie. THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR was made in 1947 and it's one of the most poignant, magical romances I know on film. Gene Tierney is luminous as young widow, Lucy Muir, who moves into a haunted house on the English coast. Rex Harrison was never so warm and human as he is here, playing the ghost of sea captain Daniel Gregg. Quite ironic, really. But he makes the most wonderful romantic hero in this film.

On my website, I make the comment about THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS that one of the most compelling things about the hero in that film is that he knows he's met his destiny the moment he lays eyes on the heroine. There's a similar dynamic in THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR and it works in spades! But of course, a ghost and a living woman can't have a happy ending in this life, which is where the heart-wrenching poignancy comes from.

If you haven't seen this film, get it. It's breathtakingly romantic and I bet you cry at the end. I always do!

So what are your three favorite films and why? I'd love to hear your lists!

Looking For A Random Winner -- Michelle Monkou

And the winner of the $25 Macy's Gift Card is....Raven99. Thank you everyone for participating. Until next time. -- Michelle

I was having a conversation with a few of my writer friends today about recently viewed movies that drew me in.

One such movie is Twilight. I'm 42 years old and consider myself far away from my teen crushes and fantasies. Yet, despite my brother's thumbs down on the movie, I came away (with my 14 yr old daughter) with a smile on my face and a warm coziness in my heart. I'm now reading the book.

My reaction motivated to think about why I was moved so much. When I think about what other movies caused similar reactions, I can name a few: Dirty Dancing, Bend It Like Beckham, Across The Universe. There has to be more than a simple declaration that they are romance stories for young people that make them addictive.

I think there are several themes/fantasies that capture our imagination -- it's the awkwardness of not fitting in, struggling for independence, dealing with the first blush of romantic feelings, and heroes that will risk everything to be with that person who the world (but not the viewers) thinks is unsuitable.

Think about what are a few fantasies in young adult or adult stories that strike the right chord in your heart. What makes you feel cozy and warm?

By tomorrow evening (PST), I'll pick from the comments one person to receive $25 Macy's Gift Card for you to enjoy this Holiday season.

Michelle Monkou

P.S. BTW, here's my March cover. I love it!