10 of My Favorite Couples From Classic Movies From the 30s - 50s

Hello, dear readers!

This month has so many wonderful events going for it, and one of them is focused on all the things we love about couples. (Which, speaking of, happy late Valentine's Day. I spent my day coding on Python while listening to a musical (and maybe crying because it is so beautiful and sad. I hadn't listened to it in years but was reminded of it again thanks to Olivia). I don't know if those things go together, but it describes me in an uncanny way). This event is Cordy's annual Lovely Blog Party, which runs all of February!

I wanted to write a movie review, but decided why should I talk about one couple when I could talk about many? This afternoon I looked at my gigantic list of favorite fictional couples and tried to find a way to narrow it down. I realized that I've missed talking about old movies (which are some of my favorites!), so I would do a list centered around couples found in those movies. When I say "old" here, I'm talking about any movie made between the 30s and 50s (I would talk about 1920s and 1910s, too, but I haven't seen enough of them. Yet!). I originally was including the 60s, but all those movies were in the late 60s so they didn't seem that "classic". I also just wanted to talk about more black and white movies, so I narrowed it down to the 50s.

This is not a ranking, just 10 couples from old movies that are adorable. My goal with this post is that you all will want to watch some old movies then talk about them with me. Because I love these couples a lot, you will see more posts on them in the future. You can't escape it!

I don't know what to say in the way of spoilers. Sometimes I think of knowing a couple as being a spoiler, but I won't tell you if these characters end up together or not. I'll be talking about their meetings and interactions, but not what happens. Some of these characters might start out together, or the story is about them coming together, or it is all made up in my head. I guess you won't know which is which until you watch the movies. These will be listed chronologically of when the movies were made and the titles of the movie will be first, so you can skim past movies you don't know if you want.

Let's get into it! First up:

From The Thin Man (1934) 

(we're using the first one because I haven't seen all of the others yet):

Nick and Nora

These two. are. hilarious. Is there ever a time that they are not making fun of each other? I guess that is when Nora is serious about Nicky's work. She is so supportive. She knows he's absolutely brilliant and wants him to help people and he...just doesn't. And when she wants to help he comes up with ways to trick her, which isn't nice, but Nora always finds her way back. I don't really know what to say, as they love each other, but are also super frivolous? As I say, I just laugh when I see them.

For those of you who know them, don't you think this gif describes them perfectly?

From Seventh Heaven (1937): 

Chico and Diane

MY HEART. I CAN'T HANDLE IT. These two are some of the most darling characters that I've ever come across in the universe. Diane came from a horrible background and is scared and hurt, and Chico resents a priest for tricking him into helping her. These two seem like polar opposites when we first meet them. Chico is ambitious, a people person, and not afraid to say what he thinks to anyone. Diane is tired of the burden of life. As I said in my review of this movie, something I love is how as Chico finds there are things to fear in the world, Diane blossoms into being the most courageous soul.

'"One day you'll be yourself."

"Myself? What would that be? Myself?"'

They learn so much from each other and grow so much. One of my all time favorite movies and they are the reason why.

From Bringing Up Baby (1938):

Susan and David

These two are such silly ducks. I love them to pieces. And Susan loves David, but David can't seem to get rid of Susan and still can't figure out how he got tangled up in her messes. They are such opposites of each other. David is very focused on his work and Susan makes everything exciting. Terrifying. Whichever word fits better. David needs a plan while Susan will improvise on the spot. I don't know what to say about them besides that they crack me up. This is one of the funniest movies I've ever seen.

From The Son of Monte Cristo (1940): 

Edmond and Zona

I'm sorry that this is such a horrible picture.

Guys, this movie is one of my weaknesses (to the chagrin of my dad, mom, and younger sister. They just don't get it. But, I'm not alone as my older sister loves it, too! Do any of you know it??). I often say I don't like romances, but plop me down in front of this movie and I won't stop smiling. I wouldn't object to watching it on repeat. The reason? Mainly Edmond and Zona. I don't even mind the fact that Edmond falls in love with Zona basically from the minute he sees her. He's such a flirt but deep down he cares. He has to maintain a very particular outward appearance, and that is his disguise for fighting injustice. As for Zona, she is mostly annoyed with him. She cares about her people and wants to help and this fop is just a bother. (Guys, I can't even type this up without stopping and laughing maniacally because I love it so much). Both of them are so brave in their different ways. Do I really know why I love them so much? No, no I don't. I just do, and that's all there is to say about it.

From Holiday Inn (1942):

Jim and Linda 

Never had my sisters and I watched a movie where we didn't like Fred Astaire. His character here was so annoying! But, it was okay because Bing Crosby was great as Jim. Jim goes through a lot. He's scared of trusting people, which is why it's funny that when Jim and Linda initially meet they tell each other a lot of lies. Jim is sweet and quiet as he does not want to cause trouble, but gets tired of his friend Ted messing everything up all the time. Linda is charmed by Jim. She has a strong balance between being ambitious and dependable. She doesn't like it when people try to make decisions for her, as she is perfectly capable and makes great choices on her own. Together, they are sugary sweet. I've only seen this movie once, and though there are problematic aspects, this couple has stuck with me.

From It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): 

George and Mary

I debated taking this one off because it's a Christmas movie, but it's also the best movie ever made so I left it on. George wants nothing more than to up and explore the world, and Mary is something to tie him to home. Yet there's something about her... She's hardworking, caring, creative, and fun. She is such a role model for me. George does not know how to process his feelings, and we can't really blame him. He's a jokester and charismatic, willing to do anyone for the people he cares about. Even lasso the moon.

From Royal Wedding (1951): 

Ellen and John

My family went through a phase of watching this movie basically every day for about a month. It was an old movie that we would watch with our grandma and she seemed to like it. It got old really quickly, but do you know what never got old? Watching Ellen and John. They are so similar: carefree, warm, and welcoming, and can't get people to stop falling in love with them. They think of them as good chums, but can't figure out what the big deal is. Put the two of them together? Adorable! I mean, it's Peter Lawford. You can't go wrong. I love the song "Too Late Now" and only wish that Peter Lawford would sing, because I know he can...

From Singin’ in the Rain (1952): 

Don and Kathy

I don't know how many of you know this, but this movie holds the place for my favorite movie of all time. It is a movie about making movies. You can't get much better than that (but, MC, didn't you say It's A Wonderful Life is "the best movie ever made"? Yes, I did say that, and I stand by it. This is just my personal favorite. Not everyone needs to see it, but everyone should see It's a Wonderful Life). Anyway. I love Don and Kathy so much. I once wrote a whole post about their meet-cute because I love their banter. (I mean, Cosmo Brown is the best thing about this movie, but they are a close second). They both work in the same profession so I love their similarities and differences, and how they can support each other. They are just one of my tippy top favorites, okay? It's hilarious to me that Don falls into the category of, "Whoa, this girl doesn't like me. I love that." Then there's Lina, causing all kinds of problems. I love it.

From Roman Holiday (1953): 

Joe and Ann

Feat. Joe thinking this out carefully.

The first time I saw this movie, I was just annoyed. I'd heard so much hype about how relatable it was then...I didn't feel any of that. For years afterwards I just thought of it as disappointing. That is, until I rewatched it in Oct. 2020. I had so many happy feelings because I loved every single interaction between Joe and Ann. If I would use one word to describe Joe's feelings for most of this movie, it would be, "Huh." Not quite a word, but you get what I'm going for. He's trying to earn some money and has the prime opportunity for a reporter thrown at him. Ann is ready to try anything and everything. She does not follow the standards which puzzles Joe to no end. It takes her a while to appreciate how much Joe is helping her.

Ah, I love these two.

From Sabrina (1954): 

Sabrina and Linus

Vote time: how many of you like this version compared to the 1995 remake? I LOVED this movie, then watched the remake and was not impressed, but for my sister it was the opposite. She did not like this one at all, but really enjoyed the remake. For the first part of this movie it is easy to get annoyed with Sabrina and tell her to "Get a life". Then she does. Linus is the typical, all business and no play who apparently needs to learn to live. He and Sabrina are such opposites, that Linus's plan seems terrible from the start. This movie shows that personalities are more important that looks and don't manipulate people because it will backfire. I love Linus's growth through this movie and I can tell what he is thinking every second that he is on screen. Sabrina is reluctant to grow because she wants to hold on to the dream she's had for years, so her growth can be really fast or really slow. They balance each other out, though.

(Then I nearly put a picture of Sabrina and David. Whoops.)

Hey, Jimmy Stewart and Audrey Hepburn are in two different couples. It tells you that I love watching them. But, guys, I just realized that they never made a movie together. Now I am sad about that! Ah! Where's my time machine?

There you have it! Some of my favorite couples from older movies. What about you? Tell me all of your favorites! Have you seen any of these? Check out all the other fun happening at Cordy's Lovely Blog Party HERE!

Happy weekend, everyone! Thanks for reading!

Chloe the MovieCritic

Pirate Hunter Legends - by Sarah Rodecker and Helena George: COVER REVEAL!!!

Look sharp, readers!

Do you know what is a sad feeling? When a series ends. That is depths of despair material right there. It makes one greedily eat up anything the authors give you. Which happens to be the case today.

I am elated to present you all today with yet another fantabulous book by Sarah Rodecker and Helena George! Their Pirate Hunter Chronicles series is not over (as I had been lead to believe!), as it is getting a book of short stories added to the collection! I haven't read any of these yet, but this cover is pumping me full of so much excitement I can barely get my fingers to type these words.

It's beautiful.

Oh, did you want to see it?

Start scrolling.

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If you don't have any clue of what I'm talking about, then be patient and keep scrolling, but know this: Sarah and Helena are a dynamic duo who wrote this series about a fine crew fighting against pirates and it is marvelous. Read the other books in the series: #1: Ships, Secrets, and Survivors, #2: Sins, Sons, and Siren Songs, #3: Rumors, Reunions, and Revenge, & #4: Rogues, Royals, and Raiding Roc.

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This is all of you. Ah, my favorite part of cover reveals.

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Are you ready to see some treasure for sore eyes?

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*Swords clang as the fighting of an epic duel commences*

A princess’s coming-of-age party is ruined.

An assassin chooses to save a life.

A duath searches for the perfect cup of tea.

And more!

Join your favorite pirate hunter crew in these tales of longing, searching, and ultimately finding a place where they can call their own in this collection of short stories.

Release date: 

March 8, 2022.

Where to get it:

Purchase signed copies (hardback) 

(GUYS. THERE IS A HARDCOVER OPTION. I AM OBSESSED)

Purchase signed copies (paperback)

Purchase ebooks

Add it on:

Goodreads

Follow the authors:

Helena's blog

Instagram:

@sarahrodecker 

@julian.daventry 

@theorderofthepenpress

*Sigh of contentment*. I love how golden it is, as I'm sure it reflects the skills of these writers. This was such a wonderful surprise to me. I had no idea this was coming and now I can't wait for March 8th. That's less than a month! You should all read the previous books so you are ready to be blown away by feelings.

Thanks for reading! Congratulate Sarah and Helena for yet another book coming, with such a drool-worthy cover.

Chloe the MovieCritic

My Top 10 Movie Scores Composed by John Williams

Hello, everyone!

Do any of you love movies? In addition to that, do any of you love to be utterly swept away by these movies through the assistance of a dynamic score? I do, that's for sure. Here at Movies Meet Their Match I love to celebrate movies, music, and a birthday whenever I can.

What does a birthday have to do with all of this?

Well, the stupendous composer John Williams turned 90 today. And in honor of him, Rebecca at Taking Up Room is hosting a blogathon for him!

I haven't participated in a blogathon since September, but I couldn't stay in the shadows for this one! Ages ago I did a list of my top 10 movie scores, and since,  John Williams composed several, including (spoiler alert) my favorite of all time, it is only right that I give him a post all to his own!

I decided (thanks to inspiration from Hamlette, who also did a post like this. You should check that out and every entry into this blogathon!) to talk about my 10 scores he has composed. In preparation for this post, over the last few days I have listened to about 19 albums for scores. That's staggaring. And it made it so much harder to just chose 10 because every one I listened to deserves a spot on this list. But, I tried! I will probably wish to put in completely different ones as soon as I publish this post.

Also, because the Olympics are going on right now (One of my FAVORITE things in the world!), I should mention another fact. How many of you know that our own John Williams composed the EPIC anthem we all hear when we watch it? The Olympics theme makes me cry and I was astonished that I hadn't made the connection when I learned it was all because of him. I should have known better, as so many of his scores make me weep.

 

10. Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (2002) & Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004)

I tried so hard to just pick one of these, but I couldn't. Chamber of Secrets has the utterly magic music surrounding Fawkes (above) (I LOVE that bird and we don't get enough of him but when we do I cry), so I couldn't leave that out. But the way Prisoner of Azkaban incorporates a clock is seamless, giving me chills. Also, the double touble choir sequence (above)? I once thought it was overly dramatic, but I dig it now. You see my conundrum. Which is why I am picking both in my number 10 spot. I have quite the soft spot for the first few Harry Potter movies and might love them more than the books. This changes at #4 for many reasons, but one of them might be that the music doesn't grip me in the same way it does when John composed it.

9. Home Alone (1990)

First, let me tell you that I felt guilty listening to Christmas music in February because it was putting me in the holiday mood. Maybe even more so than a few months ago. This is the only movie on this list that is set in our modern world without magic or adventure. There is a lot of action, but no exploration of new places. Only protecting what we love. Just listening to this music gives you questions of how you can be a kinder person. When you find music that does that, hold on to it. (Also, when you've listened to this then you go through a lot of Harry Potter you start to figure out John's tricks for making you feel it is Christmas immediately. This is one of the coolest things I've ever heard.)

8. Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Story time: One year (maybe it was around when Kingdom of the Crystal Skulls came out? I don't remember) my dad received one of those musical cards for his birthday, where you open it and it blares a song. It had Indiana Jones on it and probably said "Have an adventurous year" or something like that. It wasn't important. What WAS important was that it blasted out Indy's iconic theme. My sisters and I loved it so much that we would open and close the card non-stop, then proceed to dance around and come up with stories to fit the score to. I hadn't even seen the movie at that time. Finally, we drove my mom so crazy that she had to take it away. All the same, I am filled with adrenaline any time I hear those notes.

7. Hook (1991)

Another movie that I had sadly forgotten about. My sisters and I watched this a lot (though I still remember the first time!) so hearing the score again for the first time in years was straight nostalgia to my bloodstream. It is very gentle, yet has elements of playfulness and fairy dust sprinkled in. It is a balm of adventure to any tired soul. I sound overly sentimental, but it's true for me!

6. Fiddler on the Roof (1971)

Why do I always forget that John Williams wrote the score for this movie? AND he won an Oscar for it? I guess I usually just think about the songs with lyrics, but this is just as important. The soundtrack is only about an hour long, yet the movie is about three, so John helped carry it along. The Fiddler is such an important element to weave in, and he does that along with elements from the songs and so much more. This is one of those scores and soundtracks that together I could listen to on repeat. Without stopping. I'm serious.

5. War Horse (2011)

I should probably do a top 10 scores to do homework to because this would be on there. I have only seen the movie once, but I have listened to this score a lot since then. It has everything: jaunty tunes that lift my spirit, steady ones that build hope within me, and the soft plucking of a piano that rips my heart out. Sorry, my sentences are starting to not make sense anymore. What I love about this one is how subtle it is. It is a war movie, but listening to the soundtrack that wouldn't be your first thought. There are occasional bugle calls, horns, and the like which clue you in, but it is so soft for a war movie soundtrack. I LOVE soundtracks are knock you away with power (as you will see later), but this one tiptoes into my heart and destroys me every time I hear it. I don't mind.

4. Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (2001)

Does anything scream magic as much the music to Harry Potter? It is a pure dose of wistfulness that never fails to give me shivers. It is a score that explores a new life and shows how even that can be mystical. This is rich in friendships and hard decisions, bravery and fear. This is a score that I can't attempt to describe because it does it so well itself.

3. The Adventures of Tintin (2011)

I can't think of another animated movie that showcases John Williams's skills. I couldn't be happier. When I need motivation with a splice of fun, I listen to Tintin. This soundtrack describes the movie so well: it is fun, mysterious, clever, and has twists all over the place. If you want a boost of adventure, watch this movie. Or enjoy the soundtrack. Whichever is easier to access for you. I have lost count how many times I have listened to this soundtrack over the last few months. This movie plays with tropes and the music does in a way, too. It can get dark in one moment, but turn you around and is empower you in the next. My brain is so giddy from listening to this soundtrack that I can't think straight to write about it. That tells you a lot!

2. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977)

The original Star Wars soundtrack isn't my favorite? The ultimate plot twist! But it was on the other list, so why is it not now? This is still my go-to movie score. The swelling of the instruments is one of my favorite sounds, and makes me so happy. I am putting this second because I listen to it so much, and when I listened to the 18 others this time around, one caught my attention just a bit more, that I had to stop doing my homework and just listen to it because I was reliving the movie. This one helps me power through homework, feeling like the Force was within me, while the one after this has me in awe.

And number 1 is:

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1. Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017)

Gotcha, didn't I? I know that a lot of people don't like this movie (which is still painful to think about for me, but I'm learning to let it go), but hear me out. Most times if I don't have anything good to say about a movie, I often still find I can say, "The score was nice!". This might be the case for you.

Listening to this I am transported to a galaxy far, far, away. I have lost count how many times I have seen this movie, but it is dozens. I nearly have the script memorized. But what I'm here to talk about today is the score. There is NOTHING I don't like about it. I love how Kylo Ren's score shadows Darth Vader's. I love the clarity we get with Rey's score, which is unlike anything I've heard. I love the hope. I love the bravery. I love the rebellion. I love the peace and purpose. It creeps upon you without you even knowing what these feelings are doing to you. I love the spark this music gives me. It lights me up. This music changes me every time I hear it. It brings me to deeper levels, and I feel refreshed and at home.

This music is home.

Happy Birthday, John Williams! You have made a huge impact in my life, and I know you will continue to do so as I watch more movies that you worked on.

Thank you so much to Rebecca for hosting this! Make sure to read all the good posts, HERE!

Can't forget about these guys.

What do you think, my readers? Did anything on this list surprise you? Have I convinced you to watch any of these movies? Do you have any recommendations for me for movies based on their scores? 

Thanks for reading!

Chloe the MovieCritic

My Top Ten Fictional Characters Who Need to be Protected at All Costs aka My Children, My Sons, My "Babies"

Hello, friends!

(sorry, that title is crazy. I'll explain soon). I've decided that I want to do a "Top Ten" list of some kind every month because it's something that I can get out fairly quickly with school and I really enjoy putting together. Plus, it's a great conversation starter for learning about what you guys think of the topic at hand.

I'm starting out with something that is very confusing to define, because I think this category exists only for my older sister and I. I'll do the best I can to explain, though.

You know those characters who seem to be trying so hard to accomplish a goal, sure that it will come out alright despite the odds?

They have the sweetest smiles ever and you know they are just going to end up dead if you don't protect them with every fiber of your being?

At the same time they are a little oblivious to the problems and biases in the world that may try to stop them.

They don't think they are, of course, but it's obvious to everyone else. They never know what you've saved them from.

'"So?"

"What?"

"Thank you? You're supposed to say thank you."

"For what?"'

These characters are what I call "babies". Basically, these characters are my helpless children. It's a little bit of a loose term sometimes, as I tend to call any character I love a "baby" (or an "idiot" depending on what they are doing...), but I'm trying to define it as closely as I can here. These characters are my children. I don't know if it is vital that these characters are guys, but I have a hard time thinking of female characters who fits my definition. I would love to hear if any of you can help me come up with any female characters! When I come up with ten I'll do a post specially for them. For example, Luna Lovegood maybe is on the brink of being a "baby". And Marianne Dashwood is a baby who needs so much protection. Or Margaret Dashwood.

These characters are my fictional sons. If you watch Enola Holmes (2020), I think of these characters exactly as she talks about a sheep on a cliff.

"He'll be fine."
(and then they never are)

Another thing that isn't necessary, but certainly enhances the "baby" qualities is when the character is helplessly in love. It is so often a factor that there are only two characters on this list who you can arguably say haven't been.

Exactly. But, also lovable, and Peter Quill is not both so he doesn't quite fit.

You may have heard the term "cinnamon roll" used for characters, and I like to think of "babies" as inept cinnamon rolls. Does that help with the explanation? They are precious. Too precious for their own good, so much so that I just think about how I can take care of them all the time.

This all started with a character (who is in this list...keep reading to find out who!) who I one day started calling "sweet baby -------" and now I can't even say his name without adding the "sweet baby" on. The most important thing is that being a "baby" is not a bad thing. I LOVE these characters so much!

All in all, this list probably makes no sense, but let's have at it.

Note: There are no spoilers in this post for any of the things. I'll just be talking about what makes these characters the way they are and might hint at things, but I won't say any direct spoilers. Not that a personality is ever the big secret. I am mostly talking about movies here but there are book characters who are babies. Several of my favorites are unpublished or else they would be on this list....

Honorable mentions: William Turner from Pirates of the Caribbean (he's a little too capable to be a baby. He's more of a toddler), Peter Parker from the MCU (also more of a toddler. And I'm also more of his twin sister instead of mother), Bucky from the MCU, Much from the BBC Robin Hood, and Jay (+all my Ninjas. Especially Lloyd) from LEGO Ninjago.

10. Merlin from the BBC show Merlin.

I'm kind of mad at Merlin right now in the middle of season 5, because he is such a dollophead, but I'll talk about him anyway. He isn't my favorite character in the show (see my list of top ten favorite fictional male characters), but he is arguably the one who fits the definition "baby" the most. I mean, Arthur definitely is close to dying way more than Merlin, and Merlin has to be the one who saves him. Merlin is in this category instead of Arthur because while he is a powerful wizard and definitely capable of defending himself, he often forgets to. Why? Because he has to take care of Arthur.

He is so sweet and trusting (until he is SUPPOSED to be. That would be helpful). He's terrible at keeping secrets so it's a wonder he's alive. Good thing he has Gaius to tell them all to. He makes up the worst excuses ever. He's picked on a lot by Arthur, but he never leaves Arthur's side. He's a little mischievous, but he can't do any real harm because he is the worst assassin ever. Even when he is trying his hardest.

MERLIN. What ARE you even doing??

9. Prince Caspian X from The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2008) (MOVIE ONLY).

This is talking about the movie only because let's face it, the book and movie are very different. This is also the biggest thing I have a hate/love relationship with, because some days I LOVE all the ways it is different from the book and I think it fits perfectly, and other times I HATE it. You've caught me in a good mood, today.

Armor does not detract from being a baby. I'm so proud you put safety first, hun.

He's trying so hard to be a leader and we're cheering for him even though he is such a "baby". He wants to bring magic and respect to all back to Narnia, which is a noble activity. He's grown more in character by the time of later books/movies, so we don't see as much of him, but he's still wonderful. If you doubt me calling him a baby, then think about this line:

Reepicheep : '"Choose your last words carefully, Telmarine!"

Caspian: "You are a mouse."

Reepicheep : "I was hoping for something a little more original."'

(Caspian goes on to show a lot of sense when it comes to fighting, and I'm so proud)

8. Neville Longbottom from the Harry Potter series.

Neville's character arc is one of my favorites in the entire series and is a character I look up to and want to be like. Is it common for parents to wish to be more like their children? He gets the reputation for being a "baby" because in the first few books/movies he gets hurt almost all the time. If someone gets injured, it's sure to be him. Broken arm? Check. Fainting? Check. I want to be his proper parent, okay?

<3 I use this gif a lot, but I LOVE IT BECAUSE HE IS SO WONDERFUL.

He is the definition of a true Gryffindor because he has a strong moral compass about what he thinks is right. He's brave even when he is afraid, which shows courage. He's dependable even when you forget about him. Which I never do, because I am his mother. Though it was a strange choice for the filmmakers to take a lot of another character's lines/elements and give them to Neville, I'm glad they did because it means I got to see more of him.

7. Klaus Baudelaire from A Series of Unfortunate Events.

(Sunny would be an actual baby for me to put on this list, but remember, we are talking about it in my terms). 

I'm talking about the Netflix show because I'm always annoyed with Klaus in the books (except in number 8! And I haven't reread past that yet) and I haven't seen the 2004 movie yet. Klaus struck me as whiny in the books but with Louis Hines playing him, my heart aches for him constantly. He's so upset and I wish I could go back to that day on the beach an erase all that happens to him.

This gif is subtle, but I love it because he's SMILING! Which is rare, but it shouldn't be. Poor guy.

Of his siblings, he is the one who most often sees the misery in their situation. This sounds pessimistic when I say it, but in his case it is actually very rational. He wants to keep his sisters safe and is always looking out for them. That includes looking for danger, which is a hard job. He gets picked on in many circumstances whether its because he's an orphan or because he is smart. Knowledge is one thing that never leaves you and he carries it with him everywhere, ready to use it to save the day.

He's so intense here it's kind of creeping me out...and we all know why.

If anyone ever slaps him, hurts him, or messes with him in any way again they will have to deal with me.

6. Marius Pontmercy from Les Miserables (2012).

If there has ever been a lovestruck character, it is Marius. I can't think of any other as helpless as he is (it's okay, because others are helplessly in love with him, too). I'm thinking specifically of the 2012 movie, as in the Masterpiece mini series he annoyed me. Here, he is an adorable human being who needs a hug. I haven't read the book yet so I can't speak for that.

Marius has to be reminded by Enjorlas that "he is no longer a child", but to me he is. Marius forgets this when he is struck by a breathless delight. How many times is in necessary for people to take care of him? A lot. If I were there I would do the same thing, because he is incapable of doing it himself. I have another hate/love relationship with this movie, but Marius ALWAYS puts a smile on my face, no matter what. Unless he's in trouble. Then I'm very angry and concerned. He feels deeply for his friends and is loyal. He works for change and is brave. We don't let him be selfless because then he would end up in more trouble, but I know he has the capability to be. Just don't tell him I told you that.

I present to you all, the face of a "baby".

(If you doubt him being a baby then listen to "ABC Café/Red & Black". I'm totally right, aren't I?) 

(Great, now I have the Les Mis soundtrack stuck in my head...)

5. Viscount Tewkesbury, Marquess of Basilwether from Enola Holmes (2020) (MOVIE ONLY).

I read the book, and in it Tewkesbury is a spoiled kid (yes, kid, as he's like 10 or something) who is bratty and stubborn and all around I couldn't wait to get rid of him. Here, the opposite couldn't be truer.

I know I used so many examples from this movie above when I explained "babies", but Tewkesbury fits the definition perfectly so he has to be in the list, too. I'm not supposed to have favorites, but Tewkesbury is so much like me that he might be a favorite. My sister often says Enola's line to me of: "You make an awful lot of noise, don't you." Like mother, like son.

100% Adorkable

Yes, so, he's a "baby". He protests this, saying, "I'm not entirely an idiot.". He is such a dork. All the time. He has a very carefree air about him, and loves plants, which makes him so much more lovable. He cares about the planet and people even when the world seems to be against him. He has brilliant ideas but sometimes goes about them the wrong way. He is extremely loyal which makes us all want to be loyal to him.

He has a deeper side, too. He says things that cut you right to the core, like, "People don't seem to want us, do they?". That makes me scream, "Of course I want you, you are my child!"

4. Albert Mondego from The Count of Monte Cristo (2002) (MOVIE ONLY).

It's important to note only the movie here, because I just finished the book of The Count of Monte Cristo and Albert is not nearly as precious. He's kind of full of himself in my opinion. But here in the movie he is a darling. He loves his parents and only wants their approval. He wants justice to be done. He is sweet and brave, causing him to utter the famous words, "Do your worst.". He's a little bit of a spy in the movie, but he doesn't realize he's doing it, only trying to show how amazing his friend is.

Oh, and yes, that's a very young Henry Cavil. My sister and I love his expressions when he says "Rome!". And the look on his face when he was kissed is hysterical. (Out of context that doesn't make any sense, sorry.) He's quite a gentleman. I should stop before I start saying nonsense.

3. Ben from the Descendants movies.

Ben is a dear one and I love him so much. He's so kind and wants to be a good king to all of his people (though he is SO YOUNG. PLEASE, give the guy some more time! He's perfectly capable, but I want him to have his childhood in its entirety. Here they want him to grow up so fast!). 

He remembers people who are otherwise forgotten, seeing the potential for good in all of them, to the dismay of his parents (real parents, not me, just to be clear). He believes in people when they don't believe in themselves. He can't be bad if he wants to, and is also not good at being subtle. He believes love and patience are the strongest magic. Only a "baby" would sing such a "ridiculous" song after playing a game of Tourney. Whenever he's sad it breaks my heart. He is never mad at people, and listens to their problems.

Aww, cutie! That's my boy!

While I don't like the third Descendants movie, Ben is still a baby. And probably my favorite part of that film (though. he. is. so. young. what. even.)

2. Drake Carne from Poldark.

That smile will melt anyone's heart like butter.

Ah, Drake, Drake, Drake. He is one of the reasons I started watching the show. He came from a rough childhood to live with his sister, and proceeds to get into the most trouble ever. Why? Because he is a "baby". He is patient and loving in addition to wanting the make people happy. He loves making people laugh, which involves him being a bit of a trickster which leads him to GET INTO TROUBLE. Ugh, why do you put me through so much pain?

I didn't love what they tried to do to his character in a later season, but I keep my own sweet memories of him. He is the most polite person I have ever seen on this planet. I find myself talking like him, saying, "Thank ye" all the time. He's the kind of person who has such a big heart that just watching him makes me want to do good in the world.

Drake, baby, it's you who are special, not the flowers.

(Also, if any of you go read the Comic Space Opera on Miss Megan's blog HERE, know that Dick also vies for spot #2.)

And #1 is...

1.  Cameron James from 10 Things I Hate About You (1999).

"Sweet Baby" Cameron is the one who started this whole thing off. I don't know why. We don't see a lot of him before we learn that he is in love and it is his whole world. That's what happens when you move to a new school, I guess. He's a darling. So compassionate, and willing to go to any lengths to be with the girl he loves. Learn French? Check. Come up with an absolute crazy plan to get her to go out with you based on her dad's rules? Check. He takes care of people even when he is disappointed and feels that his heart is broken.

He's just the sweetest, okay? Nobody pick on him, or you are going to get punched in the face. Not just by me.

When he's happy, I'm happy. He's one of my favorite parts of this movie (Kat's sarcasm is another favorite part), and the ultimate baby.

LOOK AT HOW HAPPY HE IS.
YOU. ARE. THE. MOST. PRECIOUS. CHILD. I. HAVE.

There you have it. You all now know what I mean when I talk about my "babies", so you can refer back to this in future posts when I mention "babies". What do you guys think? Do any of you know these characters? Are you their parent, too, or do you have a different relationship with them? What are some of your fictional "children", where you feel obliged to take care of them at all costs? Man, I just wish I could jump into these stories and do just that. Much grief would be spared.

Thank you so much for reading!

Chloe the MovieCritic