Five films, released between 1936 and 1949, can be entertaining ways to enjoy the Valentine season.
Curl up on the couch this month while enjoying five black-and-white movies about love. With two movies based on famous books, several hilarious comedies and a moodier drama, these films can be enjoyable ways to get ready for Valentine’s Day while focusing on romance.
‘My Man Godfrey’
Released during the depths of the Great Depression, “My Man Godfrey” is a zany comedy starring William Powell as Godfrey and Carole Lombard as Irene Bullock. Irene, a rich society darling, is at a frivolous scavenger hunt where partygoers are given the task of locating a forgotten man and convincing him to join the party. Much to her family’s dismay, Irene ends up offering Godfrey, the hobo she’s found on the scavenger hunt, to become the family’s butler.
William Powell does an amazing job playing the indefatigable Godfrey, the man who is continuously baffled by the Bullock family escapades, but who cannot seem to help loving them. As he works for the family, forever throwing out sarcastic comments, he falls in love with Irene.
Lombard, on the other hand, never fails at playing the perfect, yet loveable, ditz. Her enthusiasm and perpetual antics are what help make “My Man Godfrey” the humorous perfection it is.
This 1936 movie, which was placed on the National Film Preservation Board and nominated for six Academy Awards, can be seen Feb. 2 at 8 p.m. Mountain Time on TCM. Family-friendly, it can also be rented via Tubi, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, iTunes, Vudu and Netflix.
‘Pride and Prejudice’
There’s a reason Jane Austin’s book, “Pride and Prejudice,” has been made into movies multiple times — the plot is fantastic and Austin’s witty dialogue is a winner every time.
In one of the first film adaptations, made in 1940, Greer Garson plays the proud Elizabeth Bennet, the second of five daughters born to a middle-class gentleman, who is dismayed when her mother throws herself into full marriage-mode, intent on marrying her daughters off to wealthy men.
When two rich bachelors come to town, the entire Bennet family is on alert. But after hearing the wealthy Mr. Darcy, wonderfully portrayed by Laurence Olivier, express his disdain for her, Elizabeth goes out of her way to, in turn, show him her obvious disapproval. He, on the other hand, finds himself attracted to her but cannot get over her silly younger sisters and less-than-classy mother.
This wonderfully lighthearted romance won several awards and can be seen on TCM Feb. 12, at 3:30 a.m. Mountain Time. A family-friendly film, it can also be rented via YouTube, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Vudu iTunes and Netflix.
‘The Devil and Miss Jones’
Wealthy store owner J.P. Merrick is incensed when he learns that unhappy employees are trying to unionize. When a detective fails at identifying the employee’s ringleader, Merrick takes the job on himself. Determined to unearth the leaders and completely dismantle their efforts, he goes undercover as an employee.
But Mr. Merrick soon realizes his disgruntled employees are people, people who welcome him into their midst and willingly befriend him. He quickly identifies Mary Jones and Joe O’Brien as two of the unionizing employees. But these two lovebirds are also his champions and friends, making his planned retribution difficult. Elizabeth Ellis, an older woman, also becomes close and Merrick finds himself faced with the moral dilemma of his previously hard-held ideals and the ones he’s quickly being converted to.
Unlike other movies made during this time, this 1941 film doesn’t just focus on the romantic plot between the younger stars. It also showcases the endearing love between an older man and woman, making this film a unique watch.
Starring Charles Coburn, Jean Arthur, Robert Cummings and Spring Byington, this family-friendly film was nominated for two Oscars and can be watched using Amazon Prime and Netflix.
‘Without Reservations’
In “Without Reservations,” Kit Madden has written a bestselling novel that is slated to be made into a movie. But just before boarding her train in New York, she hears that Cary Grant has pulled out as its star. Disappointed, she meets two Marines and realizes that one of them, Capt. Rusty Thomas, would be perfect in the lead role. But after getting to know the men, she realizes they hold her book in derision, as they constantly point out the novel’s flaws.
Rather than revealing her identity as the author, she makes up a name and proceeds to follow them around the country, keeping tabs on Rusty so her producer can talk him into being the movie’s star. As the group moves from one hilarious situation to the next, Kit must keep her identity a secret all while battling jealously, spending time in jail and being thrown off a train.
Released in 1946 and starring John Wayne and Claudette Colbert, this delightful, madcap movie is full of belly laughs and romance and is one the entire family can enjoy.
“Without Reservations” was made in 1946 and can be seen on Netflix. It can also be streamed on WatchTCM until Feb. 12, 10 p.m. Mountain Time.
‘Madame Bovary’
While the marriage between Charles, a country doctor, and Emma Bovary has the potential for happiness, her continual desires for a life outside the one her husband can provide proves Emma’s downfall in this 1949 drama.
When marrying a doctor doesn’t make Emma happy, she has a baby. When her hoped-for son turns out to be a daughter, she’s disappointed. Her desire for a beautiful home and clothes morphs to her amassing a large secret debt to clothe herself and her home. Finally, Emma turns to secret love affairs with men, thinking her husband is oblivious to what’s going on.
Based on the famous book by Gustave Flaubert, “Madame Bovary” teaches that a life of dishonesty and continual envy is never bound to bring happiness. Unlike the rest of the films on this list, “Madame Bovary” does not have a happy ending. Jennifer Jones does a superb job as Emma Bovary and supporting actors, James Mason and Van Heflin, are equally marvelous. This 1949 film was nominated for an Oscar and may not be appropriate for young audiences.
“Madame Bovary” can be watched Feb. 11 at 11:45 a.m. Mountain Time on TCM. It can also be viewed on YouTube, Amazon Prime, iTunes, Google Play and Vudu.