Classics for Comfort
This week, the Classic Movie Blog Association is sponsoring the “Classics for Comfort” blogathon. Members of the CMBA are compiling lists of five classic movies that soothe and comfort us during this weird, scary time. You can find my five films below and the other entries here–enjoy!
1. Anything with Esther!
If you follow this blog, you know I love Esther Williams! There is something so incredibly soothing about her bright, funny, gorgeous films. Perhaps it’s their sometimes tenuous grasp on reality (I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been serenaded as I swam in perfectly aqua water wearing an elaborate headdress that matched my swimsuit), or their stunning Technicolor glory, spectacular water ballets, or reliably and usually chlorine-drenched happy endings where love conquers all.
These films are also deeply of their time, and right now it’s awfully pleasant to leave the present behind once in a while. My top picks for most comforting Esther movies are Thrill of a Romance (1945), On an Island With You (1948), Neptune’s Daughter (1949), Easy to Love (1953), and Million Dollar Mermaid (1952) (purely for the extravagant water ballets!) Click on any title to read my full-length review. Bonus, her movies are packed with amazing MGM stars and contract players, so you’ll get to enjoy Ricardo Montalban, Lucille Ball, Van Johnson, Cyd Charisse, Betty Garrett, Red Skelton, and more!
2. The Thin Man (1934)
Witty, glamorous, sexy and fun, The Thin Man and its five sequels (!) are a delight. Nick and Nora Charles (William Powell and Myrna Loy) are one of the greatest screen couples of all time, and their cocktail-soaked world and smart but goofy rapport are terribly inviting. The murders, blackmail, and unsavory characters that follow this suave duo around just add some spice to their giddy, sparkling world. If you’ve never watched The Thin Man, mix yourself a drink and prepare to be charmed, tickled, and comforted!
3. To Catch a Thief (1955)
Here is something enchanting starring Grace Kelly and Cary Grant set amongst the splendor of the Riviera. It’s a lighter Hitchcock mystery packed with beautiful people, places, and costumes. As a cat burglar nimbly makes his way across rooftops and into the diamond-stuffed safes of wealthy tourists, former jewel thief Grant tries to clear his name while attempting not to fall for bold American oil heiress Kelly. If you’re looking for a comforting escape with plenty of eye candy (Kelly’s Edith Head-designed costumes alone are worth it!), this is it!
4. Easy Living (1937)
I’ve been thinking about the Great Depression recently…and this movie popped into my head as an example of excellent screwball set against a grim backdrop. It’s no wonder screwball comedy flourished during the 1930s; then as now, stressed and scared audiences wanted to take a break from crisis and maybe even get some laughs. Easy Living is a lesser known film but thoroughly enjoyable with some hilarious set pieces (the Automat riot and bathtub nonsense are personal favorites). Jean Arthur and Ray Milland are terrific together, and the goofy misunderstandings that start with a falling fur coat will take your mind off more serious matters.
5. The More the Merrier (1943)
Finally, my very favorite comforting classic! Charles Coburn, Joel McCrea, and Jean Arthur become unlikely roommates in Washington, D.C. during the WWII housing shortage. Coburn decides his younger pals would make a perfect couple, so he turns his extraordinary energies to pushing them together even though she is engaged to someone else. (For more on the housing shortage and context for the scandalous living situation at the center of the movie, check out my History Through Hollywood on the topic.)
This film is so funny, so charming, and just so wonderful all around. It’s perfectly cast, beautifully (under)acted, and a joy to watch. And wait until you see the stoop scene–wowsa!
There you have it! I hope some of these movies bring a little comfort. We could all use some right now! For more on these films, click on the title links to read my full reviews. You can buy or rent the movies on Amazon or my MovieZyng site, or visit TCM to check when they’re next airing. And be sure to peruse the other CMBA members’ picks of comforting classics! As always, thanks for reading!
The Blonde at the Film 
You know, I was not surprised at all to find The More the Merrier here!
I have been thinking lately that it would be fun to visit Nick and Nora’s suite. I hear they are holding a Christmas Eve open house.
On the other hand, I sure could go for a grilled cheese or something from the Automat.
And yeah, I can’t remember the last time I was serenaded in a swimming pool.
Take care, and thanks.
Can you imagine how fun a Nick and Nora party would be?! Thanks for your comment!
Special kudos for Jean Arthur.
From me too – she is one of my favorite comedic actresses.
She’s pretty wonderful!
Joy x 5! And add an extra spot of joy for Cary, Grace and her fantastic wardrobe. Oh,and if Cary and Grace can’t get you over the finish line, Nick and Nora (and Asta) will surely get you there. Lovely post.
Thanks so much!
So many lovely films here, Cameron. The kiss on the steps in The More The Merrier is one of the sexiest and most tender scenes ever filmed. To Catch A Thief is just fabulous. I not only want Grace’s wardrobe every time I watch that, but always get a longing to go to the beach lol.
Thanks! Her wardrobe is so spectacular, and the scenery! And I could watch The More the Merrier forever!
Would you like a leg or a breast?
thank you .
To Catch a Thief and The Thin Man (and After the Thin Man) always put me in a sublime mood. So far I haven’t seen Easy Living but because Preston Sturges wrote the screenplay it’s been on my watch list for quite a wile – thanks for reminding me to get to it.
Hope you get a chance to watch Easy Living! It’s a fun one!
I think I owe you a belated thanks for introducing me to The More, the Merrier a while back in one of your posts. I ADORE it so much. It was on the list of comfie movies I posted at the start of the pandemic:) Your other choices are fabulous as well.
Hurray! So glad you love that movie, too! It’s such an underrated gem.
Great films! THE MORE THE MERRIER is truly something special, and so is Jean Arthur. It’s great how EASY LIVING and MERRIER both turn the overwhelming issue of their eras – war and Depression – right on their heads with that special kind of courage that a sense of humor gives us.
Thank you! And absolutely–the humor in these movies goes right at the crisis and somehow makes us laugh anyway!
Good afternoon.
I’m a long-time subscriber and a fellow blogger, and I wanted to share with you my new article about some great Old Hollywood love stories.
I hope you enjoy it.
Best wishes,
Cynthia Tanner
Searching for Love from the Balcony Seats
“I have decided to try a seasonal thought experiment which I pose as a question:
“Where does one go to find love?…”,