#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)