Remembering My Dad and His Top Five Movies of All-Time.
71My dad's number one .....The Bridge on the River Kwai.
Unfortunately my father, Bob, just passed away, days from 2011's Father's Day. I have been remembering all the great things my father did for me during my life. Two things besides family that I love, are baseball and movies. Both my interest in baseball and movies are directly attributed to my father's influence. I grew up listening to my father talking about Ted William's baseball career, which he fondly remembered from his childhood. His favorite players of the 1970s, became my favorite players(Nolan Ryan and Dwight Evans). On the movie side of things, my dad worked in the newspaper business, papers like The Washington Post and The Daily Press.
At the Daily Press, my dad was friends with the local movie critic. The Daily Press's movie critic, Henry, had the great job of watching movies and interviewing the movie stars. Henry would get the opportunity to go to New York City, and interview which ever movie star was pushing their current movie. Henry would return home, write the article about the latest movie, and tell my dad the behind the scenes story. My dad would then relay the information to me. It was an awesome system. I felt like I was getting inside information and it was great. So as I prepare for my first Father's Day without my father I thought I would share some of his movie wisdom. The following five movies were his favorite movies. If you talked to my father long enough, the conversation would eventually stumble upon one of these five movies.
Spencer Tracy starred in the 1940 movie Northwest Passage.
My Dad's Top Five Movies. 1940's Northwest Passage.
Movie starred Spencer Tracy as Major Rogers the leader of the Rogers' Rangers and was set during the French and Indian War. Our last name is Rogers, so as a kid I got such a kick out of the fact that I had the same name as the major. As for why my dad liked the movie so much.....we have two expert opinions.
My mom says "His mom and dad sold fruit at a stand in Los Angeles, California during the 1930s and Spencer Tracy stopped by all the time and bought fruit..... thus your father became very interested in all of Tracy's movies".
While my uncle says ...."One of the reasons Bob was interested in the movie
"Northwest Passage" was that it was filmed in Idaho, and our grandfather,
Dan Hepburn, was gold mining in the area when they filmed it."
Gregory Peck in the excellent World War II movie Twelve O'Clock High.
My Dad's Top Five Movies: 1949's Twelve O'Clock High.
My father was a small boy during the entire war, and I think he was always fascinated with World War II movies. One of the best was this excellent movie based on a true story.
From IMDB "A hard-as-nails general takes over a bomber pilot unit suffering from low morale and whips them into fighting shape."
I just watched this movie a few months ago, and it is an awesome movie, with Gregory Peck and Dean Jagger giving standout performances. Dean Jagger actually won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for this role.
Alec Guinness in The Bridge on the River Kwai.
My Dad's Top Five Movies: 1957's Bridge on the River Kwai.
From IMDB..."After settling his differences with a Japanese PoW camp commander, a British colonel co-operates to oversee his men's construction of a railway bridge for their captors - while oblivious to a plan by the Allies to destroy it."
The winner of the Oscar for Best Picture, this movie is one of the best World War II movies. I must have bought this movie 5 times for my father over the years. I think I bought the laserdisc version, the VHS version, the DVD version, the special edition DVD version and last Christmas I got him the highly rated special edition Blu-Ray version.
Peter O'Toole in Lawrence of Arabia.
My Dad's Top Five Movies. 1962's Lawrence of Arabia.
From IMDB....Epic rumination on a flamboyant and controversial British military figure and his conflicted loyalties during wartime service.
Winner of the Best Picture Oscar, my dad seemed to always get this movie into any movie conversation. We could be talking about Disney's Bambi with grandkids....and somehow it would turn into a Lawrence of Arabia conversation....good memories.
Robert Shaw as the bad guy in From Russia With Love.
My Dad's Top Five Movies. 1963's From Russia With Love.
My dad loved all the Sean Connery James Bond movies, but From Russia With Love was his favorite(Goldfinger was a close second). When I was younger, James Bond movies, seemed to play on Sunday Night Movies pretty often. My dad would only let me stay up until Q would show up with the gadgets. Once Q showed up, off to bed I would go.....it took me years to finish a James Bond movie. My dad thought Robert Shaw was the best villain in the entire Bond franchise.
My dad did not believe in spending a ton of money on things. His big screen television was a 31 inch version, and I think his DVD player just recently replaced his VHS player. Recently he was over for a visit, and the James Bond movie, Dr. No(Blu-Ray) was playing on my 55 inch, high-definition 3-D television. I could tell he was blown away by the quality of the picture, as he was sitting on the couch with his mouth open and eyes glued to the television.....he turned to me and said...."I have to get me one of these". As for great dads......I was lucky enough to "get me one of those"....you will be missed dad.
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Your hub brought tears to me Cogerson especially the last few lines, I am so sorry for your loss, as Rob commented it seems you lots of great memories. I will be giving my dad extra hugs tomorrow, my prayers to you and your family.
Your dad and mine would have gotten along indeed as Twelve was one of my dads favorite along with Patton.;)
Very sorry to hear about your dad passing away, Cogerson. My dad loved the Connery Bonds too though he was more into westerns and swashbucklers than war films. And a big fan of Errol Flynn and Tyrone Power.
Well that sucks Cogerson. I am very sorry to hear that news. I apreciate you sharing a small picture of you and your dad's relationship. I lost my dad years ago, and I can tell you it will get better. As for his movies, Two Best Picture Winners, gotta like that. I have never even heard of Northwest Passage but Spencer Tracy was usually really good in any role he appeared.
What a wonderful, heartwarming tribute to your father.
I am thankful for your dad, he gave us you (kudos to your mom also). He had great taste in movies...Lawrence Of Arabia is one of my favorite classics. Sending you some sunshine :)
Loosing our parents is never easy and brings a flood of memories that seem to come crashing in wave after wave. I am so sorry for your loss. Writing down those memories is a great way to keep those memories alive. I've done much the same with my hubs for that same reason. My condolences to you and your family.
I'm sorry Cogerson - about your dad. He sounds like a great man and a great dad. So nice of you to honor him this way:)
Sorry you lost your father. I don't think I've seen any of these films--I better check them out.
So sorry to hear you news, my thoughts are with you and your family. I like his choice in movies. Lawrence of Arabia is a classic, no doubt about that.
Hey friend....so sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like mine. They grew up in the old school world. I'm sure your father is proud of his son as well....Made me think about my dad, which I do always, but more today because it's father's day tomorrow. Mine passed away when I was 21...he was my best friend, my buddy, my mentor. He brought me up the right way...treat others kindly, help those who need it, and treat the ladies as they deserve...with respect. You and your family are in my prayers friend, and I am honored to be in this hub cirlce of friends with you. I know tomorrow will be a tough day for you....just know your dad's at peace, and looking down on you and the others now....God Bless you friend. JR
I've seen all five movies. NW passage so long ago the only thing I remember was one of the soldeirs went mad with hunger and carried an indians head in a bag he ate from. yeech.
I seen 12'o'clock high first time three weeks ago. Excellent movie.
Many bond villains have a strong Blond Nazis type look to them. A good hub. I am sorry about your father. He sounds like a great guy.
...well my dad was my best friend (as was my mum) and he passed away back in 1992 at 74. We were great movie buddies and he would have loved this hub subject and story. In fact some of these films were his favorities.
Thank you for bring back so many wonderful memories of my life - my dad and I used to go the cinema at least once a week and it's moments like those I will cherish forever
It will be a tough day tomorrow.
This Hub was well done and a great tribute to a beloved father. Up, beautiful, and very awesome.
Thank you Robwrite/Bob, AlabamaGirl86, SteveLensman, Mentalist acer, hinton1966, Sunshine 625, Ken Barton, RealHousewife, ctbrown7, KellyE, Jrandol62, ruffridyer, epigramman and WillStarr.....your kind words are greatly appreciated......my dad would get a kick out of people talking about his favorites movies....to all the fathers out there....Happy Father's Day.
Cogerson, so sorry for your loss. I've only seen a couple of these but remember in particular Bridge over the River Kwai as I went to the river Kwai and saw the museum dedicated to those how built it - a humbling experience. Thinking of you today and wishing you the best.
So sorry man, I know you and your dad were close, as you wrote I am sure he is getting a kick about talking about his favorite movies. I have never even heard of Northwest Passage but I will check it out if I ever see it somehow, which now I am sure that I will see it within the next week. Once again, I am so sorry.
Oh Boy Cogerson...the tears are rolling down my face - the comments you wrote about Bob is just so moving and I am grateful to have such a wonderful son to write about hIS DAD on your HUB. Dad would be so proud and appreciative on your comments. THANKS A LOT SON...
Please accept my heartfelt condolences, Cogerson. You have done your Father proud with this wonderful tribute. He was a man with excellent taste in movies. I'm sure of it, because I agree with every one. :)
Happy Father's Day!
Cogerson you have some amazing friends...this tribute to your father proves that hubpages is a community filled with loving and caring people.
Hugs to Bern :)
Sorry to hear the news of your father's passing, luckily I just saw my dad, but after reading your hub I called him back. Father's have a tremendous influence on kids, for me my dad got me into football and surfing. I wish it was not 135 degrees outside so I could go and throw the football with him. As for the movies, I have only seen three of the them, but all three are outstanding movies, Russia With Love, Lawerence and Bridge on River Kwai. It seems I have heard about 12 O'Clock High but have never seen it before. My thoughts and prayers to you and your family.
So sorry to hear of your Father's passing. Thanks for a great hub and sharing your lovely memories about your Dad and his favourite movies.
Sorry for your loss, Cogerson. Your dad and I apparently grew up with much the same appreciation for great movies. I'm not an especially big fan of the James Bond movies although Roger Moore was my favorite among those who played the part. The old movies were the best!
THANK YOU EVERYONE FOR YOUR COMMENTS ON THIS HUB. SO MANY PEOPLE THINK THE HUB IS A GREAT TRIBUTE TO HIS DAD. THANKS AGAIN.
Thank you Azure11, YankeesRule, Linda, ShaunBroncoMan, Fay, Jade Evans, William F. Torpey and of course Bern1960, as my other comment....your kind words are greatly appreciated....thanks for reading this hub about my father.
what a nice tribute to your dad. i have seen 2 of those movies and will make it a point to watch the others. bob will like them. he likes war movies. i thin goldfinger is his favorite bond movie. heactually likes all of them. bond and eastwood movies are the only ones he doesn't fall asleep in the middle.
hugs and kisses to all.
Way to pay tribute to your dad, I am sorry for your loss, but thanks for sharing a little bit of your life, hope things get better for you and your family.
Thank you mimic and Kodiak32 for stopping by and reading this tribute to my father....it is greatly appreciated.
Sorry to have to read your news Cogerson, but the page does make for a nice tribute to your father's memory. It was good for both of you that you could share his passions with him. I have watched all the five films he liked, though I can't well remember Twelve O'clock High or Northwest Passage. The other three are certainly classics, which I've seen several times. I sincerely hope that when you next watch any of these films, the memories they generate will be happy, not sad. Best wishes at this time. Alun.
I appreciate the nice comments Alun, it has been years since I have seen Northwest Passage....so I think I will have to check that movie out again.....I am sure the next time I watch some of his favorite movies it well be great memories....just thinking how happy he would be that the next generation is watching the movies he liked so much.
Hi Buddy, sorry to hear about your loss. It's good that you got on well with your dad, i do too of course, but some people don't always see eye to eye. I've probably seen the first two movies but i can't remember a thing about them. I ve seen Bridge on the river Kwai many times and Alec Guiness was a great sctor. I've also read many books about the building of the Burma railway and the terrible hardships those unfortunate souls had to endure. My dad served in India, but was lucky in comparison to many others.
I've seen Laurence of Arabia a time or two over the years, another epic movie. I loved the early James Bond movies, but haven't seen any of the more recent ones. I'm going over to the UK in Nov' for my dad's ninetieth birthday, so i'll ask him what his top five are. Cheers mate, time for my bed. See ya.
Thanks attempted humour....it would be interesting to see what your dad's Top 5 movies would be....thanks for the nice words.
Hi, Cogerson. I didn't realize it was such a short time ago that your Dad died. It's great that you have so many memories and are willing to share them. My family have certain films that we would watch regularily when I was still living at home.
Regarding your father's top films. Northwest Passage is the only one I haven't seen.
I've seen Bridge on the River Kwai probably the most often. Odd, since I rarely have time to watch epics and it is a war film as well. But there ois a lot of suspense of the spy type of film and full of fabulous actors, so that may be why.
Of course as a Peck fan I love Twelve O'Clock High. Interesting. With most war films, war veterans who watch them will point out that their experience was nothing like what happened in the movie. This is one of the exceptions. According to people who flew these kind of bomber missions it is a very realistic portrayal of what it is like to be in these units and become attached to each other.
It's only been a couple of years since I saw Lawrence of Arabia for the first time all the way through. Epic again. It is magnificient. But I must be in the proper mood to watch.
As for From Russia with Love, I actually prefer Goodfinger, with FRWL as a close second. There ias one Conery Bond film I've not seen-Dr. No. Why? I happen to know that there is a poisoness spider in the film and I'm afraid of little harmless spiders.
Hey Flora....I wrote this hub the day after my father died....I woke that morning and I was thinking about and I thought I should share some of his favorite things in a hub....I am glad I did not delete the hub...which I had thoughts about doing.....numerous people came up to me and told me how much they enjoyed reading the hub.
I have not seen Northwest Passage in years, I was looking through his movie collection and the only copy he has is a VHS version. My dad always talked about Peck in Twelve O' Clock High.....he really liked his management style in the movie.....as for his favorite David Lean movies...they are both classics....thanks for reading about my father.....and you should see Dr. No....Bond gets the spider before it does any harm....lol.
Thank you so much for sharing this tribute to you Father with us.. and sorry to hear about your Father passing.
Thanks for reading this hub Darknlovely3436. I appreciate the kind words.
Hi
A great hub plus tribute for your Dad,it is nice to be able to share our memories with others isn't it?
I am looking forward to following you on here,and I vote this one up without a doubt.
Take care
Eiddwen.
Thanks Eiddwen, for checking out this tribute to my dad.....sharing these memories made not only myself feel better but my mother as well....this hub actually was read during at the reception following the funeral....I can not believe it has almost been 3 months already. Thanks for the comment.
I must say, your dad had great taste for movies. Though his idea to send you on to bed without completely watching the movie sounds bit strange to me. I believe american culture is quite bold and young kids are exposed to such things in their daily life. May be those would have been days where such decency might have existed.
Hey AnkushKohli....thanks for checking out this tribute to my father. Everyday I realize how much he influenced my life. This was actually the first time I read this hub since I wrote it days after his passing. As for the movie he made turn off...I think it was more that he wanted to go to sleep and wanted a quiet house than it was he did not want me to watch a particular movie. I think after many years, I might have finally seen the ending to the movie...it was not worth the wait....thanks for the kind words.
It seems your father had brilliant taste in movies. This was a lovely and unique way to honour his memory - I bet he's so proud of you.
This hub really touched me. In just a short space you communicated what a great man your dad was, and just how much you both loved each other.
Keep up the excellent work, my friend.
Hey VendettaVixen....thanks for such kind words and I am glad my hub touched you. My dad was pretty awesome and it is hard to believe he has already been gone over 7 months. He used to write for numerous newspapers, so I hope he is proud that I have started to follow his footsteps once again, by starting to write as well. Thanks for the vist and the compliment.
Hi, thought I would check out this site once again. It was such a touching and wonderful HUB on Bob, your father, my husband. It has now just been over eight months - a long time and then again a short time. THANKS ONCE AGAIN BRUCE. Mom
Hey BERN1960/Mom...I am glad this hub is something you like to read. Hard to believe it has already been 8 months since he left us. Thanks for the revisit.
Robwrite Level 7 Commenter 11 months ago
Sorry about your dad. At least you're left with many good memories of him. (He and I have the same name.)
He liked his war movies, it seems. "Lawrence of Arabia" was one of the best films ever. I've seen it over and over, even though it's almost four hours long. "Bridge on the River Kwai" is another great classic, and one of Alec Guiness's best performances.
I loved the Sean Connery 'Bond' films. He was the best of all the Bonds. (Sorry George, Roger, Tim, Pierce and Daniel.) Robert Shaw (Another of us 'Bobs') was a great Bond villain, but I'll always remember him as Quint from "Jaws".
Very nice, touching hub. Here's to your dad, and mine and all the others who aren't with us anymore.
Nameste,
Rob (Or Bob, just for today.)