Star Choice in Canada has just added Turner Classic Movies to its
lineup. All the great MGM and Columbia movies all with no commercials
or interruptions. Even silent movies from the 20s and lesser known ones
from the 30s and 40s. It lets me see the movies of the period that I
missed because I was busy doing other stuff. It is interesting to see
the technology of the times that was used in the making of a movies as
well as the values and customs of the period. For example, in Pillow
Talk with Doris Day and Rock Hudson, the main theme of the story was
how the 30-year-old Doris protected her virginity from the lecherous
Rock Hudson. ( We all know now she had nothing to fear) . The kids of
today have no idea what the plot is about, since the concept is unknown
to them and the movie doesnt make much sense. Hollwood tends to remake
old movies for each generation: sometimes the remakes are good but
often they are inferior to the original. For example. there are three
versions of State Fair and the 1945 version with Jeanne Crain and Dick
Haymes is the most charming. the 1933 version with Will Rogers and
Janet Gaynor the best tale of life in the 30s, and the 1962 versio with
Pat Boone and Ann-Margaret was just awful. Having lived through much of
these periods, I find it interesting to reflect on all the changes that
have taken place in one lifetime and it helps me to not be stuck in the
past clinging to obsolete mores, although I find the fact that the
actors are nearly all dead to be a little discouraging. For Canadians
with Star Choice, Turner Classics are free for this month: channel 539.