Monday, December 8, 2008

Shop Around the Corner


We watched The Shop Around the Corner late last night, courtesy of Netflix. This is the 1940 original version of 'You've got Mail,' and in my opinion it's a total and complete classic that should have never been remade. It's a totally pure film with a terrific screenplay and an extremely subtle and genuine performance by a very young Jimmy Stewart.

Why remake movies like that? You can't possibly improve on them. All you can do is use the idea and pack theatres with Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan fans. But at the end of the day have you actually accomplished anything or furthered your craft? It's funny how uncreative our supposedly creative class is.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I was talking with Shannon yesterday about wanting to see Shop Around the Corner when she told me I wouldn't have to order it because it was on Turner Classic Movies..so, I watched it last night too. Jimmy Stewart is my all time favorite actor, best when sitting tall in the saddle aboard his bally faced sorrel, but wonderful as the youthful, endearing 1st sales clerk.

I still wish I could get the musical version "She Loves Me" from years ago on Public Television starring Robin Ellis of Poldark fame. Still isn't available but a great alternative to Shop.....

If you want to get into the mood, just watch this terrific little heart tug...

Anonymous said...

Ditto to everything! I love Jimmy Stewart especially! As my Saturday turns out I didn't get to watch most of it I was very sad. I've actually only seen the movie once in it's entirety. Sad.

Anonymous said...

Uh...That last comment was me. I wasn't trying to be cryptic and I'm not ashamed of my comment. I was just being forgetful and forgot to type my name.