There are many films that are about Christmas, but not as many that are related to our nation’s birthday or just have a feel for the American spirit. Here are five movies that should be viewed on this patriotic day.
Five- Casablanca
Humphrey Bogart stars as American expatriate Rick Blaine, living in Casablanca and running Rick’s Cafe American. He has been down in the dumps since being stood up by his girlfriend, Ilsa Lund, played by Ingrid Bergman, in Paris, when the Nazi’s took over the city. He’s become so hardened by what he sees, that he lets Ugarte, played by Peter Lorre, be taken away by the Nazis. When Ugarte pleads with Rick to help him, he tells him that he sticks his neck out for nobody. His outlook changes when Ilsa comes to town. It appears that she wants to rekindle their romance, but she is using Rick to get the letters of transit for her husband, the freedom fighter, Victor Lazlo. Rick is devastated to learn this, and contemplates keeping the letters of transit, for himself and Ilsa, leaving Lazlo for the Nazis. He realizes he can’t and goes to the airport with Ilsa. While there, Ilsa tells Rick, that she wants to stay with him. He explains to her that their problems don’t amount to a hill of beans, and if she doesn’t get on the plane, with her husband, she’ll regret it. She resists, and he tells her, “we’ll always have Paris.” Rick then walks back with Captain Renault, a two faced chief of police, who he’s convinced to switch sides, and tells him this is the beginning of a beautiful relationship.
Humphrey Bogart as Rick, is really a symbol of America’s feelings before its entry into the war, which was isolation. The one line in this movie, that sums up the character of Rick and his representation of America, is spoken by Paul Heinreid’s character Victor Lazlo. He says, “welcome back to the fight, Rick.” This is after Rick has sacrificed love for the greater good of freedom.
This is Bogart at his finest. He is helped by a shining performance by the beautiful Ingrid Bergman. Also Claude Raines is great as the duplicitous Captain Renault. What is ironic about this film, is that the only American actors in it were Bogart and DooleyWilson, who plays his friend and confidant, Sam. Casablanca can be watched anytime, and should be viewed repeatedly for the great American film that it is.
Four- Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
Gary Cooper plays Longfellow Deeds, a man from a small New England town who inherits a fortune from his dead uncle. He travels to New York, to claim his fortune. He meets reporter, Babe Bennett, played by Jean Arthur, who has gone undercover to get the scoop on Deeds. She writes stories about him, painting him as an imbecile. Many people in The Big Apple, covet Deeds newly acquired fortune, and the newspaper stories, have the effect of his sanity being questioned. Deeds finds out that Babe Bennett is responsible for the stories, and it causes a rift in their relationship. He goes on trial to prove his competence, and in the end is found sane. Longfellow Deeds and Babe Bennett mend fences, and everything turns out ok.
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town was directed by Frank Capra, whose films are about the little guy facing big odds. Gary Cooper had a knack for his portrayal of everyday Americans fighting overwhelming odds. His performance of Longfellow Deeds is no exception. He is terrific in the role. Jean Arthur is there to lend a hand, and she compliments Cooper very well. She would get to play a reporter again in Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. This movie should be seen not only for the performances of the actors, but because Longfellow Deeds, represents American ideals.
Three- Young Mr. Lincoln
Henry Fonda plays Abraham Lincoln, before he was known as The Great Emancipator. This film, masterfully directed by John Ford, shows Lincoln as a well liked Illinois attorney. It has Abe Lincoln holding a copy of Blackstone’s Law, and revering it, knowing that being an attorney is his life’s calling. It shows him in a tug of war, that he wins, when he is the anchor for his team. It paints bits and pieces of the legend of the man who would become the sixteenth president. The second part of the story involves Lincoln defending two brothers accused of murder. At one point in the trial, the prosecutor, portrayed by Donald Meek, heartlessly asks the mother of the sons, to give up the son who committed the murder. When Abe Lincoln has the prosecution’s star witness on the stand, he asks him how he knows the brothers committed the murder, because it was nighttime. The witness states that there was a full moon, and that’s how he saw the murder. Abe Lincoln calmly pulls out a farmers almanac, and shows the witness that on that date, there was no full moon, thereby destroying the witness testimony, and allowing the brothers to go free.
Young Mr. Lincoln is a masterpiece of storytelling by John Ford. Henry Fonda gives one of his greatest performances as the future president. He is able to convey humor, sensitivity and humanity to one of the giant figures in history. Watch this movie to see not only great filmmaking, but a great slice of American folklore.
Tw0- 1776
This musical version of the events leading to the signing of The Declaration of Independence, is an entertaining history lesson. It gives a human face to the founding fathers. The film stars William Daniels as John Adams, Howard DaSilva as Benjamin Franklin and Ken Howard as Thomas Jefferson. The film’s central focus is on John Adams and his struggle to get the congress to draft a resolution for independence. The movie gives both sides of the issue, with John Dickerson leading the opposition. It also has some good musical numbers like He Plays the Violin and Yours, Yours, Yours.
The film also has some down moments with The Congress receiving gloomy dispatches from George Washington, about the war. One member asks if Washington ever has anything good to say. There is also the depressing song Mama Look Sharp, about a dying soldier, calling out for his mother.
One of the best things about this movie, is the interaction between the characters, particularly Franklin and Adams. Franklin at one point comments to Adams, that his prickly personality is not helping the goal of a vote on independence. William Daniels brings Adams personality to life and shows him to be the driving force for independence.
This is a movie to be enjoyed by everyone, even if a musical isn’t to someone’s liking. It drives home how difficult it was to declare independence. It also shows that strong leadership is needed to get agreement on any issue that is divisive.
One-Yankee Doodle Dandy
James Cagney sings and dances his way into American hearts in this biop about legendary entertainer and songwriter George M. Cohan. Cagney narrates Cohan’s story while sitting in the Oval Office with Franklin Roosevelt. It starts with Cohan being a spoiled child star, performing with his family, going up to his current broadway show. This movie is Cagney at his best. He performs to great American standards like You’re a Grand Old Flag and Over There. There is a wonderful scene when Cagney performs the song Mary, that he’s written for for his wife, played by Joan Leslie. Cagney has great interplay with Walter Huston, who plays his father. It’s a true film moment, when Cagney as Cohan, gives half of his songs and theater, to his father, as a birthday present. A very sad moment is when Cohan’s father dies. Cagney brings tears to the audiences eyes, when he gives the wrap up to the Cohan’s show, saying “My mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you and I thank you.”
James Cagney was best known for his gangster roles up to this point. This film gave audiences a chance to see what a talented actor he was. His performance earned him a well deserved academy award.
Four of these films feature giants of the cinema. Two of them, Yankee Doodle Dandy and Casablanca were directed by academy award winning director, Michael Curtiz. All of these films are worthy of your time, whether before or after your Independence Day celebration.