Recently, I’ve been able to check out the newly-renovated and restored movie theatre in downtown Franklin. I’ve been able to see on successive Sundays To Kill A Mockingbird and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Both movies are right at 50 years old.

For me, that’s pretty close to heaven. I know I will probably sound all old and geeky, but I really don’t think there are many actors today that really touch the old-school actors in terms of glamor and screen presence and style.

It’s like getting a glimpse into a bygone era that only exists anymore in books and in music and on film.  An era before my time.

So yeah, I’ve seen Casablanca and Gone With the Wind and The Maltest Falcon multiple times. My DVD collection contains lots of old movies.

For me, it’s like having my own personal time machine to go back to when things really were simpler. At least, they seem simpler in black and white and in technicolor.

I can’t wait to see what old movie the Franklin Theatre will be showing next, but I will be there. I’d like to see Cat on a Hot Tin Roof there, or maybe To Catch a Thief. A film noir festival would be awesome, too.

I realize old movies aren’t for everyone. Some just have to have big-budget CGI special effects in their movies. I am not one of those. In fact, I have lately been turned off by movie trailers that promote movies where CGI is the main part of the movie and storyline and plot seem to be an afterthought. But that’s just me.

I’d say watch what you like and listen to what you like. Just find whatever makes you come alive and not what everyone else around you likes.

And if you like old movies, a good place to start in your film education is Turner Classic Movies. With that shameless plug, I bid you a fond adieu.