Category: At The Movies

Welcome, my friends, to the final installment of At The Movies. I have enjoyed every moment sharing my thoughts with you about great songs and the movies that featured them.

It’s no secret I’m Sicilian; my parents were born there and I’m very proud of my heritage. That is why I chose the most important motion picture in my lifetime to showcase in my final segment of At The Movies. This is a very personal post for me.

In 1972, my husband and I went to see “The Godfather” and in many little ways that movie changed my life. The film chronicles the Corleone Family under patriarch, Vito Corleone, while focusing on the transformation of Vito’s youngest son, Michael, from reluctant family outsider to ruthless mafia boss. That’s the Reader’s Digest abridged version; there’s much, much more going on in that movie to write about here.

When the movie was over, I turned to my husband and said “This movie is going to win the Academy Award”.

I remember reading that director Francis Ford Coppola knew he was going against the grain with “The Godfather” and wasn’t expecting it to be anything but a “special failure”, certainly not a hit. With a screenplay co-written by Coppola and Mario Puzo (who wrote the 1969 best-selling novel of the same name), and stars such as Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Richard Castellano, Robert Duval (and later, Robert De Niro in Part 2), the result was anything but a failure; it was an astounding blockbuster.

When the Academy Award nominations were announced, “The Godfather” received an incredible eleven nominations but won only three – Best Picture, Best Actor for Brando, Best Adapted Screenplay. According to popular opinion poll results released just days after the awards ceremony, three wins out of eleven nominations was considered a travesty and a personal snub by the Academy. I agree.

But that’s only half the story. We cannot forget the music. The raw beauty of the soundtrack with music composed by Nino Rota brings me to tears every time I hear it.

In January 2018, The Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) aired a concert called “The Morricone Duel” performed by The Danish National Symphony Orchestra and The Danish National Concert Choir conducted by Sarah Hicks. Named for the great Italian composer Ennio Morricone (1928-2020), the music performed included titles from a wide range of “spaghetti” westerns and mafia films reflecting different perspectives on the Italian-American movie and film music styles.

From that concert, here is “The Godfather – Orchestral Suite” composed by Nino Rota.

I have seen “The Godfather Trilogy” (especially Parts 1 & 2) so many times, I can listen to this suite and picture exactly what’s going on in the movie. I have Sicilian friends who refused to watch “The Godfather”, saying it shows all Sicilians in a bad light; that’s ridiculous. While the vast majority of Sicilians are not connected to the mob, some are. This film is an accurate depiction of that lifestyle. I am as proud this groundbreaking movie as I am of my heritage.

For me there is only one other movie that rivals “The Godfather” and that is “The Godfather Part II”. These films will always remain in my heart as the greatest movies ever made.

One final very special memory before closing. I raised my sons in an American home sprinkled with the flavor of Sicily; they had no doubt where their ancestors came from. A great highlight for me was hearing my then 13-year-old son David playing the theme from “The Godfather” in recital as a solo on the bass trombone – not a rendition you hear often. When his time in the spotlight was over, there was a moment of terrifying silence before the chaos of applause broke out. I smiled knowing that was my boy and he played that piece for me.

Well, kids, it’s time to bring the curtain down At The Movies for the final time. I hope you found my posts these past six months to be entertaining, interesting, enlightening and fun. It has been a delight bringing these great movies and songs to you every week.

You’ll still be able to find me on Tuesdays in an all new re-vamped In The Groove and right here in this same slot on Thursdays with a totally different laidback program I think you’ll enjoy. I’ll be looking for you!

That’s a wrap. Turn off the lights on your way out.

I’ll see you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

Nobody likes a downer but the reality is summer vacation is almost over and school has already started or is about to start for many students around the world. What better way to usher in the school year here At The Movies than with the classic film, “To Sir, With Love”.

American Mark Thackeray (Sidney Poitier) recently received his degree in engineering but cannot find work. To make ends meet, he takes a job as a teacher in a rough London East End school populated mostly with troublemakers who were rejected from other schools for their behavior. While the students at first see Thackeray as just another teacher open for ridicule and bullying, his calm demeanor and desire to see them succeed gradually earn him their respect.

Released in 1967, “To Sir, With Love” is based on the 1959 autobiographical novel by E. R. Braithwaite and offers dynamic insight into the politics of race and class in postwar London. 

Scottish singer and actress Lulu performed the title song whose lyrics poignantly describe life in the U.K. in the 60s and the teenage revolution that was gaining full momentum at that time.

Here now is the movie’s trailer with Lulu singing the excellent title song.

A great song and terrific movie! Sidney Poitier was a powerful presence in every role he undertook.

With the end of summer drawing near and September knocking on our doors, I have a school-related question for you today:

Did you have a favorite teacher and/or subject?

My favorite subject was 11th Grade English Lit. I was an excellent student (in that subject) and the teacher, Mr. Voight, was my favorite. He introduced our class to fantastic books which we discussed in class. He showed us great movies which have become classics, films such as On the Waterfront, The Pawnbroker, Dr, Zhivago. We didn’t get to goof off and watch movies, though; we had to write reports about them and have class discussions. It’s amazing how much more you discover about a book or movie when you compare thoughts with other people! Thank you, Mr. Voight!

Thanks for joining me today At The Movies; I’ll be here again next week with a great flick, terrific music and some news! You don’t want to miss it.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

The 1965 movie “The Sound of Music” is a tuneful, heartwarming story based on the lives of the Von Trapp Family singers, one of the world’s best-known concert groups in the era immediately preceding World War II.

Julie Andrews plays the role of Maria, a postulant at an Austrian abbey with an abundance of youthful enthusiasm and a lack of discipline. Maria becomes a governess in the home of a widowed naval captain (Christopher Plummer) with seven children, and brings a new passion for music, life and love into the home.

There are so many gorgeous songs from this film penned by the genius duo of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. Rather than throw a dart at the list of songs, I have chosen to go with the glorious theme song – “The Sound of Music” sung by the profoundly talented Julie Andrews.

Magnificent scenery, a terrific story and the talent of Julie Andrews combined for an Academy Award-winning combination!

Do you have a favorite song from this wonderful movie? Please share your thoughts or post a video.

Thanks for joining me today At The Movies; catch you next time!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

Rocky Balboa, a small-time boxer from working-class Philadelphia, is arbitrarily chosen to take on the reigning world heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, when the undefeated fighter’s scheduled opponent is injured. Will this chance of a lifetime be the break Rocky’s been waiting for or is he fated to be a no-name boxer forever?

“Gonna Fly Now”, composed by Bill Conti, is the immediately recognizable theme song from the movie “Rocky”. Released in 1976, the song became entrenched in 1970s American pop culture as part of the daily training regimen of the film’s main character and namesake, Rocky Balboa.

Who doesn’t love the movies and music from the Rocky franchise? And no one could ever play Rocky Balboa like Sylvester Stallone.

Enjoy this clip from Rocky featuring Bill Conti and “Gonna Fly Now”; it really gets the juices flowing!

Stallone always manages to entertain, whether playing Rocky, Rambo or even a Rhinestone Cowboy! Do you have a favorite Stallone movie?

Just a reminder that our friend Keith, The Nostalgic Italian, will be featured in our first guest post slot this Sunday, August 6. I hope to see you there at Be Our Guest.

That’s a wrap, kids; now hit the showers. Catch you back here next time.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

Johnny Mercer and Henry Mancini wrote the song “Moon River” for Audrey Hepburn to sing in the 1961 film, “Breakfast At Tiffany’s”, based on Truman Capote’s novella of the same. The lyrics, written by Mercer, are reminiscent of his childhood in Savannah, Georgia, including its waterways. Mercer said that as a child, he picked huckleberries in the summer and he connected them with his carefree childhood and Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn. You can imagine Johnny Mercer’s memories in this enchanting song.

In the movie “Breakfast At Tiffany’s”, Holly Golightly (Audrey Hepburn) is a deliciously eccentric New York City playgirl determined to marry a Brazilian millionaire. George Peppard plays her next-door neighbor, a writer who is “sponsored” by 2-E, a wealthy older woman who lives in the same building and is known only by her apartment number.

Guessing who’s the right man for Holly is easy. Seeing just how that romance blossoms is one of the enduring delights of this charming movie.

Singer Andy Williams splendidly crooned his way through the brilliant Oscar-winning Mancini/Mercer theme song. Let’s all relax and enjoy the smooth tones of Andy Williams singing “Moon River”.

There’s a new beautiful rendition of “Moon River” by Eric Clapton and Jeff Beck which Nick played for us a couple of weeks ago; I thought it would be fun to play it again today. Which one gets your vote – Andy or Eric & Jeff? Please share your comments with us.

I do love Andy Williams’ version but I can’t resist a good axe man … and here we have two in Clapton and Beck! What do you think?

Thanks for joining me today for a peek at this captivating film and a listen to this beautiful song. See you again next week.

Tomorrow is Friday so you know what that means: Nick is in the house and he’s breaking boundaries!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

Cole Porter is one of Americas most renown songwriters and composers; his song “Night and Day” is perhaps the most popular contribution to the Great American Songbook. It was originally written for the 1932 musical “The Gay Divorcee” and has since been recorded by countless performers.

The film “Night and Day” is the 1946 biographical musical starring Cary Grant in a fictionalized account of the life of Cole Porter. In addition to the previously mentioned song of the same name, “Night and Day” features several of the best-known Porter songs, including “Begin the Beguine”, “In The Still of the Night”, “I’ve Got You Under My Skin”, “I Get a Kick Out of You” and many more. Producer Jack Warner paid $300,000 for the rights to the songs.

The scriptwriters knew that the film would need to be fictionalized; Cole Porter not only lacked the “rags-to-riches” biographical storyline that audiences embraced but, more importantly, because he was gay; depictions of homosexuality were prohibited by the film industry’s Production Code.  

Cary Grant sings several of the songs which made “Night and Day” the closest he came to making a musical; while he is one of our best known and beloved actors, Cary Grant was definitely not famous for his singing.

Today I’m going to be ‘breaking boundaries’ by stealing a page out of Nick’s playbook and featuring Cole Porter himself performing his classic “Night and Day”.

For me, there’s something magical about hearing the great composers such as Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Scott Joplin, Irving Berlin, etc., performing their own pieces; it gives me a thrill to hear them, knowing I’m in listening to greatness.

I could have chosen any one of the many famous singers who recorded “Night and Day” for today’s post. Perhaps there’s another version/performer you consider your favorite and would like to share it with us today. Please do so; I love to read your comments.

That’s a wrap, kids. I’ll be back next week with more great music from the movies. Don’t forget Nick will be breaking boundaries once again tomorrow; please be sure to check him out.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

Before the release of the 1997 film Titanic, studio executives were worried that it would be a commercial failure. Sony had paid $800,000 for the rights to the soundtrack album and were hoping it would include a theme song. However, James Cameron, the director did not want to end Titanic with a pop song, feeling it would be inappropriate.

“My Heart Will Go On” was originally composed by James Horner as an instrumental “thought” throughout the soundtrack. Wanting to prepare a vocal version to use during the end credits, Céline Dion’s name kept being mentioned as a good choice. Having recorded two other film songs, Dion initially did not want to record “My Heart Will Go On”, however, her husband and producer, René Angélil, convinced her to record a demo. After listening to Céline Dion’s recording, James Cameron gave the final ok for the song to be used during the final credits.

“My Heart Will Go On” is one of the biggest radio hits and best-selling singles in history, having sold more than 18 million copies worldwide. It was also the best selling single of 1998 worldwide. Streams increased following the recent tragic Titan submersible implosion, which sparked a renewed interest in Titanic. 

Here is the award-winning Canadian singer Céline Dion performing “My Heart Will Go On” during one of her shows at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.

That was rather breathtaking, wasn’t it? Have any of you seen Céline Dion’s Las Vegas act?

The question for today is about cruises. Have you ever been on a cruise? Where did you go and how was the experience?

I’ll start things off by telling you something about our cruise to The Bahamas. Right off the bat we were in very rough waters with the majority of people on board getting seasick, even veteran cruisers. Mr. Bill who never gets seasick admitted to feeling a bit queasy. My sons and I were horribly sick so made our way down to the dispensary for seasickness shots. I didn’t have much faith in the ship’s doctor when he said he’d never given shots to kids before and didn’t know the dosage! Well, there was no way I was going to let my boys suffer for the next 10 days so I suggested Dr. Demento give each boy half an adult dose, which he did (as long as I took full responsibility). It worked like a charm! The three of us slept for the next 12 hours straight; when we woke up, we felt fine and were able to enjoy the rest of our cruise. But because my sons and I get terribly seasick, that was our first and last cruise.

Now it’s your turn if you’d like to share a cruise story.

Thanks for being on board with me today; I hope you enjoyed the show!

Catch you next week for another day At The Movies.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

Welcome back to At The Movies and our featured song for today – “Everybody’s Talkin’ (Echoes)”.

Written and recorded in 1966 by Fred Neil, the version I chose is the one we’re all familiar with – 1969’s rendition by Harry Nilsson. The song reached No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and won a Grammy Award after it was featured in the film “Midnight Cowboy”.

The movie was set in New York City and depicts the unlikely friendship between two hustlers: naïve sex worker, Joe Buck (Jon Voight) and ailing con man Enrico Rizzo (Dustin Hoffman).

This beautiful song describes the singer’s desire to retreat from the harshness of the city to a more peaceful place and an easier life. It is among the most famous works by Harry Nilsson.

Now here is “Everybody’s Talkin’.

What a great song and a beautiful arrangement. Both Jon Voight and Dustin Hoffmann were so young in those unforgettable roles. They were the epitome of the odd couple but they made it work. Another great movie with two terrific actors!

Now for the question of the day:

Dustin Hoffman’s character went by a rather unflattering nickname. What was it?

How’d you do? Did you remember his nickname? The answer is given at the bottom of the page.

Thanks for joining me At The Movies; I hope you had a great time. Catch you again next week!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

And the answer is ….. “Ratso”.

In this special edition of At The Movies, I am showcasing the film “Sands of Iwo Jima“, a 1949 WWII movie starring John Wayne as Marine Sgt. John Stryker.

Despised by his own men for his rough attitude and exhausting training regimen, Marine Sgt. Stryker is a hard-nosed soldier who will accept nothing but excellence from those in his command. As the war in the Pacific progresses, though, the young marines begin to respect Stryker’s hard-edged outlook on war and his brutal training methods, as it has helped them prepare for the harsh realities of the battlefield. They’ll need all of Stryker’s battle tactics if they want to survive what will end up being one of the bloodiest engagements of the war: the Battle of Iwo Jima.

Among the widely recognized tunes featured in the movie is the beloved “Marines’ Hymn” composed by Jacques Offenbach in 1867; you may know it better by the name “From the Halls of Montezuma”. No matter what you choose to call it, this is one great patriotic tune!

Here is “The Marines’ Hymn” performed by the United States Marine Corps Marching Band.

Now for a short video clip from the movie “Sands of Iwo Jima“:

To all who observe Memorial Day, I wish you a very happy holiday. In our hearts and minds this day are all the brave men and women who gave their lives in military service. Lest we forget.

Thanks for joining me today for this special installment of At The Movies. Stay safe, my friends, and take care of yourselves!

See you on the flip side.

I am The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

We’re going back in time, boys and girls, to a movie that was made 84 years ago. The year was 1939. World War II was just underway and a 17-year-old girl by the name of Judy Garland was singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”. If there’s one movie that has withstood the test of time it’s “The Wizard of Oz”; it’s been one of my favorites since I was a child and I still watch it when it comes on. There are so many great songs from that movie but none can be compared to this one.

So, without further ado, here is the iconic Judy Garland singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.

What a lovely, heartfelt and accomplished voice for a 17-year-old! That song never fails to bring on the tears.

In case you’re as verklempt as me, the question of the day will be an easy one. Here it is:

Who is Judy Garland’s equally talented, famous (and troubled) actress/singer/dancer daughter?

Don’t know? No problem! Just share if you’re a fan of the “Wizard of Oz” and which character is your favorite. For me it’s the flying monkeys! 🐵

And here is the question from last week:

We already know the stars of “Easy Rider” were Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper. Who is the big name Hollywood star who had his first acting break appearing along Fonda and Hopper in the movie?

And the answer is …. Jack Nicholson. How’d you do on that one? Well, if you were watching the “Easy Rider” movie clip, Jack was there front and center. Quite a few of you got that question right!

We’re drawing the curtain on another great movie; I truly hope you’ve been having a good time with me “At The Movies”.

Don’t forget to check out Nick’s post on Breaking Boundaries coming up tomorrow. Until next time, take care of yourselves; I’ll catch you in one week.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

Welcome back from yesterday’s trip to Finland; thanks for the tour, Deb!

Today I have a beautiful song for you performed by one of the premier artists in the world of music – Barbra Streisand.

“People” was composed by Jule Styne with lyrics by Bob Merrill for the 1964 Broadway musical “Funny Girl” starring Barbra Streisand. She introduced the song to the world and made it her own; it is without a doubt Streisand’s signature piece.

“People” was one of the first songs written for the musical based on the life and career of Fanny Brice, comedic star of stage and screen, and her stormy relationship with entrepreneur and gambler Nicky Arnstein. The song was used again in the 1968 film version of “Funny Girl” starring Barbra Streisand as Fanny Brice – the role she played on Broadway – and Omar Sharif as Nicky Arnstein.

I don’t know who was more beautiful in that movie – Barbra or Omar! That was rather ironic for me when I read that in the early days of her career, Streisand was repeatedly told she was too ugly to be a star and was advised to get a nose job, which she did not do. Good for her!

Barbra Streisand is one of a handful of performers who have been awarded an EGOT – an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony.

Here now is the incomparable Barbra Streisand singing “People”.

What a great song and a phenomenal voice! Some of those shots from the movie were so terrific, I want to watch it again!

Now for our question of the day:

Since 1998 Barbra Streisand has been married to actor James Brolin; however, he was not her first husband. Her first marriage was in 1963 to an actor who went on to achieve great success; together they have one son, Jason, who was born in 1966. Who was Barbra Streisand’s first husband?

I’ll have the answer for you next week.

As a reminder, here’s the question from last week:

Actor George Maharis appeared in the movie “Exodus”; he was also the co-star of the 1960s TV show “Route 66″. Do you recall his character’s name on the show? Extra credit if you can name the other star of the show and the character he played.

And the answers are … George Maharis played Buz Murdock on “Route 66” and his co-star was Martin Milner in the role of Tod Stiles. How well did you do?

It’s time to bring down the curtain on another edition of At The Movies; I hope you enjoyed today’s production.

Thanks for being with us here at The Rhythm Section.

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023

Are you ready to go to the movies? Me too! You’re gonna need your popcorn and candy for this one! 🍫 🍿

Welcome to the wonderful world of Disney!

You don’t have to be a child to enjoy an animated movie, a fact I was reminded of after my grandchildren came along. Animation is a whole different ballgame from those early days of my childhood.

The song I’ve chosen for you today is “Circle Of Life” from Disney’s 1994 film “The Lion King”, the highest-grossing traditionally animated film of all time. The movie received two Academy Awards, as well as the Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Now it’s time to release your inner child and enjoy “Circle Of Life”.

I thought that was fantastic and so did my 3-year-old granddaughter who gave it an enthusiastic 👍🏼.

Now for the (easy) question of the day:

“Which dynamic duo from England wrote the music and lyrics for “Circle Of Life”? Any guesses? Check in next week to see if you answered correctly.

Don’t forget to tune in on Saturday to see what Pete’s got planned for us in The Culture Club. Thanks for getting together At The Movies; next time, snacks are on me!

See you on the flip side.

I’m The Sicilian Storyteller

NAR © 2023