It seems as you get older, live alone and have very little outside communication with others, especially during these trying times, that you live and think about the past more than you do the present or the future. There appears there is nothing for you in the future. You think different than the younger generation, and not many of them are interested in your experience. On this site I am able from time to time lend my voice to a conversation and have it acknowledged as being worthwhile.

All of the conversations there have been, every where, about wearing masks, have triggered thoughts from many years ago to my childhood years, and things or in this discussion, movies. We had a discussion several weeks ago about the movie, Song Of The South. This was the first movie I remember ever seeing. I was 5 years old in 1946. I am not sure that I can relate all of the feelings I had during that movies and I can remember it like it was last week, but I can't tell you what I ate yesterday.

Our family didn't have much and I learned not to expect too much, either for a birthday or Christmas. I did learn to be grateful what I did receive. Although, many times was disappointed. That is why I started trapping when I was 6 years old. But back to the movies. Movies were seldom and few until the 1950s when my aunt got a job working in a theater. Then I got an opportunity to see the Saturday afternoon serial movies, once in a while. I of course loved the westerns with Lash Larue, Hoot Gibson, Hopalong Cassidy, Ken Maynard, Bob Steele, Red Ryder and Little Beaver and of course Zorro and many more. I think watching these shows taught me right from wrong and good from evil.

One of the movies, in black and white, that left an indelible impression on me was the 1939 version of "The Man In The Iron Mask". I wasn't born yet when it first came out, but they did another showing of it when I was probably 8 to 10 years old. I have no idea, what impression it was that I was left with, but it is still with me till this day. I think maybe it was the conquering the impossible. Overcoming all odds and then making things right and punishing the wrong. Ever since this mask routine we are now involved in comes up, the first thing that pops into my mind ins The Man In The Iron Mask.

The next movie that left a lasting impression on me was the 1938 version of the "Adventures of Robinhood", with Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, and Claude Rains. Again, I can not tell you what the feeling is, I was left with, but it is still with me today. I can only suggest it is the same feeling that I had from the others... Injustice, right over wrong and those that are good should prevail.

The last movie that has made a significant impact on my life was "Braveheart", in 1995. I guess the theme of all of these movies that have impacted me down to my deepest core are all the same including the Saturday afternoon cowboy movies.

Now, looking back and looking at today, the difference may be that today we have no true heroes. We have no historical facts to place our hope or trust in. Everything that comes to the screen today is so slanted, perverted and corrupted, that any feelings one might have are those same feelings. God Bless this country and lift this doom from our eyes and hearts.

For those that take the time to read this gibberish from an Old Fool... Bless You.

Garry-

good read,mine was about a lady named "Debbie" that took place in Dallas.

The shining. Saw it way too young.

Several other B & W Classics from the late 30's and early 40's are "Captain's Courageous" and "Sergeant York".

.... good post Gary , I’m sure it will get lots of reads

... I always loved westerns.... but it concerns folks that I usually root for the bad guys lol

Shane, Cat On A Hot Tin Roof.

Braveheart........because I couldn't believe Hollywood would produce a movie that promotes freedom

Braveheart also, many John Wayne movies

Nice post, Garry.

Great post Garry! I remember as a kid in the 70's the old Shrine's Theater was a old and classy place and would show matinees starting at 10 am on the weekends. They would run them till 4pm then it was regular price. I would beat feet on my paper route and ride my bike like the wind if there was a good movie playing.

If you paid for the first showing, they let you stay and watch it over again all the way up till 4pm. I always loved the newsreel and the cartoons before the show. I think the first movie that I was in awe over was in the middle 70's, Rooster Cogburn came to town. Seeing the Duke up on that big screen sure was something!

Garry what a great post. I am 56 and only watch the old movies Bogart,Flynn,Rains, Scott ,Tracy,Dehaviland and many more. I like the old movies and of course the westerns and even the war movies. Seems like they were about our history current events of the time without too much political spin and of course without every episode of blowing up and shooting and blood and gore.

Hamburger Hill. May not always agree with and even oppose politically with Vietnam vets but they do have my respect.

While stationed at Ft. Lewis, we slipped up to the Rialto theater in Seattle and watched the Exorcist. I suffered through it, but honestly, I would have got up and left early on if not for being with friends. Haven’t watched it again.

How could I forget...the amazing movies with Catherine Hepburn ! Errol Flynn was fun in the action movies.

They don't make actors like that anymore.

"Vanishing Point" circa 1971 with Barry Neuman and the beautiful 1970 White Dodge Challenger. 440 Cubic Inches of pure Mopar power and adrenaline! I have it on VHS and DVD and watch it at least once a month! Not to mention all of the related YouTube videos of Nick's Garage and all of the "Groupies" who have returned to the filming locations in modern times!

Dirty Mary, Crazy Larry taught me to look both ways before crossing railroad tracks.

Jaws was another good one.

1960.The Alamo.Directed and starring John Wayne. Not everything is historically correct ,but it left me wanting more on the subject.Walt disneys Davy Crockett series got me in a life long love affair with what happened in Texas in 1836.Only thing on my bucket list--make it to the Alamo,to pay tribute to all that died there.
Tom

Texas chainsaw massacre.
Scared the crap outta me!!

same boat, but I was 12 years old (or so)...begged my parents to allow me to go with a friend.

Big Mistake.

E.T.

I grew up with John Wayne.