Sometimes I’m in the mood to simply watch a gut wrenching movie featuring sappy nostalgia, parents who just don’t get it, love that cannot be, girlish tears, and boys that you just wanna sock in the kisser. And when you’ve run out of Jane Austen movies to watch, Splendor in the Grass does just fine.

Natalie Wood’s character, Deanie, was caught up in one of those nightmarish situations where she was told that sexual feelings were wrong and unnatural. And the advice her boyfriend received regarding their relationship wasn’t much better. This movie exemplifies the typical 20th century (and earlier) stigma that women often embraced- that their worth was defined by their ability to please a man and to be loved by him.

It’s a pretty heart breaking story to watch, at times. Especially if you were ever been involved in one of those high school relationships where intense feelings, social conventions, and hopes for a future all collide into a great big mess. Maybe I can relate to Deanie more than I want to admit, and that’s why I love this movie so much.

Of course, Warren Beaty’s character, Bud, has his own box of hangups… but you’ll just have to watch the movie to see the whole thing unfold.

It’s the sort of musical I would likely recommend to my lady friends who enjoy ’50s fashion or performing arts. Certainly not for the film noir, action-packed adventure, or tear-jerking drama fanatic. But I’m never one to shy away from a Fred Astaire movie, which might explain why this particular film is one I’ve loved for years. (Or maybe it’s just Peter Lawford’s presence? I used to have an enormous crush on him when I was a kid.) It definitely helps that the two leading characters are brother and sister- which leaves enough room for a double romance- as silly and underdeveloped as it might be!

It’s pretty amazing that the set and costume designers managed to stay true to the very 1950s color scheme of grey and yellow, blues and reds. The movie was balanced, cohesive, and pretty to lack at. I had forgotten that three of my top ten movie dance sequences were in this movie, so that was just smashing. :)

A popular theme in pre-1960s movies is to have a production within the production of the movie. It was a great way for Hollywood to show off the dancing talent of their leading ladies and gents. And really, if you ask me, this movie was more about creating something pretty to look at and fun to watch than actually providing the viewer with likable characters or an intriguing plot.

If you’re a fan of 1940s or 1950s musicals, you would probably enjoy Royal Wedding. And if you’re in the mood for something pretty to look at (Peter Lawford?!) or something to watch while doing crafts, put this one on your list.

Sorry for the horrible picture quality. My neighbor’s internet was running awfully slow. ;) GOT to get on that whole getting our own internet thing.

I was tickled pink when I saw Jenny’s Halloween costume idea of dressing up like Holly Golightly… sans black dress and pearls. I’ve been considering dressing as Tippi Hedren in The Birds, Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka, and even a vintage Girl Scout. Golly, gosh, gee, I can’t decide! But I love this idea.