Eclectic Movie Shelf: Classic Comedies from the 60s or What to Watch under the Blanket in Autumn

Autumn happens to be the time when we increasingly feel a need to watch "something interesting" on TV. Is it a preparation for the holiday winter season or do we just want to spend more days at home due to the gradual temperature drop? Each of us has our own reason to stay in bed and watch a movie or a show. But I found sometimes it can be hard to find a good quality movie that reflects the mood.

Recently, after starting to watch several newly released Hollywood movies and quickly losing interest in them, I decided to switch my attention toward the old style, European movies. My decision was soon rewarded by the truly pleasant and joyful show time and warm feelings after.

Below is the Eclectic Movie List that I have carefully selected for you. These classics were made and filmed in England, France, Russia and USA and mostly, are from 1960s. The only movie that was not made at that time on this is list is "Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra." As you will watch the movie you will understand why it was included here: the cast and the European sense of humor.

1. The Pink Panther (1963)

Watching this movie for the first time I found out that "The Pink Panther" is actually the name of a diamond and not the color of a panther. And the panther is not a character in the movie. Did you know that?

The main character, Inspector Clouseau, travels with his wife to the Italian Alps to investigate and prevent the stealing of the world famous jewel called Pink Panther, which belongs to a princess who happens to be on holiday at an Alpine resort. Whether or not he prevented the crime and what methods the enthusiastic and responsible inspector used is something for you to find out.

British humour, quality of acting skills by the movies legends and a light romance line make this movie a perfect choice for the romantic evening time.

2. How To Steel A Million (1963)

Charming romantic comedy played by the enchanting actors Audrey Hepburn and Peter O'Toole. The movie setting happens in Paris, where Nicole, a daughter of Charlie Bonnet, whose love for art masterpieces made him forge the most exclusive exponents, now has to commit a crime and steal one of her father's masterpieces to save his life. Since the reproduction of a prized sculpture (the one that has to be stolen) is now showing in a famous Paris museum, Charlie Bonnet is in trouble. If the experts determine that the sculpture is not the original, Mr.Bonnet's reputation will be seriously harmed. The only way to prevent Nicole's father from the troubles is to get the sculpture out of the museum. But how to do it? Just on time Detective Simon appears in Nicole's life and helps to organize the theft. Will Simon reveal the family's secret to the government or actually become part of the family after deeply falling in love with Nicole? This is what you, the viewer, will have to find out if you chose this comedy for tonight.

3. The Diamond Arm (1969)

One of the funniest and eccentric Soviet comedies and also one of the most popular movies to watch during the New Year holidays.

The story is partially based on true events that happened in Switzerland, back in the 1960s.

A group of smugglers wanted to transfer very valuable pieces of jewelry from Turkey to the Soviet Union. To avoid questions from the government, the smugglers use a creative way, such as putting the jewels into a cast of one of the ordinary tourists, who accidentally slips and falls during the last stop of the cruise's tour, in Istanbul. Of course the ordinary tourist from the cruise ship is planted by the smugglers. But the plan fails when it appears that the jewelry is put into the cast of a wrong man's hand.

This comedy is very ironic, yet it has many scenes where the viewer can assimilate the life with their own. Satirical episodes, fragments of life in the Soviet Union and sometimes exaggerated situations make this movie easy to watch, especially if you are familiar with the Soviet Union culture. The movie is available with English subtitles on YouTube.

4. The Troops of St. Tropez (1964)

Louis de Funes is an icon in the French world of comedy. His movies still remain classics in European filmography and a guarantee of a smile and non stop laughter. His acting style together with the plays of other great actors, make this particular picture very funny and yet romantic. It is a true pleasure to see French chic style and manners throughout.

The story rolls around the energetic and enthusiastic police officer, or a gendarme as they are called in France, Ludovic Cruchot. He is recently transferred to St. Tropez to help local troopers to get some situations under control. The present big issue is nude swimmers, who continue to enjoy the beach without clothes and somehow always manage to escape from Cruchot and his cronies when they attempt to arrest them. The other issue that the officer has is a teenage daughter, who in order to impress her rich friends says that her father is a millionaire and he owns a yacht. Both family members get into trouble when the daughter and her boyfriend steal a car from the actual owner of the yacht, who happens to be a member of a gang.

5. The Troops and Aliens (1979)

If you enjoyed the "The Troops of St. Tropez" comedy and would like a continuation, then there is good news for you. "The Troops and Aliens" is similar in style, and another amusing story about Ludovic Cruchot and gendarmes!

In this series Crushot attempts to save the people of Saint Tropez from humanoid aliens. The aliens look and behave like people with the only difference that instead of food they drink oil.

6. Roman Holiday (1953)

One of the black and white "must watch" movies everyone should see at one point in life. If this evening you are in a delightful mood for a fairy - tale romantic story in Rome than "Roman Holiday" is the movie of the night.

The plot of the story centers on a princess to whom daily royal life, official visits and tiring schedule have gone too far and she would like to take a break and secretly run away from the palace, even for a couple of days. While on the street she meets Joe, who by chance, is an American reporter based in Rome. They spend several days together walking and exploring the sights of the city and the princess enjoys her freedom. Even though Joe at first wanted to make a story about the missing princess once he recognized who this strange, beautiful woman on the street is, later on he decides not to do so.

The elegance of Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck's irresistible charm make this story hearted and the characters very lovable to watch!

7. Some Like It Hot (1959)

Would you like to spice up your evening with that innocent sexiness that Marilyn Monroe is famous for? Then the movie "Some Like It Hot" is for you today.

This is one of the greatest American comedies of all time and there are several reasons for that. Firstly, of course is the undeniable and magical charm of the main heroine 'Sugar', played by Marilyn Monroe. Secondly, the risque humor. Thirdly, a good presentation of American society at that time.

An accident at the restaurant, where Joe and Jerry were playing one evening, forced the two friends to quickly depart from the town. But the only possible way to do so for them is to accept a job in an all - female band headed to Miami. With very little hesitation, the two men decided to disguise themselves as women and to enjoy the journey. In the band they meet sweet 'Sugar' whose dream is to meet a millionaire in Miami and get married.

8. Asterix & Obelix: Mission Cleopatra (2002)

This comedy was not made in the 60s, but I still put it into this shelf as the hilarious humor, fabulous play of the legends in French filmography, and the wonderful illustration of the historical figures makes this movie a classic in its genre.

Do you feel like watching something related to Egypt or Cleopatra and yet something not too serious? If yes, then this movie is a perfect choice!

The movie has many interesting characters that play the major role in different fragments, but the plot of the story revolves around Cleopatra and Caesar.

Infuriated by Caesar's belittlement of Egyptians, Cleopatra makes a deal with him stating if Egyptians can build a palace in Alexandria bigger than Caesar's palace in Rome in three months, he must acknowledge that Egypt is the greatest of nations.

Whether the Egyptians were able to build the palace in the record time is something to find out while watching and enjoying this movie.

No matter what movie you pick from this list for your evening -

Enjoy The Show!