With so many streaming services these days, it’s fun to discover -- or rediscover -- classic films from the past.
There are many great movies that, even though they were produced before 1970, are just as entertaining today as they were when they premiered. and are great for family movie nights.
The Parent Trap G 1961 (Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video & More)
Hayley Mills stars with Hayley Mills in this fun story about twins separated when they were babies, with one going to live with their mother (Maureen O’Hara) in Boston, and the other going to live with their father (Brian Keith) in California.
Neither girls has any clue the other exists, until they happen to meet at a summer camp.
When they discover what happened, they hatch a plan to switch places, so when their parents realize they have the wrong child, they will have to meet to set things right ... maybe, just maybe, they will rekindle the love they once had.
With Sharon having been raised in a high-society Boston home, and Susan growing up on a ranch, they make quite a pair trying to fit into each other’s shoes.
The movie was remade in 1998, with Lindsay Lohan playing the twins. It’s cute, but stick to the original.
Singin’ in the Rain G 1952 (Prime Video)
This musical is considered one of the best from the MGM factory, the studio known for producing wonderful musicals. Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds star in this story about the dawn of the “talkies” in the 1920s.
Don Lockwood (Kelly) and his on-screen partner Lina (Jean Hagen) have been the top silent stars of their day. But when the movies add sound, it is evident Lina does not have a voice for the new medium. To say her voice is annoying is an understatement.
Kathy Selden (Reynolds) ends up dubbing Lina’s voice to save the film, but is she ruining her own career by doing so?
The soundtrack includes several catchy songs that have been covered many times through the years. “Good Morning,” “Make ‘em Laugh,” and the title song “Singin’ in the Rain,” are just a few of the delightful tunes.
Kelly’s dance in the rain is one of the most talked-about, reenacted, and memorable scenes in movie history.
Harvey 1950 (Apple TV, Prime Video & More)
Based on Mary Chase's Pulitzer Prize-winning 1944 play, Harvey stars James Stewart as a man with a six-foot-tall invisible rabbit for his best friend.
Stewart took home the Oscar for his performance as Elwood, a middle-aged man whose friends and family think he is insane.
But Elwood is not insane. He does have an invisible giant rabbit named Harvey, and this favorite film has had young and old enjoying the antics of Elwood and Harvey.
Lost Horizon (1937) Tubi, Apple TV, Prime Video & More
Lost Horizon, produced in 1937, dramatizes author James Hilton’s story of Shangri-La.
Ronald Colman stars as a British diplomat who is kidnapped and brought to a special Tibetan lamasery, where he discovers a spectacular valley, known as Shangri-La.
This place is unbelievable. People are healthy, happy, and old, even though they don’t look it. They are well into their hundreds.
This utopian valley becomes a place, somewhat like the land of Oz, which audiences dream about and still strive to locate.
The movie was remade in 1973 as a musical in splendorous color. But the original black and white is still ranked among the classic films of the 20th century.
The musical version is also enjoyable and very colorful.
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir 1947 (Apple TV, Prime Video & More)
What happens when a well-bred Englishwoman and her daughter become the housemates of a ghost?
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir is a fun story, with Gene Tierney as widow Lucy Muir and Natalie Wood as her daughter. They move to Gull Cottage in a cute seaside village.
The problem arises when Lucy discovers an old salty sea captain resides there. He is, however, a ghost.
Captain Gregg and Lucy Muir must find a way to live together while she continues her life. To make an income, Lucy writes the memoirs of Captain Daniel Gregg (Rex Harrison), with him retelling his life to her.
Everything is going fine until Lucy has a suitor (George Sanders), and it becomes clear the captain is enchanted with her, and she with him.
This cute story provided the background for the subsequent TV series (1968-1970) that starred Hope Lange and Edward Mulhare. It’s hard to decide if Harrison or Mulhare is the more charming ghost.
Pollyanna G 1960 (Disney+, Prime Video & More)
Hayley Mills stars as Pollyanna, an orphan sent to live with her wealthy aunt Polly (Jane Wyman).
While Pollyanna wants to climb trees and enjoy being a young girl, her aunt has other ideas. Polly insists her niece be brought up with strict manners and a suitable wardrobe, befitting a girl of her new stature.
Pollyanna is a friendly girl who makes friends easily and even turns an old gruff curmudgeon and a crotchety woman into caring people and ultimately her friends.
The entire town becomes cheerier thanks to the sweetness and kindness of this one young girl, whose attitude on life is through rose-colored glasses.
It's contagious, and this once-bitter town is now filled with happiness and friendliness toward each other.
Image: Statue depicting Gene Kelly in Singin' in the Rain/Adobe Stock: Casimir Jover Reig
Francine Brokaw is a longtime journalist, covering entertainment, product reviews and travel, and is the host of Beyond the Red Carpet on Village Television and YouTube.
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