Hopping Down the Bunny Trail

What a wonderful time of year. Spring is here! New beginnings are brewing and what better way to celebrate the season than with a few classic movies.

The most noteable Easter classic is Easter Parade with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. The day before Easter, Astaire's character loses his dance partner and object of his affection.  To prove to everyone and himself that his partner is not important to him, he takes a new protege and vows to make her a star. The music and the costumes are beautiful. It really is a happy movie with happy songs and settings. It's good for the whole family.

Speaking of good for the whole family-Here comes Peter Cotton Tail is a great animated treat that will have you thinking about your own childhood. I love stop motion animation and Rankin and Bass never disappoint. The story is very simple-it's the story of Peter Cottontail and all the goodies that come along with Easter. Danny Kaye and Paul Frees lend their voices to this wonderful classic.

I'm not sure what it is with Chuck Heston and biblical movies but he does a great job at them. Ben Hur is a great example of this , it is without a doubt Mr. Heston at his finest.  Ben Hur is a wealthy merchant who, not by his own fault is sent to the gallows. Time does not heal all wounds and hatred is still in his heart, until a certain day (don't want to spoil it for ya). The chariot scene has been touted as one of the most breathtaking scenes in all cinema history. There is a silent version of this movie and the above scene is equally as moving. I highly suggest both.

If Ben Hur isn't your speed but you still want some Heston, then pick up The Ten Commandments.  This movie is completely over the top but still beautiful and when Moses says, "Let my people go!" I still get chills.

Well, there ya go!  A few Spring holiday classics for your viewing pleasure.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some Easter baskets to raid-those chocolate bunny ears aren't gonna eat themselves!