Today it’s my pleasure to introduce you to my friend Melissa Tagg and her debut novel Made to Last. I had the pleasure of reading and endorsing this fun book. Melissa’s here today to talk about some of her classic movies, some of my favorites! Here’s Melissa:
I might like classic movies a little more than the average person.
And by “like” I mean looooove and by “a little” I mean gobs.
Sidenote: as soon as I typed “gobs” I had an instant craving for Gobstoppers. I just paused to go search my cupboards. Turns out I’ve got two bags of candy corn and a 54-ounce bag of Skittles (both my dentist and I wish I was joking), but no Gobstoppers. Shoot.
Anyway I’m back now and what was I talking about?
Oh yes…old movies! They’re my favorite. And if you’ve peeked inside my debut novel, Made to Last, you may have picked up on that fact. Off the top of my head, I can think of at least six movies mentioned in the book. So just for fun, I thought I’d give you the rundown on the movie references.
And at the end, we’ll do a giveaway! One lucky person will win a copy of Made to Last courtesy of Cara. Another lucky commenter will win your choice of one of the following movies:
Christmas in Connecticut
This movie actually inspired Made to Last. It came out in 1945 and stars Barbara Stanwyck as a magazine journalist who has built a fake life for herself—fake home, fake husband, even fake baby. When a returning war vet and her boss decide to spend Christmas with her, she has to produce said pretend life—including a pretend husband. Only problem is, while pretending to be married to one guy, she falls for another. I loved that angle…and borrowed it for Made to Last. I give a nod to Christmas in Connecticut in Chapter 5.
Roman Holiday
Roman Holiday is also mentioned in Chapter 5 when my main character—who normally hangs around in jeans and a tee—is trying on dresses. Okay, if you’ve not seen this movie you need to. It’s just SO sweet. Audrey Hepburn won an Academy Award for her role as a princess. It was her first major American role and ended up being the movie that made her a star. Fun fact: Gregory Peck’s role was actually written with Cary Grant in mind. However, Grant turned down the role—feeling he was too old to play Hepburn’s love interest. But he’d go on to star opposite her years later in Charade. Which is also a must-see.
Sound of Music
Sound of Music is mentioned right away in the first scene of the first chapter in Made to Last. And it’s mentioned several other times throughout the book. Regardless of a person’s feelings on musicals, it’s just not right to go through life without seeing this movie. True story: As a kid I used to watch this over and over, but I’d always stop watching about three-fourths the way in before the Nazis make an appearance. I liked pretending Maria and Captain Von Trapp and all those kids went on living in that amazing house in Salzburg rather than being chased over the mountains by Nazis!
Gone With the Wind
In Chapter 2, my main character says the line, “I’ll think about it tomorrow…at Tara.” This may or may not be the line I mutter to myself whenever I don’t feel like thinking about something. J I think Gone with the Wind is amazing. It’s sweeping and epic and never fails to capture me even as I cringe at Scarlett O’Hara’s often-callous actions.
Swiss Family Robinson
Who didn’t want to live in a treehouse like the one in Disney’s Swiss Family Robinson?? In Made to Last, my main character has built a pretty sweet treehouse for a children’s shelter in Asheville, complete with skylights. (I wasn’t sure this movie counted as a classic, but it is 53 years old…)
The Birds
Here’s the thing with Alfred Hitchcock’s The Birds—to me, it’s funnier than it is scary. Although, I do sorta get goosebumps anytime I see a line of birds hanging out on a telephone wire. I couldn’t help mentioning this movie in Chapter 8 when my heroine has an encounter with a kamikaze bird.
Frankly, I’m pretty sure these six movies are only scratching the surface of the classic movie references in Made to Last. I know I also mention William Holden, John Wayne and Annette Funicello. Sandra Bullock makes an appearance in Chapter 5, I believe. Okay, she’s not a classic movie actress, but I just saw Gravity and whoa, amazing.
Have you seen any or all of the above movies? What’s your favorite classic movie?
(If you don’t have one, we need to talk… J )
Cara here: I loved all of these movies, though I haven’t seen The Birds. Who didn’t want to live in a treehouse after watching The Swiss Family Robinson. Or wear big skirts like Scarlett in Gone with the Wind.
Leave a comment below for a chance to win one of the two giveaways. One person will win Made to Last; another will win your choice of the above movies.
Comments 91
I’ve read some great reviews for your book, Melissa! Thanks for the chance to win Cara! 🙂
I love classic movies! As a matter of fact, I watched Breakfast at Tiffany’s last night for the first time. 🙂
I especially like musicals with Frank Sinatra, Judy Garland, and Gene Kelly!
My favorite classic? Ahhh, it’s always hard choosing just one. I’ll go with Singing in the Rain. 🙂
I’d love to see Roman Holiday . . . Thanks for the chance to win!
Author
LOVE Singing in the Rain! Except that really weird sequence in the middle with Gene Kelly. But what a wonderful musical.
I love Singing in the Rain, too! 🙂
I love and have seen all these movies, and my favorite classic is a “new” classic. Dan in Real Life. Of the old classics, it has to be Gone With The Wind!
Author
Never heard of Dan in Real Life. Making a note to track it down.
Oh Sue, I’m so glad you mentioned Dan in Real Life. I’m a little overly picky about today’s rom-coms…most of them leave me grumbling, honestly. But I adored Dan in Real Life. By far my favorite rom-com of the past decade. 🙂
Author
You’ve sealed it, Melissa. Adding this to my list of must-find movies.
I love Christmas in Connecticut. I also love Bachelor Mother. I have seen all of the movies mentioned and love them with the exception of the Birds because it caused nightmares for a long time. (I was a little kid at the time).
This has made me want to read the book even more. thanks for the fun post.
Wilani, have you seen Bundle of Joy? It’s a remake of Bachelor Mother and stars Debbie Reynolds and Eddie Fischer. There’s a song in, How I Love My Pretty Baby, that my mom used to sing all the time. Actually she still does… 🙂
Author
Hmm. I haven’t seen either movie. May have to check them how.
I love classic movies. I can’t name a favorite, though. I have too many to chose from. I have seen all the movies you talked about except The Birds. Maybe I should find a copy.
Author
I haven’t seen The Birds either. Based on Melissa’s recommendation, I think I’ll have to go find it.
The Birds is…interesting. I actually find it entertaining rather than scary. But I do have friends that hated the scare factor, so…take my recommendation with a grain of salt. Haha!
Love the sound of music movie. Kids and I sit down and watch this at least twice a year.
Author
I need to watch it with my kids> Watched it all the time growing up.
You just can’t go wrong with The Sound of Music. Here’s a cool Sound of Music story…my mom has this old, old piano book of the Sound of Music songs. I loved playing those songs…and I always wanted to keep the piano book, but it was one of her favorites, so I couldn’t claim it as mine. Well, in college I studied abroad in London and talked to some British friends about loving Sound of Music, etc. A couple months after I came home, they sent me a package of a piano book they’d found in a used music store of Sound of Music songs…exact same book that my mom had!! They wrote in the cover of it and it’s now my favoritest piano book. 🙂
Author
That is so fun, Melissa! Love it!
Hmm, I think I saw Swiss, but definitely all the others. My fave classic is The Philadelphia Stoy with Hepburn, Grant & Stewart–what a combo!
Author
Love, love, love The Philadelphia Story. Katherine Hepburn’s sister is priceless!
Kim, The Philadelphia Story is one of my all-time favorite movies, too…I pretty much think it’s the best rom-com ever. Oh, the dialogue…it’s SO perfect!
Author
Love it. But have you seen Bringing up Baby, Melissa? Classic Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Then There’s It Happened One Night with Cary Grant and Claudette Colbert. And all six Thin Mans — my kids adore those, too. I’ve corrupted them to the magic of B&W movies.
I have seen Bringing Up Baby! It’s one of my all-time favorites, for sure. And It Happened One Night…I adore it!! And the Thin Man movies…ahhh…so many good ones! 🙂
It’s a Wonderful Life. Look forward to reading your book!
Author
That’s a great classic. About time to watch it again.
It’s a Wonderful Life is just plain the best ever. Love it!
Author
I really love White Christmas. I still tear up every time I watch the last scene with all the men honoring their General. Happy sigh.
I love classic movies. 🙂 My all-time favorite would probably have to be White Christmas. I watch it several times every Christmas (and would probably watch it year round if my family would let me). In my opinion, White Christmas is just the perfect movie!
Though of the list you posted, The Sound of Music is my favorite. Obviously, I have a thing for musicals! 🙂
I would love to see Christmas in Connecticut or Roman Holiday!
Oh White Christmas makes me so happy!
I would like to watch Made To Last. I have always loved Sound of Music and Swiss Family Robinson
Isn’t Swiss Family Robinson fun? I love at the end when they out-smart the pirates. 🙂
Author
It’s such a fun movie!
Congrats on your book Melissa. It sounds wonderful. As a person who loves classic movies, I have to give you a thumbs up for being inspired by Christmas in Connecticut. I have seen that, since I am a huge Barbara Stanwyck fan. I love the Birds and Roman Holiday too. My favorite class film is Mildred Pierce starring Joan Crawford. The drama, the fashions, the turmoil. Amazing film. I also love The Women, Snake Pit, Leave Her to Heaven and The Philadelphia Story.
I’m pretty sure I actually own Mildred Pierce but haven’t watched in so long that I can’t even remember what it’s about! I’m due for a re-watch.
Out of those movies, I’ve seen Gone With The Wind, The Sound of Music, and The Swiss Family Robinson. It was my FAVORITE as a child! Now, I want to watch it again! I haven’t yet had the opportunity to read Made To Last, but I’m very much looking forward to it. Thanks for the giveaway!!!
My siblings and I used to play Swiss Family Robinson…good times. 🙂
I would love to see Roman Holiday. It sounds like a wonderful classic. I have seen all the other movies except The Birds.
Thanks so much for hosting the giveaways! I would love to read Made to Last! It sounds like a fun, awesome book.
PS. I hope you were able to have some Gobstoppers later. 😉
Oh Roman Holiday is so sweet! I’m hoping to re-watch it this weekend, actually.
We love the Swiss family Robinson and The sound of music! While I’ve seen a few if the others, these two are our family favorites!
They’re definitely great movies to watch with the family. 🙂
I have seen all of those. My favorite classic movie is….”The Treasure of the Sierra Madre” — such a great story with a fantastic worldview message.
Author
I haven’t seen this one, Susan. I’ll have to add it to my list. Have you seen You Can’t Take it with You with Jimmy Stewart and Jean Arthur? Love the message of that movie. And the supporting cast is a HOOT!
Ooh, I like Sierra Madre!
It’s a wonderful life is a fave. thanks for this lovely giveaway.
I’m with you, Sharon…It’s a Wonderful Life is definitely my favorite. 🙂
I grew up in the late 50’s & 60’s so I have seen every one of those movies. Loved them all but The Birds (very scary back then!) Gone With The Wind my favorite! Looking forward to reading your book Melissa. Thank You
Author
Jackie, You’ll love all the movie references in Melissa’s book!
Jackie, your comment made me wonder if The Birds would be scarier on the big screen. I’ve only ever seen it on TV and wasn’t too scared by it…but maybe on a big screen…in the dark… 🙂
I love all Ginger Rogers and Fred Astair movies! I have only seen Swiss Family Robinson in this list. I will have to watch the rest of them. Thanks for the chance to win!
Author
Beth! I adore Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire. Something magical about those movies.
Those two are just plain magic together. 🙂
I really like “That Darn Cat”. And the original “Babes in Toyland”. And the original “Parent Trap”. And “Holiday Inn”. And “Rear Window”. And “The Trouble With Harry”. And…
Author
Loved That Darn Cat as a kid. The original Parent Trap is a favorite too. The way they shot it without the technology we have today, still impresses me, Elaine.
Awww, I grew up watching That Darn Cat and Parent Trap. Loved Hayley Mills. 🙂
I love old movies! Of your choices above, The Sound of Music is my favorite and Gone with the Wind a close second. My all-time favorite is probably It’s a Wonderful Life. And pretty much anything with Jimmy Stewart in it!
Author
Pegg, I agree that Jimmy Stewart is special. I’d add Arsenic and Old Lace to the list.
Oh my, yes! Love Arsenic and Old Lace.
Ooh, a friend and I have a weekly vlog in which we chat about old movies…we did Arsenic and Old Lace this week. It’ll go up on my blog next week. Fun stuff. 🙂
Gone With the Wind is by far my favorite classic film. I love old musicals such as Showboat, Singing in the Rain, and Guys and Dolls. I love listening to old music too, like Frank Sinatra, Billy Holiday, Bing Crosby. I always weave some type of nostalgia into my stories. “My Favorite Things” from Sound of Music was my inspiration for my debut e-novella releasing in November BRIGHT COPPER KETTLES.
Thanks for hosting this giveaway, Melissa and Cara! I’ll definitely be reading “Made to Last” one way or the other. Love the cover!
Cool, sounds like I need to check out your novella. 🙂
Gone with the wind would be my favorite. I’d like to see the Christmas in Connecticut. Looking forward to reading this book!
They’re both so good. 🙂
hummm… I guess I don’t have a favorite?
Honestly, I have a hard time naming my favorite too. I think I’ve got three or four movies tied for my top spot. Haha!
My favorite is Gone with the Wind followed closely by Sound of Music. I have seen both many times.
Me too, Charlotte. Me too. 🙂
Love your review on the book and movies. Thanks for the fun giveaway!
You’re welcome, Jen. 🙂
I would like to watch Christmas in Connecticut; I can’t remember if I’ve seen it. It’s been years since I saw Roman Holiday. I’m pretty sure I’ve seen all of the others. I didn’t like The Birds; too creepy! One of my very favorite old movies is Arsenic and Old Lace with Cary Grant. It is so funny! I’d love to win a copy of Made to Last.
Arsenic and Old Lace is soooo fun!
I love love love classic movies, especially musicals like Funny Girl or the Barbra S. ones.
The Birds scared me to death as a child, GWTW is the greatest one ever, but S of M was wonderful too… they’re like Lays chips, who can pick just one?
Haha, love the comparison!
I love Sound of Music! My favorite is Mary Poppins. Another classic I like a lot is Arsenic & Old Lace. Thanks for the chance to win!
There’s something so whimsical and nostalgic about Mary Poppins. Love it.
I honestly don’t have a favorite. I DO love the SOund of Music though. That’s the only one from the above list I have seen as well. 😉
Ooh, sounds like you have some movie-watching to do. lol 🙂
I’d like to watch all of them! My fave is the only one I’ve seen, “The Sound of Music” 🙂
Old movies are the best!! The Philadelphia Story is my all-time fave… well, pretty much anything with Jimmy Stewart, Cary Grant, or Gary Cooper. And of course, Katharine Hepburn! i love your choices too. Sound of Music and Swiss Family Robinson are 2 movies that my best friend and I have watched over and over again since childhood. Great list. Can’t wait to read your book! =)
Author
There’s just something about classic movies that is so fun. Love discovering new ones and enjoying favorites over and over.
I love the Sound of Music. Don’t think I have seen Christmas in Connecticut.
Author
I haven’t seen Christmas in Connecticut either, though it’s zooming up the list of must watch movies!
THE SOUND OF MUSIC is such a great favorite. I’m singing in my head right now.
I love old movies! I think my favorite would either be Mary Poppins or It’s a Wonderful Life. Probably It’s a Wonderful Life. 🙂 I am going to put Roman Holiday on Netflix right now.
Author
Mary Poppins is such a fun one, Ashley. Thanks for stopping by!
When the kids were little, we loved Swiss Family Robinson. The boys loved the adventure! When the girls got older, we loved Roman Holiday!
Author
Such good movies 🙂
Author
Such good movies 🙂
I love classic movies! Sound of Music is probably my favorite. I haven’t seen the others but I’ve put them on my list to check out.
Love the Sound of music. Love the old classics.
Blessings
Diana
joeym11@frontier.com
In our House – the Sound of Music is a hit! And I have 3 boys.
I love old classic movies! I don’t think I have seen Roman Holiday or Christmas in Connecticut. We watch Christmas movies constantly before Christmas so would love that one.
Author
It’s always fun to find new movies to try.