guitars (and other twangable instruments) in classic films

Last week I started teaching myself the guitar (it's not going too badly, in case you were wondering ;D) and that gave me an idea for a post: Guitars (and similarly shaped and strung instruments :P) in classic films.

Hmm, let's see if I can make it easier...

From: The Sound of Music (1965)

Two drifters off to see the world

From: Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

Put the blame on Mame, boys

From: Gilda (1946)

Oh! I really think you're swell!

From: The Parent Trap (1960)

Now you sing, Schmidt! 

(Starts around 4:20)

From: Lilies of the Field (1963)

I don't care if it rains or freezes 'long as I got my Plastic Jesus

From: Cool Hand Luke (1967)

I spent ages trying to think of other instances of guitars (and banjitars ;D) in films, but whilst I could think of many other instruments, guitars just weren't there. If you can think of any more, PLEASE let me know because I know there must be so many obvious ones that I've left off. 

Films I Can Watch Over and Over #3

Although there are several Disney cartoons that hold a special place in my heart, on the whole I much prefer Disney's live action films of the late 50s-60s. If I could choose to live in any film, I would probably pick a Disney live action film (or Columbia's similar The Trouble With Angels, starring Hayley Mills). My favourite of these is The Parent Trap (1961) starring Maureen O'Hara, Brian Keith, and Hayley Mills... doubled. It's a great family film; just as enjoyable for adults as for children (both my parents like it). The comedy in it is absolutely brilliant (I don't laugh at loud often at films, but this one always has me chuckling) and Hayley Mills is utterly fantastic as always. I have the greatest respect for her as an actress. She can be sweet, she can be spunky, she can be just plain marvellous...

I can't talk about this film without mentioning how fabulous Maureen is in it. Seriously, her character is one of my favourite film Mums. She's so fierce, like always, and her red hair is so gorgeous that a;lfjda'ldsfja'ldfj you can't help loving her. Also, she and Brian Keith make such an adorable couple.

Ooops! Spoilers ;) (Ok, you won't get that reference unless you're a Doctor Who fan obsessed with River Song who I'm not even going to start talking about following last week's "revelation" episode which renders me incapable of thinking any good thoughts about Stephen Moffat and his self indulgent, ridiculous, far too serious story lines. Get out. Now.) Although, it's not as if it isn't blatantly obvious what's going to happen from the very first moment you read the back of the DVD cover, so... ;D You should watch it. Everyone should watch it. The Parent Trap is the best and I will not accept any blasphemous remakes starring Lindsay Lohan being obnoxious and flaunting an English accent I've never heard any English person use. Good day, sir!

My Favourite Summer Songs

I love summer. Simple as. I never used to, I used to think it was more interesting to 'like' Autumn or Winter best *rolls eyes*, but then I became a S.A.D. sufferer...and spring/summer is very important to me! I've missed a lot of the gorgeous weather this summer, but hopefully I'll still manage to catch some sunshine!

I took my inspiration for this post from Millie at Classic Forever, who posted Moi Je Joue on tumblr yesterday. It's one of my favourite "summer" songs, and made me get the whole light-bulb-above-head thing. So, thanks for the idea Millie! :)

10 of My Favourite Summer Songs

Moi Je Joue - Brigitte Bardot

This is one of my all time favourite songs, and also is the song used in the amazing "Miss Dior Cherie" advert. I didn't know it was possible to have a favourite advert, but it is! ♥ Really though, this song is just so pretty, light and summery...I just adore it!

Moonriver - Audrey Hepburn

If they'd actually gone ahead and had the nerve to dub Audrey in this, I would personally have hunted the culprits down, despite the fact I wasn't born in 1961, and....well, I'll let Sue Sylvester say it for me: "I will buy you a kitty cat, I will let you fall in love with the kitty cat, and then on a cold dark night, I will steal away into your house and punch you in the face." Despite the fact Audrey wasn't the best singer in the world, this song is so full of emotion I feel like I'm going to burst every time I hear it. It's one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard...and it just reminds me a lot of summer! It always brings a bit of sunshine to my day...

O Sole Mio - Mario Lanza

My favourite version of this song is by Nini Rosso, but unfortunately I couldn't find it anywhere on youtube. My second favourite version couldn't be embedded, so I chose this one ;D I infinitely prefer it to Pavarotti's version, even though I usually love him. This song makes me so happy, and I've often listened to it to help me sleep :') It feels like it's inside me...running through me, you might say. Anyway, it's another beautiful, summery song!

Summertime - Louis Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald

I adore this song. I love and admire both Louis and Ella greatly, because I'm a trumpet player and I'm a singer (wow, that's sounds really boastful...you know what I mean though...I've sung all my life ;D ). This version is astounding, although I have to admit last year when I played in a big jazz concert, there was an amazing singer there who sang this song with another jazz band...I was crying it was so perfect and beautiful! :')

Girl Put Your Records On - Corrine Bailey Rae

Put simply, I'm in love with this song...and have been since I first heard it about 3 years ago. I love the video too!

Fun Fun Fun - The Beach Boys

As most of the Beach Boys songs are summery, this is just a personal favourite of mine. :) I used to hate The Beach Boys, but now I'm a bit of a fan.

Let's Get Together - Hayley Mills (The Parent Trap)

This is possibly one of the most addicting songs ever...and one of the most addicting films. Hayley Mills, Maureen O'Hara and Brian Keith...what's not too love!? Anyhoo, this song, and the whole film, is just marvellously summery. I watch it far too much :D

What A Wonderful World - Eva Cassidy

This is one of my "deeper" summer songs...meaning, it makes me cry! ;') I do love Louise Armstrong's version, but Eva's version is my favourite. It's such a beautiful summer song...and one day I want to take a long evening walk through fields of tall grass and flowers, and through green, green glades to a gently flowing stream whilst listening to this song.

I also love Vera Lynn's cover of What A Wonderful World but...

A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square - Vera Lynn

As I've said before, I adore Vera Lynn. I especially love listening to her songs in summer, and this is one of my favourites. I've spent far too many evenings than I care to remember sitting at my window listening to this song...and many other Vera songs.

I also love Anne Shelton's cover of this song (it was actually the first version I ever heard when I was tiny...).

It Was A Very Good Year - Frank Sinatra

It's named wrong, but never mind. It's the best one I could find, the rest were terrible quality or not actually him. Gah. Anyway, I love love love love love love love this song! ♥ It fills me with such nostalgia...and ahh, it's just wonderful! I used to play this constantly on the [rather long] journey to band practice last year - I think my Mum may have developed a rather strong hatred for the song! ;D

So, there you go: My 10 Favourite Summer Songs. Well, they're only the first 10 that came to mind, there are many more! I hope you enjoyed them! :)

A presto! :)

Oh, hello there, Greer!

Photo of the Day

Deborah Kerr and Hayley Mills off to play tennis in The Chalk Garden. (I did have a better photo of them actually playing, but I can't find it anywhere!)

Anyway, this is in honour of Wimbledon! Congratulations to Serena Williams for winning the ladies singles yesterday! Also, GO RAFA! (: