When I was a child, we didn't get out much. We had plenty of chores to keep us busy. We only went to town once a month. Sometimes we would go for a Sunday drive or visit my paternal grandparents. However, in the summer there was somewhere that our maternal grandparents took us that thrilled us to death. It was to the drive-in.
Grandma would make arrangements with Mom and Dad for us to go. She would put a couple of pillows and a blanket or two in the car and after the evening meal, we would head out to the drive-in. Often, it was a Ma and Pa Kettle movie that was playing. I well remember Ma and Pa Kettle Back on the Farm. It was hilarious and a lot of fun to watch. Even as a child I knew that the antics that went on were not something that occured on every farm. Pa was lazy as lazy could be. Ma was a hard worker. I forget exactly how many kids they had but it was a LOT.
Ma Kettle was played by Marjorie Main and Pa by Percy Kilbride. These two people entertained a complete generation with several movies that can still be purchased online. The trips to the drive-in were a lot of fun and something my brother, sister and I always looked forward to.
I think my favorite Ma and Pa Kettle movie is in Paris! Have you ever seen Ruggles of Red Gap?
ReplyDeletewillow,
ReplyDeleteNo, I have never seen Ruggles of Red Gap. If it is a country story you can bet I'd like it. The first movie I ever saw in a theater with a friend was Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come.
Thanks for visiting.
Mary
You should really try to see "The Egg And I" with Claudette Colbert, Fred MacMurray and also Marjorie Main. I think Marjorie played Ma Kettle. The book also was hilarious. Of course, the book and the movie are quite old.
ReplyDeletevioletlady,
ReplyDeleteI have seen "The Egg and I." I have seen about every show that Marjorie Main played in. She was one of my favorites. I remember back in the 60s when she played "Tugboat Annie." I admired her spunk.
Thanks for visiting.
Mary
Yes, I loved the drive-in too, Mary. Wasn't it fun watching the big screen? I don't remember Ma and Pa Kettle, by the time I got around to the drive-in, it was mainly westerns and monster movies. I grew up watching Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman on the big screen. My Uncle and Aunt always took us to the drive-in; Mom and Dad always prefered the theatre. I don't recall the first movie I saw on the big screen but I'm sure that it was a Walt Disney movie. I'll have to check out Ma and Pa Kettle the next time that Envy is over. Last week, Target had dvd's on sale, so I bought "Old Yeller" and it came with a copy of the sequel "Savage Sam". 7.00 for both movies.
ReplyDeleteI will be spending a lot of time with Envy for the next two weeks, she has been sick with a cold (so has her Dad, JK). They went to Florida Friday and Envy had to go to the emergency room on Saturday night. After chest x-rays, they comfirmed she now has pneumonia.
Anyway, perhaps she will like Ma and Pa Kettle...:)
I love Ma and P Kettle, though I haven't seen any of the movies in years.
ReplyDeleteMary,
Thank you for the wonderful birthday wishes! I appreciate each and every one who took the time to drop by my blog and email me to wish me a Happy Birthday. :-)
Hugs,
Diane
Deborah,
ReplyDeleteThe first movie I saw with my family was Snow White. That was when I was about ten. I believe that is the only movie that my parents ever took me to. They weren't big movie goers. The first movie I ever saw with a friend was the "Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come."
I'm sorry that Envy has pneumonia. I know you will take good care of her. I will keep her in my prayers.
Blessings,
Mary
Diane,
ReplyDeleteYou can still buy Ma and Pa Kettle movies online. I have a couple of them and still enjoy them.
I'm glad you enjoyed your birthday. It's always nice to get lots of birthday wishes.
Blessings,
mary
I really wish there were still drive-ins. I am praying for your dear aunt, love you my friend.
ReplyDeleteDenise,
ReplyDeleteI loved the drive-ins as well. There are still a few left in Ontario, but too far away for us to go to. There used to be two in our city - The Breezes and The Sunset. The Breezes was the best and was the one that often had the Ma and Pa Kettle movies.
Thank you for praying for my aunt. Her name is May and for a while we thought we would lose her. She was in hospital 12 weeks, but has been home for a couple of months. I was talking to her last night and she weighs only 94 pounds.
Love and hugs,
Mary
Oh, I remember the first drive in I went to as well. I was new in America, and thought it was so much fun. I went with a friend and her family, as we didn't have a car. The first movie I saw was Father of the Bride, with Elizabeth Taylor and Spencer Tracy. I also enjoyed Marjorie Main in Tugboat Annie, but I don't think I ever saw a Ma and Pa Kettle movie. But reminiscing is fun!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed Those Were the Days, Mary.
Take care!
Renie
I'm so happy you posted this!
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm really in the mood to rent some Ma and Pa Kettle movies. Haven't seen one in ages!
Speaking of the last part of this post... have you seen my entry for today, at Smilnsigh?
Mari-Nanci