(image from here)

Watched the best movie last night with the family, Misty from 1961. Such a good one! A brother and a sister from Philadelphia, who have recently lost their parents, are now living with their grandparents in Chincoteague, Virginia, on a horse farm. The horses are wild foals and fillies rounded up from the neighbouring island of Assateague.

It is hard to say exactly what is so great about this movie, except everything. The vision of the past, the characters, the way they talk. The stern but loving nature of the grandparents, how their home seems so comfortable and organized, but small and practical. The fashion! Much jean on jean and one particular scene of grandfather and grandson in matching jeans and buttoned up jean jackets. Very Good Looks. Sister Maureen in her casual clothes but also her plaid dresses with collars and white socks and dress shoes. And her braids and short bangs! 

The settings are terrific, windswept sandy beaches and then the fun and excitement of the fair and horse races. It really is a visual treat. There were only six professional actors in the whole film. The crowd scenes are great, seeing how a part of the world looked back then. 

Anyway, a super fun, no stress watch for a family, (although keep in mind that it's from the 60ies and there is zero diversity and you know, gender roles, etc., so maybe not for everyone). The kids work hard, raise money, get in trouble, and race horses down open beaches. The grandparents worry and tightly embrace and gently discipline. Warm fuzzies truly throughout. Hope you get a chance to watch this and enjoy.