Happy Mother’s Day to everyone out there!
In honor of the day, I asked my own mother what her favorite films are. What I received in return was a very succinct set of classics from the 1950s-60s.
IMITATION OF LIFE (1959)
The Fanny Furst novel on racial politics gets the Sirkian melodrama treatment. Stars Lana Turner, Juanita Moore, John Gavin and Sandra Dee.
CARMEN JONES (1955)
Otto Preminger’s filmed version of Oscar Hammerstein’s all-black adaptation of the Bizet opera Carmen stars Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte. Dandridge was nominated for an Academy Award for her role.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (1958)
Sultry adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ stage play. Stars Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor.
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
A groundbreaking film at the time, this film stars Sidney Poitier, Katherine Hepburn and in his final film appearance, Spencer Tracy.
Some very good selections indeed – mom certainly has good cinematic taste 🙂
le0pard13 says
May 13, 2012 at 12:53 pmClassy set of films from your mom. Well done. Happy Mother’s Day to yours.
le0pard13 recently posted..Versus AFI: 10 Top 10 – Fantasy
iluvcinema says
May 13, 2012 at 2:50 pmCheers!
Candice Frederick says
May 13, 2012 at 3:23 pmi love this list! Thanks for sharing!
Candice Frederick recently posted..Snow White Takes a Savage Turn in New Photos from ‘Snow White and the Huntsmen’
iluvcinema says
May 13, 2012 at 5:36 pmThanks Candice!
ruth says
May 13, 2012 at 10:35 pmNice post to honor your mom, Iba! She certainly does have a fine taste in movies. My late mom introduced me to classic films as well, and surely Gone with the Wind would’ve been on her favorite list 🙂 Btw, I really have to see ‘CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF’ soon!
ruth recently posted..Happy Birthday Gabriel Byrne! Five fave roles of the elegant Irish thespian
iluvcinema says
May 14, 2012 at 12:38 amFunny I never really asked my mom what her favorite films were. I always knew Imitation of Life was one of them but the others I was rather pleasantly surprised about!
Gisele says
May 14, 2012 at 12:26 amHappy happy mother’s day everyone! I just hope all mothers would feel important in this special day intended for mothers only..
Gisele recently posted..Panic Away Review
Scott Lawlor says
May 14, 2012 at 6:00 amBeautiful post. Happy Mothers Day!!
You had me worried for a bit, but luckily I hadn’t forgotten, UK’s Mothers Day was a while back!!
Scott Lawlor recently posted..DVD Review – Tape 407
iluvcinema says
May 14, 2012 at 8:29 amThat would be March, correct?
Todd Mason says
May 15, 2012 at 9:12 amAnd Mexico’s was the previous Friday.
Todd Mason recently posted..Saturday Music Club: Electronic Music
iluvcinema says
May 15, 2012 at 11:52 amMother’s Day should be everyday!
iluvcinema recently posted..Tuesday’s Overlooked Film: Wimbledon (2004)
Ja says
May 15, 2012 at 10:45 pmGreat piece Eebs. Looks like your film jones and insight must be genetic! 🙂
Ja recently posted..Pacquiao Appears To Be Slowing But Not Enough For Bradley
iluvcinema says
May 17, 2012 at 11:57 pmI knew about Imitation of LIfe (of course) but the other ones were certainly a pleasant surprise!