This has been a mammoth of a list. Meaning, I thought I could just call him up and ask him his favorite movies. But no. While it only has three entries, it took well over two weeks to compile. I first asked my dad about his favorite movies in person and I wanted his top 5.
Dad: That’s too many. If these are my favorites I have to really think about this. I have to pick carefully, what if I’m stuck with these my whole life.
Me: well take your time.
And he did. I called him back a few days later to follow up. The phone rang and rang and then silence. Then I heard, “There you are.” To which I responded, “Where was I?” He replied, “You went off somewhere, but now you’re back! Love you most.” Then he hung up.
So… I called him back and resumed our conversation. He didn’t have his top five as I had originally asked, five movies was really stressing him out. But, he did have a list of three ready, so I think I’ll cap the list at three.
We discussed the many factors that go into choosing a favorite movie. Such as, re-watchablility. It was very important to dad that he chose movies that he could watch over and over and over. His reasoning, “If I’m on a stranded island, in the middle of nowhere these movies have to pull me through the hard times.” This means it’s important to pick movies that you would never tire of watching, on your island, in the middle of nowhere, that is. Another factor was quotability. Did the movie produce quotable lines? Without further adieu, I present the list.
HIPPY THE CLOWN’S FAVORITE MOVIES (btw: This is his clown name. Seriously.)

1. Arsenic and Old Lace
Dad: “It would have to be Arsenic and Old Lace, that’s a movie I would keep under my pillow.” (This is in case he’s robbed; he always said you keep your valuables under your pillow or mattress. Items under your mattress are irreplaceable, i.e. cash.) I do love this movie. We would pop this worn out VHS into the VCR and enjoy this flick about once a week. Carry Grant was big in our household. So were Jimmy Stuart, Marilyn Monroe, Judy Garland, Bette Midler and Barry Manilow. The many living room performances to Judy, Bette, and Barry’s tunes got us through life without cable TV.
Quotes:
Dr. Einstein: Where am I? Oh, here I am.
Mortimer Brewster: When I come back, I expect to find you gone. Wait for me!
2. Sleepless in Seattle
Dad: “Well, I have to have Sleepless in Seattle. Have to!!! Because of the hopeless romantic that I am. You remember the part at the end. Oh, it’s the best.” Favorite Quotes: (He couldn’t think of any at the moment, but he’s sure there are plenty)
3. Mary Poppins
Dad: “Absolutely without a doubt Mary Poppins. It’s a feel good movie to watch at night when you’re feeling down.” This is probably one of my favorite movies, as well. I love it when local TV runs it on long weekends or holidays. We learned our life lessons from this movie.
Favorite Quotes:
Mary Poppins: That’s a piecrust promise. Easily made, easily broken.
Mary Poppins: As I expected. “Mary Poppins, practically perfectly in every way.” (My dad uses this quote on a daily basis with a little modification to suite himself. When you ask him how he is, you know in polite conversation…Stranger: How are you doing today? My dad: Practically perfect in every way. Sometimes he shortens it to practically perfect.
When it was time to end our call, I said, “Dad I have to go.” His reply, “Always a bridesmaid, never a bride.”
I had planned to hang with my dad this weekend, but a familiar conundrum has surfaced. My mom also wants to hang with me this weekend. As with all kids from broken homes, which parent do you choose? My sister’s solution, which has always been her strategy for these situations, who has the better offer? And, times being what they are, I’m kind of on board with this logic.
Dad will definitely pay for whatever outing we choose. My mom thinks we’re learning lessons and being grownups when we pay for ourselves. But, as Ms. A pointed out, you’re not a grownup until you’re married. I’m still finding my way in this scary world. My sister’s going to call both and get the scoop. She said, “If we play this right, we could have the whole weekend covered.” I know it’s wrong, but I’m broke and want to see Mama Mia and Dark Knight and maybe enjoy an ice-cream.