Pat Blythe – Going to the movies…..and music

I’ve written three columns over the past 36 hours. None of which I’m happy with. The air outside is rife with frustration, sadness and depression…..but mostly frustration. No clubs, no bars, no live music…..sorry folks, streaming doesn’t count…..and restaurants opening cubicle style with wait staff wearing PPE. Not my idea of a fun evening dining out.

So…..a little amusement and lightheartedness. Something to make you laugh (or at least smile). Let’s start with movies since our noses seem to be permanently pressed up against our computer (or TV) screens these days.

Mrs. Doubtfire – a Robin Williams classic. If you’ve never seen anyone dance with a vacuum cleaner, now’s the time. Oh, there’s some “run by fruity” as well.

Dude Looks Like a Lady – Mrs Doubtfire

Legally Blonde – Snap! I love this one not only for “girl power” but Reese Witherspoon’s delightful, bang on performance as one sharp cookie hiding under all that perfect makeup, hair and clothes. Never judge a book solely by its cover.

The ‘Bend and Snap’ – Legally Blonde

Impressing Professor Callahan (Reckless Abandonment) – Legally Blonde

School of Rock – Jack Black. Need I say more? Ok….Jack Black as a substitute teacher….. No, Jack Black, former rock musician as a substitute teacher for a bunch of 5^th graders. Wonder where this one’s going…..check it out.

First Day – School of Rock

John Candy anything – A Canadian comedy icon, John Candy would have you on the floor in seconds and keep you there until your stomach hurt. From Uncle Buck to Trains, Planes and Automobiles, The Great Outdoors and Canadian Bacon to Who’s Harry Crump. So who’s on popcorn duty?

Planes, Trains and Automobiles clip

Monty Python – Beginning with Monty Python’s Flying Circus, this comedy troupe raised warped, satirical comedy to a whole new level. Life of Brian and Monty Python and The Holy Grail. British humor at its best. I’m still trying to discover The Meaning of Life. One of my favourites is And Now For Something Completely Different. ….and then there’s John Cleese’s Fawlty Towers.

Galaxy Song – Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life

Spaceballs – Featuring two great Canadian comics, John Candy and Rick Moranis. A Star Wars parody mixed with a little Wizard of Oz and Planet of The Apes. Mel Brooks’ whacked out, oddball humour does it again! President Skroob squanders air, there’s a narcoleptic Prince Valium, Barf (John Candy), the villainous Dark Helmet (Rick Moranis) and of course Princess Vespa (named after an Italian scooter). More popcorn please!

Spaceballs Trailer

Austin Powers – One of my all time favourites, but then I just love England in the 60s. Carnaby Street and Piccadilly Circus were at their zenith. Three cheers to Canadian comedians. Next up, Mike Myers. His feature film debut Wayne’s World (another great, hilarious movie with Dana Carvey) led to the Austin Powers trilogy Austin Powers, International Man of Mystery grabbing the world’s attention. Still one of my “go to” movies of all times. Classic scene, Burt Bacharach playing piano and singing What The World Needs Now on top of a double-decker bus.

Austin Powers – What The World Needs Now

Laurel and Hardy anything – Considered one of the greatest comedy teams ever produced by movies or television, Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy have kept generations of audiences laughing. For over 20 years their version of slapstick comedy was a huge success and their signature bowler hats were instantly recognizable. “Well there’s another fine mess you’ve gotten me into” was one of their most popular catch phrases. “D’oh” is another expression that was spoken in 33 of their films by actor James Finlayson. I’ll give you one guess what cartoon character uses that now.

Laurel and Hardy – Chimney Sweeps

The Three Amigos – Put Martin Short, Steve Martin and Chevy Chase together in one movie to stop a marauding bandit and you have one of comedy’s best movies. Lucky Day, Dusty Bottoms and Ned Nederlander, three fired silent actors who rescue the damsel in distress and save the day (and Martin Short hanging from a piñata).

Three Amigo Salute – The Three Amigos

Ghostbusters – I never tire of watching this movie. I remember my first trip to NYC and walking through the New York Public library. It was both surreal and quite magical and an incredible place to explore. Bill Murray, Dan Ackroyd and Harold Ramis, a trio of eccentric parapsychologists who start up a ghost-catching busness in NYC are out so save the city (and quite possibly the world) from demons and ghosts. Mr. Stay Puft anyone?

Ghostbusters trailer

Mr. Stay Puft – Ghostbusters

Happy music. Hum along and lift the spirits music. Maybe an earworm or two? My favourite pastime is listening and enjoying great tunes. Simple, easy, feel good, happy songs while you’re walking, riding, running, enjoying a libation with a friend or just sitting outside and taking pleasure in the gorgeous weather and sunshine. Music….it heals, soothes, calms and feeds the soul. It can tickle your “happy bone” too.

For good measure because I just found this…..

Smothers Brothers with George Harrison

The 59^th Bridge Street Song (Feeling Groovy) – Simon and Garfunkel

Good Morning Starshine – Oliver

Beautiful Day – U2

Happy – Pharell Williams

Good Day Sunshine – The Beatles

Happier Than The Morning Sun – Stevie Wonder

Life Has Just Begun – Spirit

Stevie Wonder – Ngiculela – Es Una Historia – I am Singing

Groovin (On A Sunday Afternoon) – The Rascals

Something a little different, maybe a pick-me-up. Laugh, enjoy the day and the rest of the week. Watch a flick or two and hum some tunes. Stay sane. Stay healthy.

Cheers!

=PB=

Pat’s column appears every Wednesday.

Contact us at: dbawis@rogers.com

“Music and photography….my heart, my passions.” After an extended absence —  33 years as a consultant and design specialist in the telecommunications industry — Pat has turned her focus back to the music scene. Immersing herself in the local club circuit, attending the many diverse music festivals, listening to some great music, photographing and writing once again, she is eager to spread the word about this great Music City of ours…..Toronto. Together for 34 years, Pat also worked alongside her late husband Christopher Blythe, The PictureTaker©, who, beginning in the early 70s, photographed much of the local talent (think Goddo, Frank Soda and the Imps, BB Gabor, the first Police Picnic, Buzzsaw, Hellfield, Shooter, The Segarini Band….) as well as national and international acts. Pat is currently making her way through 40 years of Chris’s archives, 20 of which are a photographic history of the local GTA music scene beginning in 1974. It continues to be a work in progress. Oh…..and she LOVES to dance!