Friday, September 17, 2021

SOMETIMES ONCE IS NEVER ENOUGH....

                                                                    Acrylic painting by me





 
 







A while back Annie (from blog, "Fools Rush In) asked a question.. "What movie would you watch more than once?".  Like a fool I am rushing in to give my answer, but I don't feel foolish.

I’ve a list as long as my arm, if not longer, of movies I’ve watched more than once, and will watch more than once again, once again, if I get the opportunity. 

When I was four years of age I watched “Bambi”, the movie, not the actual live, kicking, and gambolling Bambi, for the first time, the first of many times. That’s “gambolling”, not “gambling”.  Bambi was too young to place bets.   

Then along came “The Blue Lagoon”, the 1949 version, which starred Jean Simmons, Donald Houston and Noel Purcell. How surprised I was when they found the baby in the cave!  So young and innocent was I!  Searching caves thereafter, I never did find a baby!  I adored the movie every time I watched it. The feeling would remain if I saw the movie again now, all these years later.  

Joining the above-mentioned was “The Red Shoes”, starring Scottish ballerina, Moira Shearer and our own legendary Sir Robert Helpman.  It’s on my list of movies watched more than once.   I have the movie is permanently recorded. I watched it all over again only a couple of months ago.  My late mother and Moira Shearer could have been twins so alike they were in appearance.  Both had flaming red locks. My mother was a good dancer, too...not of the standard of Shearer, of course, but very good, nonetheless, in ballet, tap, jazz and ballroom...and, the Highland Fling. 

It goes without saying, but I’ll say it anyway...I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve watched “Little Women”. I’ve also lost count of the number of times I’ve read every book relating the shenanigans of the March sisters.  I know their stories so well we could be sisters.

Like millions of others throughout the world, from the first moment I laid eyes on the luminous beauty of Audrey Hepburn in “Roman Holiday” I fell under her spell.  Not in a whisper, I yelled out, “I want a Vespa!” watching Hepburn and the very handsome Gregory Peck tear around the streets of Roam.  The movie remains at the top of my “favourite movies” list.  

Same applies to “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”.  Both I’ve watched many times over.  Permanently recorded, I watched each once again a couple of months ago...not simultaneously, of course.  It won’t be the last time I’ll become lost in Rome, or visit Tiffany’s in New York, I can assure you. I have always been a devoted fan of Audrey Hepburn, and my devotion shall not diminish in any way.

Both the books and the movies of “Exodus” and “The Godfather” have been read and watched more than once by me.  Back in 1962 I took a ”sickie” so I could finish reading Leon Uris’ fantastic novel before seeing the movie.  I laid on a blanket in the sun in our front yard devouring Uris’ words.

 It was the first and only “sickie” I took during the five years I worked in the Gympie law office of Tozer & Jeffery, and only one of two that I took over the ensuing thousand years of my working life.  

The Barbra Streisand-Kris Kristoffersen version of “A Star Is Born” also joins my many-times-watched movies.   I don't mind feasting my eyes of Kristoffersen any day, or night, of the week!

 In 1963, my first viewing of “West Side Story” occurred.  The movie grabbed the attention of those of my generation, mine included. At a party one night shortly after seeing the movie, so enamoured were we, a friend and I re-enacted the dance scenes, much to the entertained amusement of our fellow party-goers.  We thought we were pretty good, and would soon be snaffled up for the stage version!  

After our impromptu performance that night in Gympie a handsome young bloke sidled up to me, and said: "I'd like to get to know you better.  Can we meet up for coffee one day soon?" His name was Randall... who later on down the track became my fiancee, and then a few years later my husband.  (I never received a Tiffany's diamond, but Randall, upon his return from his New York Odyssey, did bring with him, as a gift for me, a silver ingot and a silver telephone dialer...both from Tiffany's.  I cherish them to this day).

As I said, the West Side Story re-enactment I performed with a friend was an evening in 1963. There’s no chance I’ll be re-enacting the dance moves from the new Steven Spielberg version of “West Side Story” due to be released in December. Steven could’ve hired me to give pointers, though.  The routines are embedded in my brain!

The Marx Brothers, along with Abbott and Costello movies demanded more than one viewing.  Through the years, more than one viewing was what they received; and, deservedly so.  Similar applies to Tarzan, Robin Hood, and The Three Musketeers.

 

And, of course, “Zorba, the Greek”, both the book and the movie grabbed and held my attention more than once time.  One of the highlights of my life was seeing Mikos Theodorakis, the composer of the music of "Zorba, the Greek" live in concert. A night I shall never forget.

 

Some books, movies and series... (e.g. series such as ”Justified” and “Younger”) warrant more than one viewing.  Multiple viewings are certainly justified.

 

We listen to songs and musical pieces we enjoy over and over again, I can see no valid reason same shouldn’t apply to the books, movies and series one enjoys.

 

My two furry roomies are forever nagging me to read to them the adventures of “Tom and Jerry”, “Puss in Boots”, “Felix”, and “Garfield”.  They know the words off by heart of “Scaredy Cat”, Phoebe’s song in “Friends”.   

Those darn cats...every time I open a can of Milo they look around expecting to see Otis.  They laugh at me when I pretend to be Cat Woman.

 

Breakfast Burritos: Set aside 6 whole tortillas. Spray medium fry pan. Scramble 9 eggs; toss for about 5mins, until no longer liquid.  Add 2c baby spinach, 3tbs sliced black olives, and 3tbs chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Toss until no longer wet; add ½ feta cheese; cover until cheese melts. Add 2tbs refried beans to each tortilla; top evenly with egg mixture; wrap. Grill in pan or panini press until lightly browned. Serve hot with salsa.

Breakfast Hash: In a large pan, cook 6 bacon rashers cut into 1-cm strips over med-high heat until crisp. Remove bacon; drain, leaving about 2tbs of drippings pan. Add 1/2c chopped onion and 6c cubed frozen hash browns, or fresh spuds; stir to coat with drippings; cook 2-3mins. Add 1/4c water; cover; cook 15mins; flip only once or twice. Stir in 1 minced garlic clove; cook 1mins; season to taste. Make four wells in spuds, exposing pan underneath. Carefully, crack 4 large eggs in each spot (1 egg per spot). Cover pan; let eggs cook over low heat until egg whites are set, about 8-10mims. Sprinkle 1c shredded cheddar and bacon on top during the last couple minutes of cooking. Sprinkle with chopped shallots; serve. 

Cream Cheese Scrambled Eggs: Gently whisk 4 large eggs together. Whisk in 3tbs cream cheese and 1tbs milk until mixed. It's ok if there are small bits of cream cheese pieces still.  Heat 1tbs butter in a small pan over medium heat. When butter has melted, add in 1tbs minced fresh chives. Cook for about 20 seconds; don’t let the butter burn. Slowly, pour in the eggs; allow it to sit, undisturbed, for about 30secs. Gently using a spatula, lift and fold eggs; give them a gentle stir. Let sit again  about 30 secs; give it a gentle stir again. Repeat until the eggs are just cooked. Serve warm. 

 

 

 

 A very important postscript.....Not to be overlooked...the brilliant book and movie both deserve more than one visit.....and more than once I have visited each....







 

 

28 comments:

  1. I really don't watch movies.
    I hear you on rereading books though. Time and time again.

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    1. Yes, I am aware you're not a movie watcher, EC. I, on the other hand, have always been a fan since I was a wee child, as you can tell from above. Similar applies to books and reading.

      My now late older brother and I were introduced to both books and movies ("pictures" as we called them on days of yore) at early ages...we were encouraged to read, and to enjoy the results of the art of film-making.

      Thanks for coming by. Take care. :)

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  2. I am at a bit of a loss here, since I have not seen many movies. Books are a different thing entirely and I could easily come up with scores of titles I have read two or three times. David Quammen's wonderful book "Song of the Dodo" springs immediately to mind. Regarding movies, though, I did see "Schindler's List" and I would watch that again, even though it left me an emotional wreck for days afterwards.

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    1. Hey, David. Each to our own with our personal, individual likes, loves and dislikes.

      I find it difficult to understand people not enjoying good movies. A story well told is worth both watching...and reading, in my opinion.

      As children, my brother and I never missed Saturday afternoon matinees...and, if there was a movie showing during the week that our mother and/or grandmother felt we should see...off to the "pictures" they would take us. :)

      "Schindler's List"...a brilliant movie...very distressing, indeed...heart-breaking and thought-provoking. Worthy of every accolade it received.

      "Song of the Dodo"...a book worth reading...more than once.

      Thanks for coming by...take care. :)

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  3. I tend to remember certain tough scenes from movies, but I wouldn't be tempted to watch that movie again; I wish to retain my first impression of the scene.
    Such a scene, in the 'Zorba the greek' movie, is when a single, heirless foreign woman is dying, and the local greek women enter her room to steal her belongings while she's not dead yet. Devastating scene!

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    1. G'day, DUTA...that was a disturbing scene in "Zorba", but one that depicts sections of human life. Much, much more of the book, the movie...the story is uplifting. I love the book, the movie and the soundtrack music by the brilliant Theodorakis.

      Thanks for coming by...take care. :)

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  4. Girls as I read I went traveling down memory lane. I took love the movies you referred too. Classic all of them and each deserve more than one viewing. Peace

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    1. Hey there, Lady Di...Some stories deserve more than one viewing, in my book. And if you love them, I can find nothing wrong in watching or reading them over and over again as many times as you want.

      I'm about due for another dose of "Roman Holiday"....far better viewing than all the disturbing news coming at us every moment of every day.

      Thanks for coming by, Miss Kitty...take care. :)

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  5. You've named many of the best, all worth an extra look or two.

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    1. Hey there, messymimi...they certainly are...wonderful viewing, and reading, again and again. :)

      Take good care...thanks for coming by. :)

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  6. I remember West Side Story and enjoying it, also Breakfast at Tiffany's. Have heard of some of the other movies that you mentioned. Never seen the Jean Simmons one, was before my time. Some movie are just simple classics and always will be.

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    1. G'day Margaret. Seeing I was born in 1944, the Jean Simmons' "Blue Lagoon" was right up my alley. I loved it from the first time I saw it.

      Even some movies that were before my time I liked (and still like)..."Casablanca" for instance...and of course, "Gone with the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz" to name just a couple.

      Thanks for coming by...take care. :)

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  7. The only Audrey Hepburn movie I like is The Nun's Story (with Peter Finch) and I have watched it several times. I have never seen Zorba the Greek and didn't know it was also a book. I shall track down both. Will also find a DVD of To Kill A Mockingbird, I have the book which is looking a little tattered now. Most movies I'd watch again and again are more modern that your selection, apart from The Blue Lagoon, which I don't have a copy of, but I saw the remake with Brooke Shields and didn't like it. I'd happily watch the Jean Simmons one if I could find a copy. I'm currently watching The Blacklist again, so I am all caught up when the series comes back next month, also watching Lucifer again before I see season six this coming week.

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    1. Hi River...Yes, "The Nun's Story" is very good. I've always been a Peter Finch Fan, too. I loved his version of "The Shiralee"...and have seen it more than once. It's a beautiful story.

      I've only touch the tip of the iceberg re the movies I like/love, and have watched more than once.

      The Brooke Shields/Christopher Atkins version of "Blue Lagoon" doesn't hold a candle to the original.

      I. too, have watched some of "The Blacklist" again...being, like you, a fan of the series. :)

      "Zorba the Greek" book is brilliant...and the movie didn't let it down...nor did the soundtrack composed by Theodorakis.

      Take care...thanks for coming by. :)

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    2. I have The Shiralee too, movie and book. The Peter Finch version is far better than the Bryan Brown version.

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    3. Yes, the Finch version is better by a country mile to the remake, River. I agree wholeheartedly! :)

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  8. Hi Lee, Your memory is remarkable. I think the only movie and book that I've seen and read more than twice is "To Kill a Mockingbird". I've seen "West Side Story" twice at the movies and twice on stage. I'm much more likely to see a show twice or more on stage than a movie. Books are another matter altogether.

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    1. G'day Pauline. I do have a good memory...probably too good in some instances! :)

      I've always been a movie fan from when I was a little girl. It's years since I've been to the cinema, though...these days I prefer to watch them in the comfort of my own surroundings.

      Take care...thanks for coming by. :)

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  9. Yum. Those cream cheese scrambled eggs sound good.
    I loved Audrey Hepburn. She was just ethereal, wasn't she? I was also a Kristofferson fan.
    Lots of good memories. Thanks for sharing and take special care.

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    1. Hey Sandra...Yes, Audrey Hepburn was special...she was not only beautiful, but the work she did for the underprivileged through the years with UNICEF showed how beautiful her spirit was, too.

      Thanks for coming by...take care. :)

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  10. What a fun post, Lee, and I totally agree with rewatching any movie with Ms. Hepburn. My favorites are the musicals, Gigi and My Fair Lady and I agree with you on Roman Holiday but also enjoyed several other light comedies including Sabrina even though Bogart was a bit far fetched as the guy who won her heart. Yes, on cream cheese with scrambled eggs and I add in chopped scallions.

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    1. Hey Beatrice...I love all of Hepburn's movies...including "Wait Until Dark"...and "Charade"...but "Roman Holiday" and "Breakfast at Tiffany's" edge out above the rest and hold tied position! lol She was truly wonderful in every movie she appeared in, and, when you think about it...other than George Peppard, the rest of her leading men were much older than she was.

      Thanks for coming by...take care...and enjoy those scrambled eggs! :)

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  11. You gave me so many memories in this post. I loved Breakfast At Tiffanys. Did you hear they are going to remake Westside Story? That will NEVER do. And who could ever not be touched by Bambi?

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    1. Hi Annie...Yes...I did hear that there is a remake of "West Side Story" in the works...a Steven Spielberg project. The original is best left alone, in my opinion.

      I love "Breakfast at Tiffany's"...and have lost count of the number of times I've watched it.

      I still remember the first time I saw "Bambi"...it was a very short time after I'd left hospital after having my tonsils and adenoids removed...I was five years old. The movie was a special treat.

      I'm glad to learn you are swiftly on the road to recovery, and all is progressing so very well with you. Keep taking good care. Thanks for coming by. :)

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  12. Your painting really comes to life. Such talent. As a guy, I prefer the action-adventure type films. I've always liked James Bond. Some movies I've seen more than once have been made in Australia--Road Warrior, Muriel's Wedding, On The Beach and Babe. Do you like those?

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    1. Hi Dave...Sean Connery remains my favourite Bond. I wonder who will be the next one replacing Daniel Craig...

      "Muriel's Wedding" is a lot of fun...I've watched it more than once. I'm a Toni Collette and Rachel Griffith fan. "On the Beach" I've seen a couple of times. Strange as it may sound, I've not ever watched "Babe" in its entirety. The original "The Shiralee" starring Peter Finch I've seen more than once...same applies to "A Town Like Alice"...both wonderful movies.

      There are many movies, of all genres, in my opinion, worth viewing more than once.

      We must never overlook "The Wizard of Oz"...or "Gone with the Wind"! Both terrific in their own right. :)
      Thanks for coming by...take care. :)

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  13. Your memory is so good ...
    I've always liked Audrey Hepburn.

    That breakfast hash is definitely YUM!

    Take care, my good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Hi Jan...I do have a good memory...sometimes too much of a good memory! lol

      Take good care...thanks for coming by. :)

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