OCTOBER ON THE BIG SCREEN: CLASSIC MOVIES FOR CHILLS, THRILLS & COZY AUTUMN NIGHTS
Today is September the 22nd– the official start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. I thought today would be an apt time to release my October film picks…all 64 of them…and I really could have added on but I stopped. Maybe next year we’ll add on the others. I did this a couple of years ago for my additional Instagram account, That’s So Classic and it seemed to be a hit. This year, I’ve decided to have both my personal account and hobby account linked and in collaboration so I can reach both audiences.
I like to think there is something for everyone. Obviously, the most extensive list is the spooky, sci-fi, suspense, and “Halloween perfect” picks but I also have a separate list that has a little bit of spooky, some cozy, some comedy, family friendly, and overall less ominous than the latter list. I will be sharing the little curated graphics I have created of the list and film descriptions with my own quirky flair underneath each one, so hopefully it’s easier and more “bite sized, right Dracula? 
I hope you all enjoy! Let me know which ones you decided to watch and what was your favorite! Oh, and do know you don’t have to wait until October first to begin viewing any of these. I sure haven’t! 
For The Chills & for the Thrill seekers
The Birds (1963)
A seemingly ordinary seaside town turns into the center of an inexplicable avian assault in this unnerving Hitchcock thriller. (I was too chicken to watch this for years, and yes, the pun WAS indeed intended.) With its mounting sense of dread and famously unsettling bird attacks, The Birds remains a landmark of psychological horror.
Psycho (1960)
Before Ryan Murphy’s Monster: Ed Gein in 2025, there was Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, which was inspired by serial killer Ed Gein himself. This film forever changed the rules of the thriller, following a desperate woman whose detour to the isolated Bates Motel takes a horrifying turn. Featuring one of cinema’s most famous shower scenes and Anthony Perkins’ unforgettable Norman Bates, it is essential October viewing.
The Stepford Wives (1975)
A young woman moves with her family to the seemingly perfect suburban community of Stepford, where something about the wives feels disturbingly unnatural, and no, it’s not botox or fake endowment. This darkly satirical thriller blends domestic paranoia, science fiction, and horror into a chilling vision of suburban conformity.
Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956 & 1975 versions)
Both the 1956 original and Philip Kaufman’s acclaimed 1975 remake imagine a world where ordinary people are quietly replaced by emotionless duplicates. (Starting to seem less and less unfeasible in 2026, so that makes it even scarier.) The two films share the same unsettling premise while reflecting the anxieties of their respective eras, making them fascinating companion pieces. I watched the 1975 one first but having seen the 1956 one later, I would recommend watching them in order. Just know 13-year-old Julia was terrified of plants for months after seeing the 1975 version the day before her 14th birthday –in which she received a PLANT as a gift. That was the shortest-lived plant I’ve ever owned. (Sorry, plant.)
Vertigo (1958)
Alfred Hitchcock’s hypnotic thriller follows a retired detective haunted by his fear of heights and his obsession with a mysterious woman. Everything about this film captivates me. It’s dreamlike, psychologically complex, and visually striking. Paired with a haunting soundtrack, Vertigo is one of Hitchcock’s most enduring explorations of obsession and identity.
Psycho II (1983)
Twenty-two years after the original, Norman Bates returns to his motel and attempts to rebuild his life in Psycho II. Anthony Perkins reprises his iconic role in a sequel that brings fresh mystery, murder, and plenty of Bates Motel unease. While the first film is truly iconic, I actually liked Psycho II perhaps a smidge better, which feels like sacrilege to say but I think we are allowed to get to know Norman better and on a deeper level than we previously did in the original.
Hush, Hush, Sweet Charlotte (1964)
Bette Davis stars as a reclusive Southern woman whose troubled past and family secrets resurface when her cousin arrives to help her. Filled with gothic atmosphere, suspicion, and psychological torment, this classic makes for an ideal old-Hollywood horror selection. (Fun fact: I first saw this film at McDonald’s. Yes, you read that correctly. Remember when McDonald’s would sometimes have televisions on the wall? Very interesting to be eating a happy meal while watching some of the scenes to say the least.)
Wait Until Dark (1967)
Audrey Hepburn gives a remarkable performance as a recently blinded woman who finds herself targeted by criminals searching for a hidden package. This film is one of my favorite Hepburn films because it is so unique and seemingly unexpected to her usual film style. Much of the suspense comes from her inability to see the danger around her, creating an exceptionally tense and claustrophobic thriller. To heighten the anticipation and draw audiences into the experience, the filmmakers promoted the movie with a clever print ad and cautionary trailer announcing: “During the last eight minutes of this picture the theatre will be darkened to the legal limit, to heighten the terror of the breathtaking climax which takes place in nearly total darkness on the screen.” It even asked smokers not to light up during the sequence and warned that no one would be seated during those final eight minutes. The unusual marketing tactic helped generate excitement around the film, which went on to become a huge success.
House on Haunted Hill (1959)
This film is simply iconic and a must-watch during the Halloween season. Vincent Price invites a group of strangers to spend the night in a supposedly haunted mansion, offering them a substantial reward if they survive until morning. Directed by legendary showman William Castle, this gleefully macabre horror favorite is packed with creepy surprises and classic haunted-house fun. But Castle’s theatrical flair didn’t stop at the screen. When the original film played in theaters, he introduced a memorable gimmick called “Emergo,” sending a glowing, inflatable skeleton flying above the audience on a wire during a key scene.
Kiss of Death (1947)
Victor Mature stars as a former criminal caught between the law and the dangerous underworld he is trying to escape. Richard Widmark’s chilling debut as the sadistic Tommy Udo wmakes this film noir an especially memorable entry in the genre. It actually took Widmark a little while to shake off the Udo typecast after this film. His portrayal was so realistic that some of the film’s audience members actually approached him on the street looking to start a fight or punch him over the character’s cruelty.
The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)
When an extraterrestrial visitor arrives in Washington, D.C., he delivers a warning to humanity about the dangers of nuclear weapons and violence. This thoughtful science-fiction classic combines suspense and social commentary with the unforgettable presence of the robot Gort.
North by Northwest (1959)
An innocent advertising executive is mistaken for a government agent and suddenly finds himself running from spies across the country. (You know, the usual situations most people find themselves in on a daily basis…) Hitchcock mixes suspense, romance, humor, and spectacular set pieces—including the legendary crop-duster sequence—(no, not the kind your thinking, you nasty human you) in this quintessential thriller.
I Saw What You Did (1965)
Two teenage girls make prank telephone calls to strangers, only to accidentally contact a man who has just committed murder. Joan Crawford stars in this suspenseful William Castle thriller, where an innocent game quickly becomes a fight for survival.
Dial “M” for Murder (1954)
A former tennis champion devises an elaborate scheme to have his wealthy wife murdered, believing he has planned the perfect crime. (Is there such a thing though, really?) Hitchcock turns a confined London apartment into the setting for an intricate thriller filled with deception, manipulation, and suspense. Grace Kelly steals the show with her fantastic acting, not to mention her stunning wardrobe.
The Blob (1958)
This film is a personal favorite of mine and in my eyes, a must-see of the era. A mysterious gelatinous creature crashes to Earth and begins absorbing everything in its path, growing larger with every victim. (Sounds like someone we all might know in our lives.) Steve McQueen makes his feature-film debut starring along side Aneta Corsaut (Helen Crump from Andy Griffith if you weren’t familiar with her real name) in this colorful, entertaining slice of 1950s science-fiction horror.
Five Miles to Midnight (1962)
Sophia Loren stars as a woman whose husband played by Anthony Perkins returns home under circumstances that lead to a dangerous confrontation. This moody crime thriller combines romance, suspicion, and murder against a stylish European backdrop. I loved this film when I saw it as it allows the viewer to see just how talented Sophia Loren is in her portrayal of a wife who is slowly driven to insanity.
Sorry, Wrong Number (1958)
Barbara Stanwyck stars as a bedridden woman who accidentally overhears a conversation about a planned murder over the telephone. As she desperately tries to uncover the truth, the film transforms a simple phone call into a tense portrait of helplessness and paranoia. As a child, I was so anxious by the end of the film that I never could watch the ending!
Gaslight (1944)
Ingrid Bergman stars as a young wife whose husband gradually convinces her that she is losing her grip on reality. This film was pretty infuriating in a good way of course as Ingrid Bergman & Charles Boyer place their roles so convincingly. This atmospheric psychological thriller gave rise to the term “gaslighting” and remains a gripping portrait of manipulation, isolation, and doubt.
The Fly (1958 & 1986 versions)
The 1958 original and David Cronenberg’s radically different 1986 remake both explore the horrifying consequences of a scientific experiment gone wrong. Seen together, they offer two fascinating approaches to transformation, tragedy, and body horror. As a massive fan on Vincent Price, my personal favorite will always be the original but Jeff Goldblum really took the role to a whole new (gross) level, so choose accordingly to on how “icked out” you want to be.
The Wolf Man (1941)
Lon Chaney Jr. (or me depending on how recently I’ve shaved) stars as Larry Talbot, a man who becomes cursed after encountering a werewolf in the Welsh countryside. Universal’s atmospheric classic helped establish many of the conventions associated with the modern werewolf movie.
Suddenly, Last Summer (1957)
Elizabeth Taylor stars as a young woman whose aunt (played by Katharine Hepburn) is determined to have her undergo a controversial medical procedure after a traumatic experience. Adapted from Tennessee Williams, this dark psychological drama gradually reveals the disturbing secrets behind her mysterious past. The film was quite controversial for its time because it pushed the strict boundaries of the Hollywood Production Code. This is one of those films that stayed with me for a long time after viewing. It’s disturbing but an excellent film in my opinion. A testament to William’s writing and the roles portrayed by the respective cast.
The Mummy (1932)
Boris Karloff stars as an ancient Egyptian priest resurrected after thousands of years, only to become obsessed with a woman who resembles his lost love. More atmospheric and romantic than many Universal monster films, The Mummy remains one of the studio’s great horror classics.
Spellbound (1945)
In this psychological thriller, a psychiatrist (portrayed by Ingrid Bergman) becomes convinced that the man taking over her institution (portrayed by Gregory Peck) is hiding a traumatic secret. I won’t lie, in the beginning, the main reason I chose to watch this film was to just stare at Gregory Peck for over an hour but I ended up getting completely immersed in the plot and the entire atmosphere of the film. It is so good! Hitchcock does a fantastic job combining romance, mystery, and Freudian imagery, including a celebrated dream sequence designed by Salvador Dalí. Upon the film’s British release, it broke every box office record in London, in both famous theaters, Pavilion and Tivoli Strand, for a single day, week, month, holiday and Sundays.
The Last Man on Earth (1964)
The title pretty much sums up how I feel every time I walk into Walmart late at night. But in this case, Vincent Price is dealing with something far worse: a world overrun by vampiric creatures, where he may be the last surviving human. Based on Richard Matheson’s novel I Am Legend, this bleak and atmospheric horror film offers a haunting vision of loneliness and survival. I caught this gem randomly one evening and I am so glad I did. It is a must-see in my opinion.
The Haunted Palace (1963)
This was a newer watch for me and I am so glad I just happened to stumble across it on Youtube. Vincent Price stars in this atmospheric tale of a man who inherits a sinister mansion and begins to uncover the dark history surrounding its former owner. Though marketed as an Edgar Allan Poe adaptation, the film actually draws heavily from the work of H.P. Lovecraft.
Rosemary’s Baby (1968)
Mia Farrow stars as a young woman whose seemingly perfect pregnancy becomes increasingly disturbing after she and her husband move into an ominous Manhattan apartment building. Roman Polanski’s psychological horror classic builds its terror through paranoia, isolation, and the creeping suspicion that Rosemary cannot trust the people closest to her. This one is pretty disturbing (to me) and I’ve only watched it once.
The Screaming Skull (1958)
(Plot twist: No, it’s not your mother-in-law.) A newlywed moves into a secluded mansion where strange occurrences suggest that the house may be haunted by the skull of its previous owner’s wife. This atmospheric low-budget horror film builds its scares around isolation, suspicion, and the possibility that the supernatural may be closer than it seems.
Dracula (1931)
Bela Lugosi’s portrayal of Count Dracula became one of the defining screen interpretations of Bram Stoker’s legendary vampire and is a must-see for anyone who appreciates horror film history. With its gothic atmosphere and unforgettable central performance, Universal’s Dracula helped usher in the golden age of American horror.
Creature from the Black Lagoon (1954)
An expedition into the Amazon uncovers the legendary Gill-man, a prehistoric creature living in the depths of a mysterious lagoon. Another film featuring one of Universal’s most iconic monsters, the film combines adventure, science fiction, romance, and classic creature-feature thrills. I really enjoyed this one… especially after I found out what the actor portraying Creature looked like under the costume.
The Tingler (1959)
Vincent Price plays a scientist who discovers a bizarre creature that grows inside the human body in response to extreme fear. Directed by William Castle, The Tingler is a wonderfully strange piece of horror history, complete with one of the director’s famous theatrical gimmicks: The “Percepto”: William Castle rigged select theater seats with small electric motors (buzzers) to vibrate during a key scene when the creature supposedly broke loose in the cinema. Castle later claimed in his autobiography that he buzzed at least 20 million theatergoers’ behinds…not sure if I’d want to really be know for that but okay. I grew up hearing my mom talk about this film a lot, so naturally, I wanted to see it. Apparently my Grandfather had a thing for horror/scary films and had my mom watch this with him. She wasn’t impressed at the time.
Frankenstein (1931)
“It’s ALIIIIIVEEEE!” James Whale’s Frankenstein brings Mary Shelley’s tragic creation to the screen with Boris Karloff delivering an iconic performance as the Monster. Combining gothic imagery, scientific ambition, and genuine pathos, it remains one of the foundational films of horror cinema.
House of Wax (1953)
Vincent Price stars as a sculptor whose elaborate wax museum hides a horrifying secret. Combining murder, mystery, and macabre spectacle, this Technicolor horror classic is also notable as one of the era’s major 3-D films. Fun Fact: I watched this film three times in the same week. I loved it so much.
Night of the Living Dead (1968)
Move over, The Walking Dead! Make way for the OG. George A. Romero’s groundbreaking horror film strands a group of strangers inside an isolated farmhouse as the dead begin returning to life outside. Bleak, claustrophobic, and deeply influential, Night of the Living Dead helped redefine the modern zombie movie.
Soylent Green (1973)
This one will stick with you, I can assure you of that, especially in today’s seemingly eerie world. Charlton Heston stars as a detective investigating a murder in an overcrowded, environmentally devastated future where food has become a precious commodity. This dystopian science-fiction thriller builds toward one of cinema’s most famous and haunting final revelations. I am sure you’ll have the final words of the film replaying in your head long after it’s over.
Tarantula (1955)
Much to my mother’s chagrin, I LOVED this film after seeing it on Svengoolie one Saturday night. However cheesy and obviously “fake” it is, I still love it to this day. A giant spider grows to monstrous proportions after an experiment goes horribly wrong, threatening the residents of the Arizona desert. This classic 1950s creature feature is worth a watch with a fun surprise: a young Clint Eastwood appearing in an uncredited role.
The Bat (1959)
A mysterious masked criminal known as the Bat (again, it’s NOT YOUR MOTHER-IN-LAW, I promise) terrorizes the occupants of an isolated mansion while everyone searches for a missing fortune. Agnes Moorehead and Vincent Price lead this mystery-horror film filled with secret passages, suspicious characters, and shadowy surprises.
Strait-Jacket (1964)
Joan Crawford stars as a woman released from a psychiatric institution after spending decades confined there for murder. Directed by William Castle (who else at this point), this psychological horror film combines shocking violence, suspense, and Crawford’s commanding screen presence. I loved this film as it had an incredible twist within it. Fun Fact: Joan Crawford was the widow of Alfred Steele, the former CEO of Pepsi-Cola. Still serving on the board of directors, she required Pepsi products to appear in her films. A carton of Pepsi is visible on the counter during the early kitchen scenes.
Laura (1944)
One of noir film history’s best, this list would be remiss without adding “Laura” to it. A detective (played by Dana Andrews) investigating the murder of a beautiful young woman (played by Gene Tierney) becomes increasingly fascinated by the woman he is supposed to be investigating. Otto Preminger’s stylish film noir combines mystery, romance, and psychological intrigue with a famously atmospheric portrait of its elusive title character. This is hands-down a true classic. Also, Gene Tierney is just stunning in any film– a true delight to watch.
Rear Window (1954)
My love for this film never wains and I don’t think it will. It’s truly iconic and one of Hitchcock’s best. Confined to his apartment with a broken leg, a photographer (played by Jimmy Stewart) becomes convinced that he has witnessed a murder in a neighboring building. Hitchcock transforms the simple act of watching out a window into a suspenseful exploration of voyeurism, obsession, and the dangers of curiosity. I guess it sometimes pays to be nosy???
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
Robert Mitchum gives an incredibly chilling performance as a sinister preacher who hunts two children in search of money hidden by their murdered father. Charles Laughton’s only film as director is a haunting blend of fairy tale, film noir, and gothic nightmare. I happened to catch this film by chance while spending the night pet sitting for a friend. It left me speechless. I cannot recommend it enough.
The Mad Room (1969)
I was not expecting what I got when I watched this film to say the least. It’s a trip and a half. Stella Stevens plays a woman whose carefully controlled life begins to unravel after her troubled younger siblings return to her care. This dark psychological thriller explores family secrets, trauma, and the possibility that madness may be closer to home than anyone realizes.
THEM! (1954)
Giant irradiated ants emerge from the New Mexico desert in one of the definitive creature features of the 1950s. THEM!combines science-fiction spectacle with Cold War-era anxieties about nuclear testing and its unintended consequences. (Unconfirmed Fun Fact: Supposedly Orkin’s Pest Control company’s favorite film…. just kidding, I made that up. Sorry, I am too cheesy for my own good.
It Came from Outer Space (1953)
(Y’all, please. NO. QUIT THINKING it’s your mother-in-law based on the title. GAWSH!) A mysterious spacecraft crashes in the Arizona desert, leaving a scientist to investigate strange events and encounters with seemingly possessed townspeople. (Hmm, sounds like some people in my own town I know.) This science-fiction thriller offers a more ambiguous take on extraterrestrial visitors than many of its 1950s counterparts.
Rebecca (1940)
A young woman (played by Joan Fontaine) marries a wealthy widower (played by Laurence Olivier) and moves into his imposing estate, where the memory of his first wife, Rebecca, seems to dominate everyone around her. Hitchcock’s gothic adaptation of Daphne du Maurier’s novel is a suspenseful tale of jealousy, identity, and psychological manipulation.
Seconds (1966)
A middle-aged man is offered the chance to abandon his old life and receive an entirely new identity, only to discover that starting over comes at a terrible price. John Frankenheimer’s surreal psychological thriller explores identity, mortality, and the unsettling consequences of trying to escape oneself. Not a light film by any stretch but a thought-provoking one. This was the first time I had ever seen Rock Hudson play this type of thriller genre and he did not disappoint.
Carnival of Souls (1966)
After surviving a mysterious accident, a young woman becomes increasingly drawn toward an abandoned carnival and a strange world that seems to exist just beyond ordinary reality. Herk Harvey’s eerie low-budget classic is celebrated for its dreamlike atmosphere and haunting sense of isolation.
Freaks (1932)
A hands down, five stars, haunting work of art. Tod Browning’s controversial classic follows the performers of a traveling circus and the betrayal that sets off a horrifying chain of events. Featuring actual sideshow performers, Freaks remains one of the most unusual and unsettling films of pre-Code Hollywood.
Children of the Damned (1964)
Six seemingly ordinary children possess extraordinary intelligence and mysterious powers that leave scientists and governments struggling to understand them. This British science-fiction film explores the uneasy relationship between humanity and a new generation whose abilities may pose an existential threat.
Something A Little Cozier...
It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown (1966)
This list would be useless without this iconic listing. Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang celebrate Halloween in this beloved animated classic, while Linus waits patiently for the Great Pumpkin to appear. With its autumn leaves, costumes, trick-or-treating, and instantly recognizable soundtrack, it’s an essential piece of Halloween nostalgia and perfect for the entire family.
Trick or Treat (1952)
Another great one for the family with the cutest soundtrack. Donald Duck’s nephews, Huey, Dewey, and Louie, set out for Halloween night hoping to collect plenty of candy, but their uncle isn’t exactly in the holiday spirit. Their trick-or-treating adventure turns into a wonderfully spooky and funny Disney classic, complete with Halloween costumes, magic, and plenty of cartoon mayhem.
Grumpier Old Men (1995)
Walter Matthau and Jack Lemmon return as feuding neighbors whose lifelong rivalry is complicated by a new romance and a determined businesswoman (played by Sophia Loren). This warm-hearted comedy offers plenty of seasonal scenery, small-town charm, and the irresistible chemistry of its two legendary stars. I know this is a bit of a hot take for some, but I think Grumpier Old Men is superior to the prequel, Grumpy Old Men.
The Trouble with Harry (1955)
A murder comedy…? That’s exactly right. When a dead body turns up in the Vermont countryside, a group of otherwise ordinary townspeople aren’t quite sure what to do about it. Alfred Hitchcock takes a surprisingly lighthearted approach to murder in this quirky dark comedy, filled with autumn scenery and deadpan humor. This film is just chock full of glorious autumn colors & scenery.
Peyton Place (1957)
Lana Turner stars in this sweeping drama about the secrets, scandals, and social tensions lurking beneath the surface of a seemingly respectable New England town. Its gothic atmosphere and shocking revelations make it a natural companion for an October lineup. The film has quite the lineup of young and popular actors of the era which included: Terry Moore, Russ Tamblyn, Hope Lange, David Nelson, and Barry Coe.
The Trouble with Angels (1966)
Blockbuster hated to see me coming with this one as I was forever renting this film back in the early 2000s. Rosalind Russell plays the formidable Mother Superior of a Catholic girls’ school, where two mischievous students (played by Hayley Mills and June Harding) continually test her patience. This charming comedy balances teenage rebellion, friendship, and gentle life lessons with a wonderfully spirited cast.
All That Heaven Allows (1955)
This is the ultimate kickstart film to autumn in my eyes. Jane Wyman stars as a wealthy widow whose romance with a younger gardener challenges the expectations of her conservative social circle. Douglas Sirk’s lush melodrama explores love, loneliness, and social convention against a beautifully autumnal New England backdrop.
Bell, Book and Candle (1958)
Kim Novak plays a glamorous modern-day witch who casts a spell on her unsuspecting neighbor, played by James Stewart. This charming romantic comedy mixes Manhattan sophistication with supernatural mischief and makes for a delightful Halloween-season watch. I often have this playing in the background as I go about my day once autumn has arrived. Also, Pyewacket steals the whole show. (If you know, you know.)
The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
A young widow moves into a seaside cottage and discovers that its previous owner, a cantankerous sea captain, still occupies the house as a ghost. Rex Harrison and Gene Tierney bring warmth and wit to this enchanting supernatural romance about love, loss, and the passage of time.
I Married a Witch (1942)
(I just know some smart-aleck husband is going to run with this title.) Veronica Lake stars as a mischievous witch who returns from the grave and sets her sights on a descendant of the man responsible for her death. This playful romantic fantasy combines witchcraft, screwball comedy, and a wonderfully charming performance from Lake.
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
This film isn’t just a good Christmas watch, it’s also Halloween perfection! Judy Garland stars in this beloved musical following a year in the life of a family living in turn-of-the-century St. Louis. Filled with songs, romance, family warmth, and beautiful autumn-and-holiday imagery, it’s a perfect choice for a cozy October movie night.
The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad (1949)
Oh, how I love this one…and vintage Disney overall. Disney combines two classic literary tales in this animated feature, including Washington Irving’s spooky The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Ichabod Crane’s encounter with the Headless Horseman makes the film’s second half an especially fitting choice for Halloween season. My favorite is obviously The Legend of Sleepy Hollow’s portion as it is excellent for the season. Bing Crosby as the narrator and singer of “The Headless Horseman” is the cherry on top.
The Quiet Man (1952)
John Wayne plays an American boxer who returns to his ancestral home in Ireland and falls for a fiercely independent local woman, played by Maureen O’Hara. John Ford fills the film with breathtaking Irish landscapes, romance, humor, and colorful characters. The atmosphere of the film just feels perfect for autumn, to me anyway.
Harvey (1950)
This film was such an iconic one of my childhood and is a great one for the family on a chilly October evening. James Stewart stars as Elwood P. Dowd, a gentle eccentric whose best friend happens to be an invisible 6 ft 3 1⁄2 inch tall rabbit (or Púca) named Harvey. This whimsical comedy is a warm, funny meditation on kindness, imagination, and the possibility that seeing the world differently isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The Ghost and Mr. Chicken (1966)
Don Knotts stars as a nervous typesetter who volunteers to spend the night in a supposedly haunted house. This affectionate horror-comedy turns classic haunted-house conventions into a showcase for Knotts’ trademark physical comedy and anxious charm. Again, this is a fantastic film, one friendly for the entire family.
The Court Jester (1955)
Danny Kaye stars as a reluctant hero who becomes entangled in a medieval plot involving a stolen throne and a dangerous royal conspiracy. Packed with swordplay, mistaken identities, physical comedy, and Kaye’s dazzling wordplay, this cheesy classic is pure escapist fun. Unfortunately, my mother couldn’t seem to escape from The Court Jester thanks to 11-year old Danny Kaye obsessed Julia. I watched this film so many times that she actually banned me from watching it for a couple of weeks. I still have flashbacks of sitting at Taco Bell one evening at dinner, begging her can I please watch it again? Now, as an adult, I love to tease her about this being her FAVORITE film ever.
Leave Her to Heaven (1945)
Gene Tierney delivers a mesmerizing performance as a beautiful woman whose obsessive love for her husband (played by Cornel Wilde) takes an increasingly sinister turn. This Technicolor at its finest, this psychological drama combines romance, jealousy, and suspense with an unsettling portrait of possessiveness. Side note here: I WANT Gene’s wardrobe, hair and makeup from this film.
The Courtship of Eddie’s Father (1963)
I finally viewed this gem for the first time a couple of weeks ago and felt it really would fit right in with this lineup. Glenn Ford stars as a widowed father whose young son (played by Ron Howard) decides that finding him a new wife should become a family project. This tender comedy-drama captures the warmth, humor, and complications of a father-son relationship.
Well folks, I think that’s everything! If you are still here reading this, then I must commend you for your patience and your endurance. I would love to know which of these you are eager to watch, or even which ones are already your favorites!
Happy autumn, happy October, and happy Halloween!