halograce Reviews

The Ugly Dachshund (1966)

Favorite!

[8/10 · 17 January 2008]

Have loved this movie, since first seeing it 40 years ago. Sweet and charming, witty and fun. The dogs are of course adorable, and the plot simple and captivating. Mark Garrison, who is referred to in the summary as Jim, I believe someone has their movies mixed up, Jim Douglas was in the Love Bug. Anyway, Mark and Fran are likable folks, the movie is also a favorite of my Grandsons, 3 and 5. Love Bug, Swiss Family Robinson, Old Yeller and Ugly Dachshund, are repeated often. The movie opens with a race to the hospital for the birth of the Dachsie puppies. Danke has three little girls puppies, and a Great Dane is pawned off on Mark, to be nursed by Danke. Seems the Dane has too many puppies, and so this begins the story. The Dane is the dog Mark has been yearning for, so he conspires to keep him in the family, even after he is weaned. The yarn scenes and the paint scenes genuine comedic antics of the best kind, and the party scenes at the end, classic. Don't miss this one, if you enjoy the Disney movie greats.

Remember the Night (1939)

One of my favorites

[10/10 · 16 December 2006]

This little sentimental tale is so sweet and heartwarming, I consider it one of my favorite holiday movies. The beginning is a bit slow, the courtroom scene drawn out and ones mind can wander. But once the story begins, it carries viewers back to a time when simpler pleasures where enjoyed. The popcorn, singing around the piano, simple gifts, popovers, canary in the cage, white elephant sale and barn dance all make one long for those days. Who wouldn't like to step into this movie, and go home with John/Jack, snuggle in the flannel gown, in the cozy bed, and have the Mom and Aunt fussing around, seeing to your every need. I give this movie a 10 and believe it is one of the "overlooked" films of the holiday season. I am a great fan of the classics, Miracle on 34th, Wonderful Life, White Christmas and Christmas in Conneticut. But these smaller, lesser known films, are simply grand. Holiday Affair is another to check out, if you want some variety in your viewing.

Heidi (1937)

Marvelous film.

[9/10 · 5 December 2006]

One of my top 40 favorite films, of all time. Can watch this movie over and over again. My Grandson will watch the entire movie with me, and he is just four years old. From the moment Heidi arrives on the mountain to live with her Grandfather, the film captures ones imagination. The spirit of Heidi, the bond she develops with her Grandfather. Her finding a bed in the straw with the coverlet, milking the goat, carrying a load of firewood on her back, and my Grandson's favorite scene, sledding down the snow covered mountain on a sled, all show the child's perfect life with her Grandfather. When disrupted by her mean-spirited Aunt, and taken to live in the city, Heidi is instantly a favorite of Clara, the Butler and Clara's father. Once again, heart warming scenes capture the spirit of the girl. The monkey shines, the school lessons, the manners taught, all paint a vivid picture. None the less, Heidi and the Grandfather can not be kept apart, and each fights a mighty battle to be rejoined. Don't miss this fabulous film, a favorite around the holidays, when Heidi sings "Silent Night", I challenge you to keep a tear from your eye. Beautiful film.