Number One: The Sound of Music (1965), starring Julie Andrews & Christopher Plummer. I actually own a book on the making of this movie, & Maria's original autobiography. The movie is very loosely based on the lives of the Von Trapps . . . for instance, they didn't walk over the mountains to freedom as Hollywood suggests, but took a train. I could share trivia & factoids about this movie until the mountain goats come home, but if you haven't seen it . . . it's a must!

Number Two: Singing in the Rain (1952), starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, & Donald O'Connor. My girls absolutely adore this movie, & even Steve can watch this one over & over. The story, the humor, the songs, & the title dance number with the genius & perfectionism of Gene Kelly, combine to make this the most glorious movie musical ever!

Number Three: Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954), starring Howard Keel & Jane Powell. Not as famous as the previous movies, but it contains one of the most energetic & athletic dance numbers you'll ever see in a movie musical. The girls often rewind this barn-raising scene & watch it again & again.

Number Four: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968), starring Dick Van Dyke & Sally Ann Howes. Currently a Broadway smash, this is a fantasmagorical story of pirates, adventure, a magical car that floats & flies, & love. Beware of the scary Child Catcher though...he's downright creepy.

Number Five: Mary Poppins (1964), starring Julie Andrews & Dick Van Dyke. This movie won five Oscars, including Best Actress & Best Visual Effects. There are so many endearing moments, but the unforgettable rooftop dance with the chimney sweeps is beyond compare.

Number Six: Three Little Words (1950), starring Fred Astaire, Red Skelton, & Vera-Ellen. A more obscure movie musical, but our fave showcasing Astaire's dancing & Skelton's humor as the real-life tune-writing pair, Bert Kalmar & Harry Ruby.

Number Seven: The Wizard of Oz (1939), starring Judy Garland. There's no way you don't know about this movie . . . it's a part of the American conscious. I'm told the flying monkeys scared the socks off of Steve when he was little, so use discretion when screening this for younger kids.

Number Eight: Annie (1982). There are two versions of this movie, but we prefer the Disney remake starring Kathy Bates as the mean Miss Hannigan who oversees the orphanage where Annie lives. The finale revolves around Christmas, so it's a wonderful holiday movie that explores how an orphan girl can find love through adoption.

Number Nine: The Music Man (1962). Now, there are two versions of this movie as well. The Disney remake, starring Matthew Broderick, is decent, but the original starring Robert Preston & Shirley Jones is the hands-down best performance. AND you get to see the cutest 7-year-old Ron Howard co-star. Interestingly, the hero in this story is a con-artist . . . & Katie Anne just recently started inquiring about why the townspeople don't like him, & it's led to some good conversations about honesty.

Number Ten: Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971), starring Gene Wilder. Golden tickets, a candy factory, a wacky & mysterious Willy Wonka . . . this movie is a delicious, imaginative treat. Plus, it carries some pretty heavy morals the Oompa Loompas comment on . . . don't be a glutton, or a spoiled brat, or watch too much TV, or terrible things may befall you.