This diversion had its genesis last July 14th when I decided that, for Bastille Day, I needed to go get the DVD of Casablanca (the
Marseillaise scene). This Labor Day weekend it rears up again.
There are a few movies associated with particular holidays through television tradition: in particular, It's a Wonderful Life and Christmas. But those of us who have favorite classic movies can now take advantage of DVDs and establish yearly customs of our own choosing.
What movies deserve yearly viewing, on what days? I have a few suggestions below, very incomplete. I'm eager to hear ideas from the community on both choices of movies and choices of days.
(In some cases I suggest several movies. Depending on one's couch potato index, these could rotate each year, or become a marathon.)
New Years Day: ?
Martin Luther King Jr. Day: To Kill a Mockingbird, Glory
Groundhog Day: (Well, DUH!)
President's Day: All the President's Men
Valentine's Day: ?
Arbor Day: An Inconvenient Truth
St. Patrick's Day: The Quiet Man, Waking Ned Devine
Opening Day: The Natural, Field of Dreams, Eight Men Out
Memorial Day: Saving Private Ryan, M*A*S*H
Flag Day: Woodstock (the Hendrix Star Spangled Banner)
Independence Day: ?
Bastille Day: Casablanca
Labor Day: Matewan, Grapes of Wrath
Talk Like a Pirate Day: Master and Commander
Yom Kippur: ?
Columbus Day: Apollo 13
Halloween: ?
Thanksgiving: ?
Christmas: It's a Wonderful Life, How the Grinch Stole Christmas
I'm looking for annual occasions to watch A Hard Day's Night and Dr. Strangelove: suggestions appreciated.