This is Day 467 of the COVID-19 pandemic here in Toronto, Canada.
This long pandemic and lockdown has been a challenge in little, unexpected ways. Other than the isolation of living alone, non-essential stores closed and no dining in restaurants, my hair has grown much longer than I prefer! It blows in my face when winds while walking outdoors and I’m tired of cashiers at grocery stores saying, “Would you like a bag, ma’am?”
I wonder what future generations will think of this period looking back at our history of COVID-19. I think I got my answer when I saw a comedy film called The More the Merrier from the early 40’s. To my initial bewilderment, it’s opening scenes showed life in Washington D.C. where people were cramming into cabs, carpools and restaurants while hotels and homes were overflowing with people bedded next to each other.
I thought it was a fantasy or alternate universe story because the narrator talked as if this was normal life. I had to google the film and was astonished to learn that a housing issue actually happened because of World War II. The job market exploded and the number of civilians employed by the government quadrupled. The housing market in D.C. wasn’t equipped to deal with this sudden influx. Close to 20,000 people were even living in alleys! Read more: Standing Room Only: DC's WWII Housing Crunch
The More the Merrier (1943)
The comedy film, The More the Merrier, takes place during the housing shortage of World War II in Washington, D.C. and is about retired millionaire Benjamin Dingle (Charles Coburn) and Sergeant Joe Carter (Joel McCrea) sharing the single apartment of Connie Milligan (Jean Arthur).
See: movie trailer
Watch/Rent or Buy now: Amazon Prime Video
It was great to see the always feisty Jean Arthur in a film I hadn’t seen before and was surprised by the quirky comedy and heartfelt romance in the story. It also gave me a glimpse into the daily life and rituals of the early 40’s like having a hardboiled egg each day for breakfast. I laughed at the running theme that there were eight women for each man in Washington D.C.. It was hilarious seeing women flock to single men or whistle cat calls at them when they walked by!
I also learned more about this housing crunch that occurred during WW II and made me ponder and compare it to our current COVID-19 era. If I had to choose, I prefer the isolation and lockdown versus the immense crowds and loss of privacy depicted in the film. I am so grateful for my home and strong health. Though I did like the idea of eight women per man since I happen to be single right now!
Movies that show different society and community challenges throughout the decades can be educational and enlightening. They can help you feel more grateful for what you have now despite any of your current adversities. Find a film today to inspire your gratitude and maybe even some laughter!
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Related Tips:
Part 1 – COVID-19 – 6 Movie Tips
Part 2 – COVID-19 – The Hundred-Foot Journey
Part 3 – COVID-19 – The Biggest Little Farm
Part 4 – COVID-19 – This Is the End
Part 5 – COVID-19 – Runaway Bride
Part 6 – Splash
Part 7 – Julie & Julia
Part 8 – Paris Can Wait
Part 9 – The Client
Part 10 – The Old Guard
Part 12 – Amélie
Part 13 – Hail the Conquering Hero – The Lady Eve
Part 14 – Back To School
Part 15 – Project Power – An American Pickle
Part 16 – The Secret: Dare to Dream
Part 17 – Chadwick Boseman – 42 – Black Panther
Part 18 – Phenomenon
Part 19 – Mulan 2020
Part 20 – Waitress - Labor Day - Michael
Part 21 – Enola Holmes
Part 22 – Kiss the Ground
Part 23 – Top 5 Inspiring Thanksgiving Movie Scenes
Part 24 – Hubie Halloween
Part 25 – Borat Subsequent Moviefilm
Part 26 – The Queen’s Gambit
Part 27 – Trading Places
Part 28 – Greenland
Part 29 – Logan’s Run
Part 30 – Moonstruck
Part 31 – Remember the Night
Part 32 – Tenet
Part 33 – Noel
Part 34 – Soul
Part 35 – Feel Good Energy of Movies & TV Shows
Part 36 – Last Holiday 1950 & 2006
Part 37 – Synchronic
Part 38 – Appetite for Love
Part 39 – Tomorrowland
Part 40 – Cinderella 2015
Part 41 – Top Secret! – Real Genius
Part 42 – Close Encounters of the Fifth Kind
Part 43 – Coming 2 America
Part 44 – In & Of Itself
Part 45 – Zack Snyder’s Justice League
Part 46 – Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
Part 47 – Bill & Ted Face the Music
Part 48 – Housesitter
Part 49 – Tampopo
Part 50 – You’ll Never Get Rich
Part 51 – The Bee Gees: How Can You Mend A Broken Heart
Part 52 – Avatar 2009 – Forest Bathing
Part 53 – WarGames
Part 54 – Oxygen
Part 55 – Cruella
Part 56 – History is Made at Night
Part 57 – The Celestine Prophecy
SEE EMMANUEL's:
Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Inspiration & Motivation
Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Award-winning Illustrator | Movie Blogger | Speaker | Foodie
Discover Movies As Inspirational Learning Tools!
See website: www.MoviesForMotivation.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2021
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