Posted on February 29, 2016 at 7:00 am
Leap day babies have to wait four long years to celebrate their real birthdays, as delightfully explained by Gilbert & Sullivan in “Pirates of Penzance.” So, they’re entitled to some special recognition. Happy birthday, leapies! You’ll be four years older before you get to celebrate on this day again! Stars with this birthday include the late Dinah Shore and Dennis Farina and Foster the People’s Mark Foster.
Posted on February 14, 2016 at 8:00 am
I love to recommend romantic movies for Valentine’s Day. This year, how about some movies starring real-life movie sweethearts?
Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward made several films together, including “The Long, Hot Summer” and “Rachel Rachel” (he directed, she starred).
Spencer Tracy and Katherine Hepburn met on “Woman of the Year” and you can see them fall in love on screen.
Their last movie together was “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner.” This speech, filmed just before Tracy’s death, feels as though Tracy is speaking about his love for his co-star.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie met on “Mr. and Mrs. Smith.”
Director Taylor Hackford met his wife, Helen Mirren, when they made “White Nights” together.
Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton had a passionate, tempestuous relationship, including two marriages and divorces, that was reflected in their films together.
Posted on February 2, 2016 at 7:00 am
How many “Groundhog Days” did Bill Murray spend in Punxsutawney?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HYAx9RX1OmY
Posted on January 18, 2016 at 2:13 pm
Many thanks to Claire Lazebnik for sharing this wonderful video. “Hamilton” creator Lin-Manuel Miranda visits his elementary school to sing a wonderful tribute to the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Posted on January 18, 2016 at 8:00 am
As we celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, every family should take time to talk about this great American leader and hero of the Civil Rights Movement. There are outstanding films and other resources for all ages.
I highly recommend the magnificent movie Boycott
It is humbling to remember that the boycotters never demanded complete desegregation of the public transit; that seemed too unrealistic a goal. This website has video interviews with the people who were there. This newspaper article describes Dr. King’s meeting with the bus line officials. And excellent teaching materials about the Montgomery bus boycott are available, including the modest and deeply moving reminder to the boycotters once segregation had been ruled unconstitutional that they should “demonstrate calm dignity,” “pray for guidance,” and refrain from boasting or bragging.
Families should also read They Walked To Freedom 1955-1956: The Story of the Montgomery Bus Boycott
The brilliant film Selma 
The Long Walk Home
Citizen King
For children, Our Friend, Martin
