Time for an Easter Classic--5: The Family Film and the Musical

Happy Easter! Have you had your chocolate bunny yet? Or are you going to save it for later in the day? How about a couple of Cadbury eggs?

After looking at some religious films and some animated films set at Easter, let’s take a look at two of the best—the family film and the musical.

There actually aren’t that many family films out there centered around Easter. A recent entry is The Dog Who Saved Easter [2014] by Michael Ciminera, Richard Gnolfo, Sean Olson and Peter Sullivan. This film tells the story of a family who goes on vacation and leaves their dog at a dog-sitter’s house. It’s fortuitous, because bad guys plan to take the pets and our dog has to save the day. Take a look at the trailer:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJUTF43RT1A

First of all, from my perspective, this simply isn’t a very good film. But look at that premise! Easter vacation—and the family goes on theirs while the family pet goes on his—reluctantly. But it gives him a chance to save Easter. It also brings together an audience—those who might like dog stories and those who might like Easter stories.

And it brings to mind the idea of Easter vacation. Sure, we’ve had multiple films about spring break, which are pretty much all the same film. But what about a family going on Easter vacation—ask yourself how that might look. Where would you set the film? What could happen that would be interesting enough for a feature? What would the family be like?

I think the time is right for some really fine Easter vacation films—so why not give it a shot?

The final film I want to talk about as we end our look at Easter-themed films, is Easter Parade [1948] by Sidney Sheldon & Francis Goodrich and Albert Hackett. This film is 73 years old—so how does it stack up today? Well, I saw it recently and it’s still a gem. Take a look at a trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKr9S2UNFAU

You’ll note that the trailer is all about the musical numbers, not strictly about the story. But it’s the story that draws me back every time. A famous dancing team splits apart when the female of the team deserts her partner. He has to find a new partner fast—and he stumbles upon a lowly chorus girl. She becomes his partner, but also makes the mistake of falling in love with him. And, thus, the story goes.

The title of the film comes from the legendary “Easter parade” in Manhattan—where, it used to be, on Easter Sunday men and women would stroll down Fifth Avenue in their finery, their pictures would be snapped, and everyone across the country would see what the parade was like on Easter Sunday.

What I love about this film is that it takes us back to an era that’s just not there anymore. There’s a questionable musical number in there, but the film as a whole still works—an amazing feat for one that’s almost three-quarters of a century old.

So Easter’s here, but as you watch it pass, give some thought to whether or not it’s a holiday you could set a story in—I really believe it’s ripe for some sparkling storytelling!

Copyright © Diane Lake

04Apr21

Email Diane a question to Diane@DianeLake.com