Based on a True Story...

The Inn of the Sixth Happiness (NR, 1958)

The great Ingrid Bergman plays the real life Gladys Aylward in this 1958 classic.  Gladys Aylward, convinced that she belongs in China as a missionary, overcomes huge obstacles and embarks on an incredible adventure as a single lady serving as a missionary and teacher in northern China.  When Gladys arrives in China she partners with an elderly English lady to open the "Inn of the Sixth Happiness".  Soon Gladys' real character begins to shine forth as she bravely leads a group of a hundred orphaned children out of harm's way as the Japanese invasion of China encroaches. 

And yes, it is based on a true story, which makes it all the better!

A Classic TV Series Worth Watching

Emergency! (1-hour, TV Show, NR, 1972)
This was a favorite in my household growing up.  My dad was a physician and he would watch this show with us as small kids.  With each emergency call of the paramedics we would be guessing with dad on what the diagnosis was going to be.  There is much to like about this series.  The characters are genuine and provide truly heroic models especially for young boys.  Mixed with the intense life-and-death situations is normally a light-sided humorous backdrop as the firefighters and paramedics pull practical jokes on each other.  I think your family will really enjoy this one!

The Story of Peter Marshall

A Man Called Peter (NR 1955)
This week our family enjoyed watching this biography of Peter Marshall.  Marshall, originally from Scotland,  was a powerful preacher who ministered in the heart of America's capital city, Washington DC.  His bold, tell-it-to-you-straight approach ruffled some feathers of the establishment, but his message resonated as truth to most.  Sit back and enjoy this steam-able movie from Netflix.

Mission: Impossible (TV, 1966-72)
Occasionally we'll highlight a TV show that we've enjoyed watching.  Generally we prefer the older show since most of the new ones only know one line of humor - degraded sex.  Mission Impossible are one-hour suspense stories where the lead character works for the CIA as an undercover spy who is given "impossible" missions that no one else could solve.  He recruits help from a number of supporting spies each with special talents or expertise.  The team together use their ingenuity and coolness under pressure to bring down international thugs.  Enjoy!

Couple of New Suggestions

Here are a couple of new suggestions for your film night this week.  Again, these may be better suited for families with teenagers rather than toddlers.

Apollo 13 (PG, 1995)
We especially like to watch movies that are not only entertaining but have some historic or redeeming value.  Apollo 13 chronicles the 1971 Apollo moon mission.  It stars Tom Hanks as Jim Lovell.  The movie is packed with tense scenes of quick thinking and genuine heroism.  Hope you enjoy!

The Cross and the Switchblade (PG, 1970)
Warning:  This film, although rated PG, does show the raw side of life in NY city street gangs.  The message is unmistakable: no matter how badly we have messed up our lives, God's grace is available to all who will receive it in Jesus Christ.  I saw this movie as a kid and it holds a special place in my memory and heart.  Praise God for those who have the courage and boldness to minister to the most needy in the world.

What to Watch on Friday Night...

Family Instantly Stream-able Movies:

Toy Story 3 (G, 2010)
Up (PG 2009)
Chariots of Fire (PG 1981)
The Pistol: The Birth of a Legend (G 1991)
One Night with the King (PG 2006)
Gone with the Wind (G 1939)
Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (PG 2008)
The Miracle Maker: The Story of Jesus (NR 2000)
Where the Red Fern Grows (G 1974)