Dark Whimsy Favorites #1-5
Rick Retro’s Realm, Project #3: 40 Dark Whimsy Favorites in 80 Days, 1944-1965, featuring a double dose of Peter Sellers.
The next review project begins soon. I’m doing an overview of 40 of my Dark Whimsy favorites!
The first five films span 21 years, and it's been at least that long since I’ve watched any of them. I’m not even sure if these will all earn an A+.
#1 (1944) Arsenic and Old Lace
This movie is based on one of my all-time favorite Dark Whimsy plays, which was my play of choice for a directing class in college. I had to write up full plans for directing the play and direct one scene. I’ve only seen the movie once, watching it to prep for the class project. But I remember it as faithful to the play, and I haven’t seen many films from the 40s and 50s, so this is a fun place to begin, and a pretty certain A+.
#2 (1959) The Mouse That Roared
I first came across this story in the early 1970s when as a pre-teen I began borrowing adult fiction at the local library. Found the novel this movie was based on. Enjoyed it. Read at least one sequel. Soon after I saw the movie listed in TV Guide and watched it. I've never seen it since, but suspect I will still love it. What’s not to like when comedic genius Peter Sellers plays three different roles?
#3 (1963) The Pink Panther
Can’t recall if I've seen it twice or just once. More Peter Sellers in one of his iconic roles. I think twice. A long time ago.
#4 (1965) The Sound of Music
Also based on a Broadway production, I was an assistant director on my university’s production of the musical. Hearing the same sounds of music over and over for a month got me a little tired of them, but forty years later I can probably focus on this film classic without prejudice.
#5 (1965) The Great Race
I watched this on TV several times as a kid. Can’t tell you for certain that I’ll like it as an adult, but it should be fun to find out!
#6-10 will be revealed tomorrow!
Originally posted to text group 2025-01-09
Last updated 2025-07-02
Text Group Reaction:
👍 from J