Movies on TV back in the day

When I was a child, there were two major events each year that I looked forward to.  And it was not a holiday or my birthday, even though I enjoyed both very much. It was the showing of two classic films on tv:  The Wizard of Oz and The Sound of Music. Many of the generations that have come behind me do not really know the joys of appointment television.  And they almost certainly do not know the thrill of watching a movie on television.  The invention of the VCR, DVD player, Blu-ray player and now streaming services have taken that experience away from them.  They can watch almost any movie they wish to at any time these days.  And while that is convenient, it is still not as fun as inching closer each day to when the film would be shown. 

Once a year, and only once a year, these two movies were annually shown on television for most of my childhood.  Often when one was going to be shown it would be on the cover of the tv guide that came with the Sunday paper. I would get so excited knowing that one of my favorite movies was coming on.  In the beginning, we all sat as a family and watched them.   Once Bill became a teenager I don't believe he saw them as much during that time.  But Mom and I would be glued to the television every time. Dad was normally in the room, probably reading a book LOL  

As I have grown older, I still watch those movies on my own schedule.  It's interesting to me that The Wizard of Oz was pretty much shown in its entirety while The Sound of Music was edited for television.  This, of course, was due to its length and not necessarily the need to cut anything out that would be offensive in those days. It was not until years later when I watched The Sound of Music on VHS that I saw scenes that I had never seen before.  I remember Mom telling me about the Von Trapp children going berry picking and I had no clue what she meant.  Now, I do.

I often miss those times when we sat down as a family to watch a movie.  We'd pop popcorn and have sodas.  A real treat.  Actually, the invention of the VCR gave us more chances to do that in later years.  But the thrill of waiting all week for the Friday night showing of one of my two favorite films is something I will always cherish.  Maybe I'll put some popcorn in the microwave and watch one tonight!