The age of the flower child. These years are some of the most talked about in history, peace, free love, and make love not war, are some of the sayings that have come out of this era. Here are the movies that bring you back to those glorious carefree days.
1. Alice’s Restaurant (1969) This movie starring Arlo Guthrie has to be the best movie of all time to show what life was like in our time. This movie has all the hippies, a commune like dwelling, peace, and love. This is supposedly a true story that happened to Arlo as told by the popular song of that name. The scenery is breathtaking and makes great entertainment in itself. This movie is on TV around Thanksgiving each year and I watch it year after year. This movie you can watch anytime and remember what it was like when you were stress free.
2. The Sterile Cuckoo (1969) This movie starring Liza Minelli and Wendell Burton explores the rights of passage into adulthood all taking place on a college campus. This movie evokes a feeling of those early campus years. The scenery is as much as part of the movie as the plot. The seasons changing parallel the story line. Innocence at it’s best. A mood provoking film, it leaves you with a touch of sadness. Great rainy day afternoon watch.
3. Butterflies are Free (1972) This movie stars Goldie Hawn and Edward Albert. The mode of dress in this picture will make you long for those styles. Goldie Hawn is a “hippie” and is a restless free spirit in this movie. She lives next door to a shelter blind young man, who just moved away from his over protective mother. Goldie’s character gets right to work on her new blind neighbors sheltered life. They both learn a lot along the way. The interaction between the mother, son, and Goldie’s character, is quick to remind you of our parents way of thinking back in the day. You will love Goldie more than ever before. Good Saturday night movie.
4. Easy Rider (1969) This movie stars Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper, who also directed this film. You will see a very young Jack Nicholson here too. This is the classic biker film. It is full of road scenes as this movie takes us with these Harley ridding Hippies. The music through out this film will be enough to back you back to the day. The dress of the era, along with the hair styles will have you thinking back to what you were doing in “69. I recommend this film to anyone who is longing for those carefree days.
5. The Doors (1991) Starring Val Kilmer and Meg Ryan. Although this movie was not made in the 60’s or 70’s, I think it does one of the best jobs of taking us back there. You really believe you are watching the original Jim Morrison when Val kilmer is on the screen. Meg Ryan and all her 60’s garb is stunning in this character as Pam, Jim’s long time girlfriend. The custom, hairstyles, and props all are really authentic. You will not realize you are watching something that was made in the 90’s. Jim Morrison and his over indulgence in every substance known to man kind will keep you interested from beginning to end. To watch the destruction of such a talented guy is enough to get you crying. This is a great piece of entertainment.
6. The Trip (1967) Another Peter Fonda and Dennis Hopper Film. This film brings you on a trip, but it is not the kind you pack a suitcase for. This film was made during the time of the “acid test” days of San Francisco. It takes us on an acid trip. It explores the good and the bad points of dropping acid. The psychedelic effects are the best they had for the day to give us a visual illusion of what one might experience if they were to take acid for themselves. It is a movie that will certainly bring back memories for some of you. If you want to go there again – safely, this movie is the one for you. Anytime you need to reminisce in your mind, watch this.
7. Serpico (1973) This movie stars Al Pacino. This is a true story about a cop. It took place in the day of free love and peace. Frank Serpico, Pacino, isn’t surrounded by much love and peace though. This is one of the first realistic cop films done. The mode of dress, hairstyles, and scenery will take you back. If you like films with a lot of action and with a good story plot , this is for you. Good movie to watch on a date.
8. Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore (1974) This movie stars Ellen Burstyn. This is a story of a young single mother trying to make it on her own with her son. This movie brings you back to the day with all the clothes and styles we use to love. It is a great story too. Alice packs up and heads cross country only to find her self stuck in a place she can’t wait to get out of. It takes money to do this so she takes a job as a waitress. Where you ask? Mel’s Dinner. Yes, this is the movie that was so well loved, they made a weekly series out of it. “Alice”. Watch and see why it was a favorite back then. This is a -home on the couch with a cold feel good movie.
9.Dirty Mary and Crazy Larry (1974) Peter Fonda and Susan George star in this film. Again with Peter Fonda,but he was one of the big stars of the day. Renegades against society. Great car chases. It is a very fast paced movie. Mary is not so dirty and Larry is really crazy. A love hate relationship between the two main characters goes on through the film. Great movie for both sexes. This had one of the biggest surprise endings of the era. Good Saturday night flick.
10.The Big Chill (1983) This movie is depicting the hippies all grown up. It has a lot of talk about the issues of the flower child days. A good movie to watch after all of the above. It is about a group of friends that get together for a friend’s funeral after years of going their own ways. Due to the circumstance of their getting together there is a lot of reflecting and “what ifs?” going on. They were the peace and love generation that moved on into a yuppie life. It is a great ending to this list. The aftermath. I am sure everyone will enjoy this last movie pick.
Here are my choices for all of us baby boomer’s out there. These films will bring you back. If you are like me, you will start to remember when and where you first saw these movies. It is sure to bring a smile when you remember who you were with when you saw them too. Happy Viewing.
References:IMBd The Internet Movie Database
