#32 - Movie: Jaws / Song: Show Me The Way to Go Home

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Suspense and surprise permeate the 1970's thriller, Jaws.  In this movie the director, a young Steven Spielberg, surely kept us on the edge of our seats, under our chairs, and out of the water.  This musical moment precedes a pivotal scene in the movie, one of the surprisingly few appearances of .... Da Da Da Da Da Da .... The Shark.  The characters' carefree drunken singing of Show Me the Way to Go Home give us that settled-in-for-the-night feeling, leaving us too inebriated and unprepared to handled what comes next. "Looks like we're going to need a bigger boat!" 

#31 - Movie: European Vacation / Song: Hey Big Spender

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European Vacation is the second in a series of comedies where the Griswold's bring us along on their family vacations.  Like the first vacation movie (final destination: Wally World) this movie takes us through many unexpected challenges which the Griswold's encounter, creating an abundance of humorous situations along the way.  This time they are touring Europe when Clark Griswold (Chevy Chase) and his wife Ellen (Beverly D'Angelo) are sharing some alone time.  Clark convinces Ellen to perform a show tune from her college days "Hey Big Spender".  After the song is finished, the camera keeps rolling creating some rather interesting 'special features'.  Do you really think Clark erases the tape like he says he will?

#30 - Movie: Deliverance / Song: Dueling Banjos

 

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This musical moment from the 1972 film Deliverance propelled a simple banjo tune into an iconic work now synonymous with the instrument.  Be patient watching the clip, it starts out slowly but builds beautifully with the end well worth waiting for.  The director obviously took great care in creating this very well choreographed scene, with every sound, gesture and movement purposefully placed.  Showcasing a musical performance of this magnitude within this action/thriller may seem gratuitous.  However, it is not really about the music at all.  Its true purpose is to establish the setting and culture of the mountain people, an element vital to the rest of the movie, which this musical moment achieves wonderfully.

#29 - Movie: Close Encounters... / Song: Five Notes

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This musical moment from Steven Spielberg's 1977 UFO invasion movie, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, features five unforgettable notes ... Da Do Da Dum Du.  Ah, music the universal language!  These notes begin a dialog of extraterrestrial communication, observed with wonder and amazement as the musical conversation builds to a magnificent banter, then is resolved, receding into a wistful murmur.  Perhaps we should reply back with a Beethoven symphony, or better still some classic Led Zeppelin.  This is certainly a unique musical movie moment and one I hope you find interesting. 

#28 - Movie: Pee Wee's Big Adventure / Song: Tequila

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Here's a great musical moment from Pee Wee's Big Adventure.  This moment has special meaning for me (No! Not because of the bikers, tequila, and big white shoes).  My father-in-law actually performed this dance at my wedding nearly 25 years ago, and I must say he was outstanding!  I apologize that the clip is so long but felt it important to show the musical moment in the full context of the movie, so it includes the scene leading up to the dance and a bit of closure after.  If you can't wait to get to the actual moment, it's about half way through the clip.  I, for one, will never be able to hear tequila (or even drink it) without seeing Pee Wee Herman and the 'Big White Shoe Dance'.

#27 - Movie: Crossroads / Song: Guitar Duel

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In this great instrumental musical moment famous guitarist Steve Vai plays a metal-blues guitar master who battles a young classically-trained-but-blues-inspired musician (Ralph Macchio) for his soul.  This is, of course, over simplifying the plot, but you get the idea .... a kind of "Charlie Daniels' Devil Went Down to Georgia" scenario, but with guitars as the weapon of choice.  This masterful performance is the climax of the movie and leaves the viewer satisfied and justice served in regard to the age old "good versus evil" theme. 

#26 - Movie: Mr. Holland's Opus / Song: Beautiful Boy

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The movie Holland's Opus follows the life of fictional character Glenn Holland (Richard Dreyfuss) from the beginning of his music teaching career as a young adult, to his involuntary retirement in his later years.  One of several themes portrayed in this movie is the relationship between Mr. Holland, whose passion in life is music, and his son Cole, who ironically is born deaf.  Over the years Mr. Holland has difficulty bonding with his son, assuming Cole will never appreciate his great love of music.  This scene, however, shows how the power of music and a parent's love can transcend the obvious barriers.  Mr. Holland hosts a touching musical performance at Cole's school for the deaf which connects with the student body and especially with his son, Cole.

#25 - Movie: Easter Parade / Song: Easter Parade

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I clearly stated in my blog's charter that it is not meant to be a showcase of songs from musicals.  My intention was to exclude musicals altogether.  However, since it is a few short days to Easter, I am breaking my own rule and posting this wonderful scene with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire; the finale to the 1948 classic, Easter Parade.  Perhaps I could defend my rule breaking by pointing out how wonderfully the dialog transitions into the musical number (ok now I'm rationalizing).  No more apologies.  Rules or no rules, I'm posting this classic moment.  Enjoy and Happy Easter.

#24 - Movie: Top Gun / Song: She's Lost That Loving Feeling

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Top Gun ... action, romance, drama and hunky aviators in sexy uniforms.  So much packed into one movie, but perhaps the biggest surprise in the 1986 film is this classic musical moment.   Tom Cruise, playing a cocky jet pilot named Maverick, sings the Righteous Brothers' You've Lost that Loving Feeling to his woman in a crowded bar.  Ok, perhaps not "best music" but definitely a "best musical moment".  What more can I say.  This just had to be included on my list.  Enjoy.

#23 - Movie: Young Frankenstein / Song: Putting on the Ritz

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According to Wikipedia the average movie ticket price in 1974 was $1.87. For that $2 or so, movie-goers were treated to an eclectic list of box office choices, from The Longest Yard to The Texas Chainsaw Massacre; The Lords of Flatbush to Death Wish.  Amidst the litany of mid-70's disaster films, horror flicks and action movies shines one creative and unique comedy, Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein.  One of my favorite scenes from this movie is when "The Monster" (Peter Boyle) and Dr. Frankenstein (Gene Wilder) perform Putting on the Ritz.  I would be remiss to leave this great scene off my list of Best Musical Moments in Movies. (now watch and laugh)

#22 - Movie: Stepmom / Song: Aint No Mountain High Enough

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In the movie Stepmom, Susan Sarandon plays a devoted mother dealing with terminal illness and harboring deep concern over the fate of her children.  It pains her to consider that she may ultimately relinquish the raising of her beloved son and daughter to their father's new young trendy fiancee (Julia Roberts).  In this scene Sarandon's daughter, still struggling to come to terms with situation, tries to resist the joyful moment created when her brother and mother lip sync to this great Motown classic.  In time however, love and music wins, as it always does, and she joins in signing backup for "Marvin and Tammy". 

#21 - Movie: Anger Management / Song: I Feel Pretty

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Jack Nicholson plays Buddy Rydell, a rather unconventional anger management therapist treating generally mild-mannered David Buznik (Adam Sandler).  Among the bizarre treatments administered by Dr. Rydell's is the one in this scene where he has a frustrated Buznik stop in the middle of rush hour traffic to sing a selection from Leanord Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim's West Side Story, I Feel Pretty.  To see Dr. Rydell's other therapy techniques you'll have to watch the rest of the movie (one involves Woody Harrelson in drag, to peak your curiosity). 

#20 - Movie: To Sir With Love / Song: To Sir With Love

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To Sir With Love, a great movie and a great song.  This musical moment from the 1967 movie is dedicated to all the wonderful teachers who have, and continue to, make a difference in our lives and the lives of our children and our society.  Wishing each of you your own "To Sir With Love" moment ... an unexpected gesture, great or small, which reminds you how much you are appreciated, and inspires you to continue making a difference in your students' lives day after day.  Thank you.

#19 - Movie: Big / Song: Heart & Soul - Chopsticks

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Here's a great musical moment from the movie Big.  Tom Hanks plays a 13 year old boy named Josh who is slighted by a girl because he is 'vertically challenged'.  After wishing to be 'big' on a carnival wishing machine, to his surprise he wakes up the next morning all grown up.  Being an adult has some benefits, but for the most part it isn't all its cracked up to be.  In this musical moment, Josh is a boy in a toy store, in a man's body, when he stumbles upon this giant floor keyboard.  The result, these delightful renditions of the great piano standards Heart & Soul and Chopsticks. 

#18 - Movie: Rocky IV / Song: Living in America, James Brown

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Toward the beginning of Rocky IV James Brown, The Godfather of Soul, "opens" for the main event, a boxing match between Apollo Creede and Russian fighter Ivan Drago.  Performing "Living in America" with an entourage of show girls and backup singers, Brown's performance and Creede's arrogant celebrating seem targeted at provoking and humiliating the Russian.  If you've seen the movie, you know how that turns out.  Though today worries of Cold War, and of another Rocky sequel, seem distant memories, this performance lives on in the archive of great musical moments in movies.

#17 - Movie: Dickie Roberts / Song: Former Child Stars on Your Television

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David Spade plays Dickie Roberts, a former child star struggling to salvage what is left of his dysfunctional life after achieving fame staring in a short lived sitcom at the age of six.  Dickie tries to reclaim celebrity status by auditioning for a movie directed by Rob Reiner (one of many great celebrity cameo appearances in this movie). Reiner rejects Dickie because, having been deprived of a normal childhood, he cannot relate to the character he wishes to play.  Dickie spends the rest of the movie trying to relive his childhood, with many amusing moments along the way.  BUT THE ABSOLUTE BEST PART of this movie is the prelude to the closing credits, a "We Are The World" relief-style performance of an anthem expressing the plights of former child stars.  The intro is a duet by Florence Henderson (Carol Brady, The Brady Bunch) and Marion Ross (Mrs. C, Happy Days). The other performers are all the child stars from the great sitcoms of the past, all grown up now.  Very funny.  Enjoy

#16 - Movie: Groundhog Day / Song: Piano Improv & Medley

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In the movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray plays Phil Connors, a self-centered weatherman assigned to cover the emergence of the famous weather predicting rodent, Punxsutawney Phil.  The twist is, he wakes up morning after morning in the same small town, reliving the same endless day.  He finds a purpose for his infinite supply of time: transforming himself in an attempt to convince his female coworker (who loathes him) to fall in love with him.  He learns one of the qualities she desires in her dream man is musical talent. With all the time in the world at his disposal, he finds a music teacher and masters the piano, then delivers this impressive performance.

#15 - Movie: Armageddon / Song: Leaving on a Jet Plane

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In the movie Armageddon, an unlikely crew of heroes prepare to depart for outer space on a dangerous mission to save the world.  This unlikely setting becomes the stage for my next Musical Moment pick.  Ben Affleck's character, A.J. Frost, is saying goodbye to his fiance, Grace (Liv Tyler, yes Steven Tyler's daughter) and he starts singing Leaving on a Jet Plane.  The rest of the crew joins, and though musically this moment may not win an Oscar or a Grammy, it has earned mention on my list of musical moments.

#14 - Movie: Monkey Business / Chico Marx At The Piano (Delibis Pizzacato)

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This is one of the older, if not the oldest, movie scenes included in my list of musical moments.  It is from the Marx Brothers movie Monkey Business from 1931.  I probably could have my pick of dozens of great musical moments from the many films the Marx Brothers made during the 1930's.  I chose this one as I felt it showcases the uniqueness of Chico Marx's piano style; comedy and creativity, combined with true great musical skill.  The only thing missing is Harpo playing his Harp, but perhaps I'll include one of those moments in a future post.  I think this is brilliant and hope you enjoy!

#13 - Movie: Airplane / Song: We are One

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This musical moment is not the first on my list to involve a mid-air acoustic guitar/vocal performance during a commercial airline flight (see Musical Moment #5).  Airplane is a 1980 satirical film which parodies the 70's disaster movie, Airport, and includes an over-abundance of poor puns and excessive plays on words.  At face value, a movie like Airplane would have run its course and long been forgotten by now. Instead, thanks to casting surprises like veteran actors Lloyd Bridges, Peter Graves, the genius of the late great Leslie Nielsen, and scenes such as this musical moment, Airplane has endured to be cherished by new generations, and to this day serves as the standard for all modern comedic parodies.

#12 - Movie: Shawshank Redemption / Song: Duettino Sull'Aria-Mozart

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I am shamed to admit that I have yet to watch the Shawshank Redemption in its entirety (scold me if you must, but at least appreciate my honesty). The scenes I have caught, however, leave me yearning for more and aware that I must find time to give this masterpiece my full and undivided attention.  One scene I have been fortunate enough to see is this very powerful musical moment.  Prisoner Andy Dufresne, desperate for solace from prison-life brutality, finds refuge by listening to a captivating Italian Aria from Mozart's Le Nozze di Figaro.  Rather than revel alone in his "sanctuary within", he shares it over the prison PA system, and it is received with soulful reverence by the Shawshank population.

#11 - Movie: Sister Act / Song: Oh Maria (Salve Regina)

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I feel like I'm cheating using a musical moment from Sister Act -- It's just too easy.  How can you go wrong with Woopi Goldberg and a bunch of nuns.  I'm sharing two scenes, "Click to Watch #1" above is when Woopi's character first takes over St. Katherine's Choir.  Then "Click to Watch #2" to see the progress the choir has made by the time they give their debut performance.  There are many other great musical moments in Sister Act and its sequel.  I'm not yet sure if I'll take the easy road and use more of them in future posts or not.

#10 - Movie: Ferris Bueller's Day Off / Song(s): Danke Schoen & Twist n' Shout

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Ferris Bueller's brazen disregard for authority is an outrage and anyone with a shred of decency would boycott this movie! .... (just kidding).  Ok, seriously.  As the mother of three teenage boys, I should vehemently object to a movie celebrating a high school student's deceiving his parents, cutting school, exploiting his friends, and luring them to join in a day of shere and undeserved self indulgence.  Still, I believe the decerning viewer reconizes, the true message of Ferris Bueller's Day Off is to make finding joy in life a priority and to make sure you "stop and smell the roses" now and then.  For this reason and because of the joyful musical moment of Ferris lipsinc'ing on the parade float, I full heartedly endorse this movie.

#9 - Movie: What's Up Doc / Song: As Time Goes By

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Yes.  This musical moment carries the same song title as the previous entry, As Time Goes By, but this time from the 1972 lost classic comedy, What's Up Doc, staring Barbara Streisand and Ryan O'Neal.  The plot is too zany for me to explain, but if you don't remember this movie or have never seen it, I highly recommend you check it out.  In this scene, which takes place on top of a San Francisco hotel, Barbara's character, Judy Maxwell, repeats word for word a line spoken by Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca (see prior post #8). 

#8 - Movie: Casablanca / Song: As Time Goes By

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The line associated with this musical moment, from the 1942 classic Casablanca, is perhaps one of the most quoted movie lines ever ... "Play it (again) Sam".  I posted two scenes from Casablanca to give a full picture of how important the line and the song associated with it, As Time Goes By, are to the movie.  The above "click to watch" shows the first time the line "Play it (again) Sam" is delivered in the movie, by Ingrid Bergman.  Below is a link to a reprise of the line, spoken this time by a humbled Humphrey Bogart.  Very powerful indeed.

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#7 - Movie: Anchorman / Song: Jazz Flute Improv'

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In this instrumental musical moment, news anchor Ron Burgundy (Will Ferrell) and future co-anchor Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate) are having dinner at a jazz club.  The restaurant owner convinces Ron to entertain everyone with some jazz flute.  He gives quite a performance surprising and impressing Miss Corningstone, and delighting the restaurant guest and anyone watching this movie very funny movie.

#6 - Movie: The Jerk / Song: Tonight You Belong to Me

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In the 1979 comedy, The Jerk, Steve Martin and Bernadette Peters sing a duet of Tonight You Belong to Me while taking a romantic moonlight stroll on the beach.  Steve accompanies them on the ukulele, but the best part is Bernadette's trumpet solo toward the end (almost looks like she is really playing too, I'm not sure).  The entire thing is a bit long including the dialog after the song, but this was the only version I could find and I think it's very cute.

#5 - Movie: The Wedding Singer / Song: Want to Grow Old With You

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This musical moment from The Wedding Singer features a terrific cameo appearance by Billy Idol.  Robbie (Adam Sandler) is flying to Vegas to stop his love, Julia (Drew Barrymore), from marrying someone else.  When he realizes Julia is on the same flight, Robbie's  fellow 1st class passengers (including Billy Idol) help him win Julia's heart by singing a very touching song he wrote for her, I Want to Grow Old With You.  So Good.

#4 - Movie: The Titanic / Song: Nearer My God to Thee

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Though most of my musical moments are light hearted and humorous, here is a more somber and serious moment, from The Titanic.  The string quartet playing on deck during the tragic sinking of the ocean liner disassemble as they finish their final piece.  The violinist tarries a moment, then starts playing an old hymn, Nearer My God to Thee.  The rest of the musicians return and join in.  The song becomes background music for the montage of the passengers realizing their imminent fate.  The sad but peaceful song contrasts with the chaos which abounds, yet couldn't be more appropriate for the moment.

#3 - Movie: The Naked Gun / Song: The Star Spangled Banner

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This hysterical parody pokes fun at police action movies.  Sergeant Frank Drebin of Police Squad (Leslie Neilsen) takes cover as opera singer, Enrico Pallazzo, in order to gain access to a major league baseball game where he believes a terrorist act is going to take place.  He takes the microphone where Mr. Pallazzo (gagged and tied by Drebin) is scheduled to sing The Star Spangled Banner and ......  VERY FUNNY.  Enjoy.

#2 - Movie: Back to the Future / Song: Johnny B Goode

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Since we just welcomed in a new year, and bid farewell to the old one, I thought I'd follow a "past, present, future" theme for my next musical moment, selecting a scene from Back to the Future ... the guitar solo performed by Marty Mcfly (Michael J. Fox) at the Enchantment Under the Sea Dance.  Marty, a time traveler from 1985 stuck in the year 1955 saves the day by filling in for guitarist, Marvin Berry, who had injured his hand.  I love it when Marvin Berry calls his cousin, Chuck (Chuck Berry) so he can hear this new style.  Marty fits in just fine until his 1980's Van Halen influences surface and shock the 1950's crowd.  

#1 - Movie: Elf / Song: Santa Claus is Coming to Town

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I guess it is due to the season that I have chosen for my first "moment" the closing scene from the movie Elf staring Will Ferrell.  In this scene a crowd in Central Park breaks out in spontaneous singing of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" lead by actress Zooey Deschanel.  As  more and more people join in, it adds to the Christmas Spirit needed to fuel Santa's Clausometer, while Santa and Buddy the elf are pursued by the Central Park Security Police.  Prompted by his younger son, Buddy's father (veteran actor James Caan) joins in, reluctant at first, then full-heartedly propelling the movie joyfully into its happy ending.