One of my favorite movies of all time is "Helly Dolly!" and I caught it on tv this morning. I own it but I haven't seen it in a while. So I sat down this morning and indulged in some Barbra Streisand and Walter Mattau. I discovered this movie about 4 years ago when my friend was rehearsing to be in the play and I thought I would watch the movie before I saw her play. And I fell in love with it. I like Ms. Streisand anyway but something about this movie speaks to me. I think Dolly's character is brilliantly played by Barbra. If I had been an actress, I would have loved to have this part, but no one could do it justice as well as her.
Walter Mattau is also pretty amazing in this. Until I saw this movie, I had never seen him young! I've seen him as an older man and he's hilarious. In this, he still plays that gruff role that he's known for, but as a handsome young man instead. He can sing very well!
I also love this movie because there is a cameo of Louis Armstrong. He is the cutest little man I've ever seen! I wish I had known him. He's a brilliant singer and trumpet player but he seems like the sweetest man you could ever meet. You can't see him without grinning uncontrollably. So this movie makes so indescribably happy with both of their presences.
"Helly Dolly!" also has one my favorite quotes: "I have lost so many things, my job, my future, everything people think is important, but I don't care. Cause even if I have to dig ditches for the rest of my life, I shall be a ditch digger who once had a wonderful day." This has become my life's motto. I tend to focus on bad things a lot, so I try to think about this. I may not be rich or famous or have a lot of things, but I do have a lot of wonderful days. I think I want this on my gravestone one day...
