Hello fellow PBSers,

I need some help. I'll spare you poor souls from the drama talk, but essentially I'm trying to find books and movies for my mom. She doesn't use technology beyond a portable DVD player and a remote for the TV.

Thankfully, my siblings and I have managed to get her to use some technology other than that. Since then we can't find her books and movies fast enough. I once got her a dozen movies to watch and she was through with them in a day. She's an insomniac, so she watched them all day and all night!

My brother and I have been searching our brains, but we can't think of movies or books we think she would like. She's very picky and particular. I've struck out more than I've hit a home run. So I've come to PBS hoping I can get some recommendations. Books or movies are okay. Although I more would like movie recommendations if possible.

My mother likes romantic, heart-wrenching, but love-prevails-in-the-end kind of books/movies. So no Notebook or Titanic types. She's been watching a lot of Hallmark Channel since Christmas, and I noticed she likes those deep, heartfelt TV movies. If any of you have heard of these movies, she watches over and over these two movies. Fallen Angel and Back To You and Me.

Again though, it doesn't have to be movies. If there are some books out there like this, I'd like to hear those too.

I would appreciate anything anyone can offer. I'll say thanks in advance!
Natalie

Ohhh, I'm a big movie buff

Paint Your Wagon

Bell, Book and Candle

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers

Big with Tom Hanks

An Affair to Remember

To Catch a Thief

Sabrina

Pillow Talk (well any Doris Day ones)

Working Girl

The Family Man

Somewhere In Time

The Egg and I

 These are more comedy and feel good movies, not sure if that's what your're looking for.

Cyndi's list is great.  Lots of older movies are like that.  My favorite is Brigadoon, but I have to second Sabrina and An Affair to Remember.  Pride & Predjudice (book, movie, or mini-series) is also a big winner for me.  As far as books, Diana Palmer writes angst-filled, love will prevail stories that lots of older ladies (and ME!) love.

I was going to say Brigadoon as well!  Love that movie.  I'm also a huge fan of old Cary Grant movies if she's looking for something humorous.  Operation Petticoat and Father Goose are two of my most favorites.

Thanks for the recommendations. I'll look some of these up.

I think we've tried Doris Day. My mom's old school and has kind of kept herself closested. So simple storylines are her speed.

My brother recently suggested to her Sleepless in Seattle. She said she was confused. I gave her Angels in the Outfield, which she said she liked. Not sure how much though.

I'm going to see if I can try books next. Hallmark has a bunch of Jeanette Oak (not sure if I spelled that right, my brain is mush right now) books and while she liked the movies, she gave the books a thumbs down.

Anyway, thanks again. And if anyone has anymore, old or even contemporary, please tell me.

Natalie

2 of my favorites by Drew Barrymore - Never Been Kissed and Ever After. Definitely fit the bill for heart-wrenching, but love prevails in the end...

If she can use the remote, why not a subscription to Netflix or Hulu or something like that where she has unlimited availability for a fixed price?

LOL I was thinking netflix too - she can watch 24/7

The only with with Netflix streaming, it's more series than movies. There are movies, but a lot of them are only available by DVD. I keep hoping that will improve though.

Movies my Mom liked very much:

Return to Me with David Duchovney and Minnie Driver

Notting Hill with Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts

The following 3 books are a series by Robin Shope:

The Christmas Edition This was made into a Christmas movie by Salty Earth Pictures of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin called Journey to Paradise. It aired on a Christian network and was a very good movie.

The Valentine Edition

The Easter Edition

Again, thanks for the recommendations.

Just to answer the question of Netflicks, it would be great. Except my mom is a senior cit and has been very resistent to being shown new things. My brother and I have been trying to persuade her to get an Ipod Nano, but she says no. And we know if we try to just buy it for her, she won't use it.

Trust me, it's been trying. She is very bored, doesn't get out at all and doesn't use technology. Lol. I'm out of ideas!

Sorry for the drama, but it's true what they say. You can only help those who want to help herself. The fact that she's at least watching some of the movies my bro and I suggest now is a victory in itself!

Peace,

Natalie

Check out PBS sister site SwapaDVD for movies.  You might find some good deals in the bazaar. (I am embaressed to say I just got around to checking it out a couple of weeks ago). Also, if she uses DISH Network for her TV service and she subscribes to the premium  HD package, she gets Blockbuster movies free (Dish bought out  Blockbuster). She can download (stream) thousands of movies, and she can receive one DVD at a time, mailed to her house.  Sounds like you are making progress and she is lucky that you care enought to continue to try to find what will work for her. 

Hello!  What about the book Marley and me?

I also have several good reads that are mother approved in my bookshelf....Such as Tall Pine Polka, Saving Sprite, A salty piece of Land, just to name a few. 

Kelly

I second Return to Me.  Great movie.  Any Jane Austen movies.  Sense & Sensiblilty, Persuasion, Pride & Prejudice.  Jane Eyre is great too.  Many versions to choose from.  Does she do ok with subtitles?  Eat, Drink, Man Woman is great. 

Roman Holiday is great but not a happy ending.  But Gregory Peck makes me cry EVERY TIME when his eyes tear up.

North & South with Richard Armitage is great!  May be a bit long as it is a miniseries.

A room with a view (note...there is full frontal male nudity - guys skinny dipping)

My Big Fat Greek Wedding

Quigley Down Under (when Tom Selleck turns and looks back at Laura San Giacomo, my heart just jumps)

Bend it like Beckham

The Quiet Man

Only the Lonely.(really a good movie) 

Truly, Madly, Deeply. 

While You Were Sleeping

If I think of any more, I'll post.

ED to add:  The Outlaw (Tim Daly looking really great!)