Classic Films

Watching ‘90s movies on vacation

Think: The Firm (1993), The Fugitive (1993), Clueless (1995), The Truman Show (1998)… all classics, everyone loves them, super fun to watch at the Airbnb at night.

Sabrina

The most iconic summer on the North Shore of Long Island movie (apologies to the original--also excellent but this captures the season the way no other movie could! And I can say that because I'm related to Bogie). The scene when Greg Kinnear picks Julia Ormond up from the Locust Valley train station and drives her back to Dosoris Lane (really Dosoris Island) is everything.

The Sound of Music (1965)

The Sound of Music holds up as one of the most perfect pieces of art of all time. It's visually stunning, Captain Von Trapp is HOT, Julie Andrews is a treasure, and it's on the right side of history, which you can't always say about old movies these days. I also love the "intermission" card — movies need more intermissions.

Purple Noon (1960)

dir. René Clément — a French-Italian psychological thriller & the first film adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley

Claire's Knee (1970)

Claire's Knee is one of those French films where you watch it and argue about it with your friends for the rest of your life.

The Philadelphia Story

“The time to make up your mind about people…is never.”

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

A perfect movie. Sartorially, romantically, and New Yorkally.

La Piscine (1969)

latest scandalous summer favorite

Bicycle Thieves (Vittorio De Sica)

Set in post-WWII Rome, Antonio's ability to support his family is heavily dependent on accessing his sole mode of transportation: his bicycle. On the first day of his new job, his bicycle is stolen and, along with the help of his son, Antonio is determined to track down the thief and get his back bike. I am just now realizing how this is a bit similar to the plot of Pee Wee's Big Adventure (the stakes for Pee-Wee considerably lower, of course) but, it's totally different...but you should probably watch both. They're both excellent!

The Princess Bride

A true all timer. My kids watched ut recently and loved it

Funny Face (1957)

What a visual feast!!! The costumes and sets in Funny Face are unmatched.

Mon Oncle (1958)

OK this is an annoying answer but I remembering seeing Mon Oncle in film school and drooling over the interiors (and exteriors). I'm not usually head over heels for modern design, but this felt so wonderfully wacky and fresh and really left a mark on my psyche. Sharing more of the images below. And a video if you want to also enjoy the delightful wit and costuming.

Dance in the Sun (1953)

This is how it feels sometimes. Choreographer Daniel Nagrin performs in a studio and in the sun. Directed by Shirley Clarke.

Barry Lyndon (1975)

10/10 for the soundtrack alone. A truly epic tale of ambition, greed, glory, and reckoning.

Father of the Bride (1991)

I didn't purposely move down the block from the Father of the Bride house, but I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a major selling point for this apartment.

Desk Set (1957)

Did I repost this yet because this film is a top film of my life

Cléo from 5 to 7 by Agnes Varda

love to see hypochondriac representation portrayed by a woman (instead of just woody allen)

To Be or Not to Be (1942)

I adore this movie <3 A screwball comedy that is as touching and suspenseful as it is funny. It features a beautiful final film performance by Carol Lombard- before her untimely death in a plane crash :( From Criterion: "thespians in Nazi-occupied Warsaw become caught up in a dangerous spy plot.To Be or Not to Be is a Hollywood film of the boldest black humor, which went into production right before the U.S. entered World War II. Lubitsch manages to brilliantly balance political satire, romance, slapstick, and urgent wartime suspense in a comic high-wire act that has never been equaled."

Amadeus (1984)

Magnificent and perfectly harmonious, every aspect of this movie about creativity, dedication, jealousy and high art hits like a ton of bricks.

Jaws

I watch Jaws every 4th of July but I also try listening to the audiobook when I can. Peter Benchley doesn't seem to get enough credit for penning this beloved story. I do think the movie poster elevated the book cover significantly, as the original cover features a toothless, drab, hardly menacing shark. For public library users, the audiobook is available on Hoopla Digital!

Le Genou de Claire (1970) dir Eric Rohmer

Claire's blue dress & hat in Eric Rohmer's 1970 summer film!

Singin' in the Rain

Comfort and Joy (1984) dir. Bill Forsyth

This is a Christmas Breakup comedy where the protagonist, who works as a disc jockey on a popular radio station accidentally falls into the middle of an Ice Cream war between two rival ice cream trucks. Very (very) loosely based on a true story lol, look up the Glasgow Ice Cream Wars. Saw it at 2220 Arts + Archives via Mezzanine, it’s very rare that it screens, but if you can find it somewhere you should watch it.

Sunset Boulevard (1950)

Ok obvious but preeminent.