Enjoying Summer Movies: 30 Sun-Drenched Classics
Some people escape the summer heat by heading to the beach or taking a dip in the pool. I prefer to crank up the AC and put on a fun film. I may not want to head outside in the summer sun but I’m more than happy to watch a movie with a summer theme. Luckily, Hollywood has made an abundance of them and, coincidentally, TCM has released a new book, Summer Movies: 30 Sun-Drenched Classics, with a selection of favorites.
As a huge fan of Turner Classic Movies my library is filled with a number of the books they publish. So when they sent me a copy of Summer Movies by John Malahy I was more than eager to dig in. Arranged chronologically the book offers a wide variety of films, from silents to contemporary, that prominently feature the summer months.
Every time I read a book that features a list of films I immediately need to know how many of them I’ve already seen and I’m happy to report I’ve watched 21 of the 30 featured films. Although I’d already viewed the majority of the movies I still enjoyed revising them in the book. I loved comparing my views with that of the author and reading about certain movies made me eager to rewatch them.
It’s no secret I love Andy Hardy and I was so happy to see You’re Only Young Once included on the list. In this movie, the second of the series, the Hardy family heads to Catalina Island for the summer and, as always, hijinks ensue. Shot on location it’s a fun filled romp that’s sure to put you in a summer mood.
Then there’s The Parent Trap. Yes! This is one of my favorite summer flicks. Forget the modern version the 1961 original is where it’s at. Hailey Mills is perfect in a dual role as twins who are reunited at summer camp and scheme to get their parents back together. The California coast, crazy camping adventures and the catchy rhythm of Let’s get Together is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face.
Speaking of sisters how can anyone resist A League of Their Own’s Dottie and Kit? A fictional tale inspired by the true life All-American Girls Professional Baseball League it’s a heartwarming story of sisterhood, friendship and, of course, baseball. Forget the boys of summer. The ladies of summer are the real deal!
Although I appreciated a number of the films on the list a few others left me scratching my head. But that’s only natural as it’s not a comprehensive look at summer films but rather a selection of a few recommendations. There’s no way Mr. Malahy and I could agree on everything. Buuuut there are a couple of movies I really wish had been added – Two Weeks With Love and What About Bob? Those are two of my summer favorites and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for a fun flick.
But my gripes about the exclusions are small and Summer Movie: 30 Sun-Drenched Classics remains a fun round up of seasonal favorites. You could it bring to the beach, to the pool or just stay inside, crank up the AC and enjoy reading about some awesome summer films.