• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

5 Cool Life Secrets I Learned from Old Movies

by Chautona Havig · Leave a Comment

The blue screen flickers—turns black, white, and innocent shades of gray. Music swells. The production company’s logo fills the TV, and a smile forms.

The music always changes—sprightly for a romance or a comedy, tense and imposing for a drama. A combination for both. And then it begins…

I’ve watched a lot of old movies. Musicals, dramas, mysteries, patriotic, and almost everything in between. I love Jimmy Stewart, Deanna Durbin, Frank Sinatra, Gene Kelly, June Allyson, and Tom Drake. Oh, yeah. No one waltzes like Tom Drake. Between his “Yes ma’am” in Two Girls and a Sailor and his waltzing in Meet Me in St. Louis and I’ll Be Yours, it’s the closest thing I come to swooning after Gilbert Blythe’s words I talked about in THIS POST.

So in all these movies, I’ve learned a thing or two. They teach awesome life lessons, although I doubt they meant to. Don’t believe me?

5 Cool Life Secrets I Learned from Old Movies

Links in this post may be affiliate links which will provide me with a small commission at no extra expense for you.

Here are five cool life secrets I learned from old movies.

1. There’s a song for every occasion. Seriously.

It happened in BrooklynIs it raining? Sing!

Is it spring? Sing!

Are you afraid? Whistle (a happy tune)

Is it night time? Well, it’s a “Grand Night for Singing”, don’tcha know!

Really love your hometown landmarks? Sing about the Brooklyn Bridge.

Oh, but whatever you do, “It doesn’t matter if it’s classic or rock, just as long as it comes from the heart.” Jimmy Durante said so. He wouldn’t steer you wrong, and with his schnoz, he could steer a battleship. (No, that’s not one of his jokes, but I can hear him saying it, can’t you?)

See, Aggie had it right. If anything is right, wrong, or indifferent in the world, SING! (She recommends hymns). And as Judy Garland tells us in Summer Stock, “If you can’t sing good, sing soft.” (I think that’s the musical equivalent of “Make a joyful noise.” Let’s go with that one.

Oh, and if you think it’s not realistic for people to break out into song over any little thing, you don’t know the Havigs. A friend’s husband said that to me the first time I met him. After a few months of stopping by my house at lunch to see his family (they spent a lot of days at our house), he finally said, “Wow. You really do sing all the time.”

Yeah.

2. Embrace the ordinary.

It's a Wonderful LifeDon’t believe me? Ask George Bailey about it. He spends his entire life trying to escape the ordinary. All of it. And if you think about it, he also spends his entire life being anything but ordinary. He rescues his brother, he rescues the Savings & Loan, he rescues the town from the clutches of Mr. Potter. It takes something extraordinary—him choosing suicide as the solution to his problems—for him to appreciate the ordinary.

It just hit me that it’s rather like the good guy’s version of A Christmas Carol. Strange…

But that’s not the only one. What about Deanna Durbin’s Nice Girl?  Here you have Jane Dana—oldest of three daughters and destined to a life of relentless ordinary. She pictures her epitaph reading, “Here lies Jane Dana, scientist, and spinster. She died at the age of 82, a nice girl.”

Supposedly that’s bad. But when a little sophistication enters her life in the form of a wealthy man… yeah. She learns that the locals who annoyed her before are true friends—rooting for her, even. And maybe, just maybe, that boy next door isn’t as boring and ordinary as she thought. Or maybe it’s that she learned ordinary isn’t synonymous with plague-bait.

3. We’re braver than we think.

For Me and My GalThis one chokes me up. Look, I’m not an emotional gal, but if anything will make my throat ache and my eyes leak all over the place, it’s a good hero. My mind keeps going to war movies here—but I can’t help it. What about…?

For Me and My Gal— Selfish Harry Palmer just wanted to delay his entry into the army long enough to get married… just long enough. However, the way he went about it—so bad on so many levels. But man, when he steps up and saves the day despite a self-imposed handicap… Yep. Gets me every time.

Yeah, he was selfish. Sure, he was a coward. But the Lord made His creatures stronger than we give ourselves credit for.

Audie Murphy. Need we say anymore? The underdog of underdogs. The young man no one wanted. Time after time, he steps up to the plate, bags home run after home run, and wins the game. The most unassuming man of the bunch keeps them all together and in the end, saves them. This is probably the bravest kid in the history of kids joining the armed services way too young.

Captain's CourageousWhite Christmas— It’s a song, sure. But remember at the end, “We’ll follow the old man wherever he wants to go…” That’s my idea of a hero. You inspire that kind of loyalty—even after the war is over and everyone has settled into a new life—you’re a hero. And a military guy making a go at civilian life… I’m sorry, but from what I’ve seen in my own life? That’s brave, too.

Captain’s Courageous— When Spencer Tracy makes sure that Freddie Bartholomew doesn’t know just what has happened to him and tries to comfort the boy until he has to go under. That’s bravery on a whole new level.  “… yay ho little fish don’t cry don’t cry…”  *sniff*

4. Normal is relative.

Mr. DeedsArsenic and Old Lace— Those aunts are hysterical, aren’t they? Uncle Teddy is pretty adorable, too. It’s a horrible, hilarious movie that just goes to show that no matter how “normal” things may appear, we’re all a bit quirky in some way or another.

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town— After all, Mr. Deeds is “pixilated.” The sweet old gals from Mandrake Falls said so. And well, if anyone should know…

Ball of Fire— Look, if those guys in that old house aren’t a bit “unique,” I don’t know who is. No, they’re not “normal” by most peoples’ standards, but who cares? The sweet old guy married to “Genevieve” who spent the first week of his honeymoon bidding his wife goodnight by kissing her hand. Yeah. Totally not normal, but super cute in my not-so-humble opinion. And I’ve heard of cold showers, but cold water on the back of the neck? “You had to water your neck…” Mmmwaaahaha.

Still have doubts? Well, just watch anything Danny Kaye did. That’ll settle it right there. Well, except for The Five Pennies. I think he was startlingly normal in that. Then again, we’ve already established that normal is relative, so there you have it!

5. In the end, the “Good Guy” wins.

Mr. Smith Goes to WashingtonMr. Smith Goes to Washington— Uncorrupted politician against all of Washington. Uncorrupted politician wins.

African Queen— An unlikely duo in a small tramp steamer takes on a German battleship. Look, it wasn’t the Bismark, but they got that Luise!

12 Angry Men—oh, this one gets me every time. A boy is almost sentenced to death because of the laziness of a jury. The good guy, in this case, was actually two guys—the jury member who refused to be pressured and the kid who didn’t do what he’d been accused of.

Yep. The good guy wins. Of course, in real life, it’s Jesus.

That’s not all, you know. I’ve learned lessons in Solomon-like wisdom, showing kindness when you don’t feel it, how to turn puddles into dance numbers, and why you need some seriously great shampoo if you’re stationed in the South Pacific. They’ve got man-sized grit over there!

There you have it. Five cool life secrets I learned from old movies. I bet I could have come up with a dozen more, but you’d have more fun just watching one. I recommend For the Love of Mary with Deanna Durbin.  Just don’t call the president asking about fish!

See… you can learn a lot from old movies.  Which one should I watch next…?

Share124
Pin
Tweet
Email
125Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
125Shares

Related

Filed Under: General Information, Personal

Previous Post: « Why Flawed and Pathetic Heroes Are the Best
Next Post: 3 Reasons to Love A Ruby Glows & Why You Might Not »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
byChautona Havig

I had a chat with actor and author Henry O. Arnold a while back, and boy did we have a lot of fun. His Song of Prophets and Kings series features the advent of Israel’s kings from Samuel’s birth through David hiding from Saul (so far) and onward. Listen in as we chat about his most recent release, The Singer of Israel.

 

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

What Made David Such a Man after God’s Heart?

I think this series will show us. I love that Henry O. Arnold started back at Samuel’s story to prepare us for the story of arguably the most influential king of Israel. Yes, Solomon was the wisest and richest, but David offered something that Solomon didn’t have. He was an average guy—a shepherd, no less—chosen by God to lead his country.

In a sense, it’s kind of the ancient Jewish version of a poor, everyday guy growing up to become President of the United States. If you know what I mean.

This five-book series is available as an eBook, in print, and as an audiobook, too! Henry read a snippet of it to us, and boy you get a feel for his love of Scripture and God’s people as he reads.

And if that wasn’t enough, he even gave us a hint of his upcoming Christian suspense/thriller “series. He says he has two books planned for sure, so… at least a duology, but maybe we can talk him into a trilogy at least? Get those odd numbers and everything?

The Singer of Israel by Henry O. Arnold

A singer’s voice inspires a troubled nation…A shepherd’s courage vanquishes a giant

The last official act of the prophet of Yahweh was to secretly anoint a replacement for the king of Israel who has been brought low by an unbalanced mind. The great prophet of Israel lives in fear of the wrath of the king. Then out of the hills of Bethlehem emerges the last-born son of a family of shepherds to become the unforeseen hero of Israel.

When David sings of the glory of Yahweh, this shepherd wins the hearts of the royal family and restores King Saul’s troubled mind. But when the singer/shepherd defeats the champion of the Philistines in single combat, David becomes forever known as “the giant slayer.” Saul quickly sees that David is now a threat to his kingdom and secretly plots to have him killed.

David may be the champion of the people of Israel, but he must live under the constant threat of Saul’s wrath until he is finally forced to flee for his life.

The Singer of Israel is a tale of triumph and tribulation, deepest love, and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings.

You can learn more about Henry on this WEBSITE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?
  • Why Would Anyone Send Beautiful, Thorny Roses with Strange Messages?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Found this book at our local bookstore, Red Rock Found this book at our local bookstore,  Red Rock Books. It changed one direction of my next Bookstrings novel. I think we need more emphasis on picture books. So... this will sit around to inspire. 
#Bookstrings 
#bookishbooks
Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here th Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here they are!!! I’ve been anxiously waiting to see how they turn out, and they’re AMAZING!!! Gahh I love these post cards! 
If you love them too, you can check out the link in my bio!!

#digitalart #redbubbleartist #iloveart
When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squ When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squeal and accept before she changes her mind d. Eeep! I love her Chaparral Hearts series!
#AmReading 
#historicalromance 
#ChristFic
My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However, I My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However,  I found this while sorting my books in our home library and decided to read it now. Delightful. 
#yearofgoudge
#ChristianFantasy
Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to t Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart with Book 2 in the series, Wheelers Design.

Clay is messy and so is Sabrina’s life sometimes, but will God mold it into a work of art?
	
Wheelers Design releases March 28, but you can pre-order now: 

Pre-order the ebook copy now to get a special pre-order price of $2.99 https://buff.ly/3TPO7NT

Preorder the paperback copy to get 30% off plus free shipping. Just fill out the form https://buff.ly/40aLI2s 

#preorder #newrelease #cleanreads #contemporaryfiction
New ARCs arrived from @tyndalehouse over the past New ARCs arrived from @tyndalehouse over the past couple of weeks.  Looking forward to reading this one by Cindy Woodsmall.  Haven't read anything by her in years. 
#AmReading 
#christianfictionreaders 
#ChristFic 
#amishfiction
Reading right now. It's so good!!! Reposted from Reading right now.  It's so good!!!

Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks ⏰ If you haven’t read Cold Dead Night, you can enter to win it! Plus 45+ exciting Inspirational Mysteries & Thrillers from a great
collection of authors... AND a brand new eReader :D
--
Enter 👉 via link in bio.
When you’re done, comment to let me know you’ve entered!
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!