TEN films I’d love to see on the big screen

NOTE: Today would usually be Favorite Things Friday  here on the blog, but I screwed up and completely forgot to draft one of those for November. I hope this list is an okay substitute. I should have a Favorite Things post up next week to make up for this flub!

Being a classic film fan in metro Detroit is pretty nice. We have several historic and independent theaters in and around the city that screen the oldies regularly. We recently got a Cinemark downriver, bringing their classics series (and another venue for TCM’s Fathom Events screenings) to the area. Many of the libraries in the area have decent DVD collections, where classic films can be found to rent for free. We even have several festivals each year, including Noir City Detroit!

But, there are certain favorites for which big-screen viewing opportunities have evaded me. Some of them are films that haven’t been shown at any local theaters recently; others have been screened, but I missed ’em. Here are ten flicks I’d love to catch as they were intended to be seen.

Charade (1963)
I’ve seen several Cary Grant films on the big screen, and they’re always wonderful to watch. Charade is among my favorites from both his and Audrey Hepburn’s filmographies, so I’d love to add it to my list of seen-at-the-Redford classics.

Forbidden Planet (1956)
Forbidden Planet has some of my favorite sci-fi visuals from the mid-century. It looks great on Blu on my own TV, but nothing matches the big-screen experience.

Gidget (1959)
What better way to beat the summer heat than by sitting in a cool theater watching other people surf? Enjoy the sights and sound of the beach without the boiling temperatures! Or, during one of our famously dreary Michigan winters, it could be screened as a reminder of brighter days.

How Green Was My Valley (1941)
A box of tissues would be a required accompaniment for this heartbreaking drama.

Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
My sister isn’t as interested in old movies as I am, but there are several she adores, and this is one of ’em. It might actually be her all-time favorite. Since we’ve seen Gone With the Wind  (a childhood favorite our Grammy introduced us to) on the big screen together, I’d love to be able to share that experience again for Meet Me in St. Louis. Perhaps a sing-along screening?

Niagara (1953)
An absolutely gorgeous film, worth watching on the big screen for its technicolor visuals alone. I also have a hunch it’d be even more thrilling when viewed in the dark, on an enormous screen.

Roman Holiday (1953)
Who doesn’t want to see Gregory Peck’s perfect face and that stunning scenery of Rome on the big screen? Roman Holiday is my all-time favorite rom-com, so I will definitely jump at the chance to see this one if it comes up at a theater near me.

Scarlet Street (1945)
Simply put, I love this film, and would just love to see all of that shadowy suspense play out while sitting in a 100-year-old theater.

The Tingler (1959)
Still waiting for this to screen near me with Percepto! It’s a long-shot, but a girl can dream.

The Women (1939)
An insanely quotable comedy with an all-star cast. Not only would it be wonderful to see all of the film’s many talented performers on the big screen, but this would just be a fun one to watch with an audience larger than myself and my dog!