While there is nothing like seeing the real thing, movies can be a great opportunity to see places that we want to visit, allowing us to dream, plan and anticipate. Or if we have been there, to reminisce. Here are some films that can give you a sense of faraway places without leaving home.
Roman Holiday (1953): With a young Audrey Hepburn as a princess that decides to play hooky from her official duties, and Gregory Peck as a reporter that views her as his next big scoop until he falls for her, Roman Holiday is not only an old fashion romance, but provides a nice day tour of Rome. On her day-off, Princess Anne visits the Spanish Steps (Scalinata di Spanga), Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum. The characters also visit the Mouth of Truth, seemingly anxious that their lies to each other about their true identities may be revealed. The film also stars Eddie Albert, of later Green Acres fame, as a photographer that chronicles the journey with his cigarette-lighter camera.
To Catch a Thief (1955): Shot on the French Riviera, To Catch a Thief provides views of the French countryside as well the cities of Cannes, Nice and Monaco. Starring Cary Grant and Grace Kelly, and directed by Alfred Hitchcock, it involves a cat and mouse game between a presumably reformed cat burglar and the police as they both try to solve new burglaries that match his previous crimes. Meanwhile, Grant’s character romances Kelly in a series of tete-a-tetes that contain numerous double entendres. The leads share a dangerously fast ride through the village of La Turbie, ironically not far from where Kelly ultimately had the fatal car crash that led to her untimely death.
Out of Africa (1985): Starring Meryl Streep and Robert Redford, this film is based on the true story of author Karen von Blixen-Fineke (Isak Dinesen) during her time in Kenya. Shot mostly in Kenya, this movie features many scenes shot at the Shaba National Game Reserve and the Ngong Hills. Since Redford’s character is a big-game hunter and a pilot, and the characters go on safari together, there is a lot of opportunity for sweeping views of the Kenyan landscape. Streep and Redford give strong performances in this untraditional romance.
Rob Roy (1995): Filmed in the Highlands of Scotland, the scenery in this movie includes Glen Coe, Glen Nevis and Glen Tarbet. It features Drummond Castle, Castle Tioram and Megginch Castle. Loch Leven, Loch Morar and Loch Lomond are also part of the extensive landscape. Based on the life of a Scottish legend from the 18th century, and in keeping with the historic nature of the plot, this movie is violent and has some adult themes. It also has great performances by Liam Neeson as Rob Roy, Jessica Lange as Roy’s wife, and Tim Roth as the villain.
Sabrina (1995): A remake of the 1954 original, Sabrina is a classic Cinderella story. It stars Harrison Ford as Linus Larrabee, a brilliant business man without a personal life, and Julia Ormond as the chauffeur’s daughter. Greg Kinnear plays Linus’ younger playboy brother, and the original object of Sabrina’s affection. Sabrina’s fashion internship in Paris transforms her from a naïve, dowdy school girl to a sophisticated, fashionable young lady. This film has some great scenes of Paris, including shots of the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the bridges of the Seine, as Sabrina wanders Paris and discovers herself. It also features Martha’s Vineyard, with a view of Chilmark and a bike ride through Vineyard Haven.
These are just a sampling of the movies that can take you on a journey without leaving home. So why not make some popcorn and take a trip through the movies?
