Second Time's a Charm?

After a long hiatus from this newly-established blog, I have returned- pulling up an easy chair and grabbing a bowl of popcorn- ready to referee a match between magical movies and their remakes.

It's a tale as old as time: a wonderful film is made that enchants and captivates audiences to such an extent that a decade or so down the road a production company decides to milk their assets and reproduce the film for "modern" viewers. Sometimes it ends with success. Too often, it ends in disappointment. 

How many times have we watched as a beloved classic was demeaned by a poor man's  remake, in much the same way as a wedding gown that has been relegated to the dress-up box? Or perhaps there are those who have been surprised to learn that a movie they have enjoyed for years, actually took it's plot from a dusty, long-forgotten film.

Our contenders for the evening extend through the romance and adventure genres and include westerns and a musical. The time ranges from seven to 23 years between the original films and their daring do-overs, but is time the only thing separating these movies or is there a definitive line dividing a classic from a film that makes you sick? 

Here are five pairs of movies and their remakes. I encourage you to watch and decide for yourself which one, the original or the remake, deserves the true title of classic. After you've watched them, stay tuned to read my upcoming reviews of these films, discussing not only some pros and cons of each movie, but significant comparisons and contrasts,  as well as theories on why these movies were remade. Perhaps you'll agree with me, or maybe you'll tell me to put my opinions where my popcorn is. In any case...

Dim the lights and enjoy!

Love Affair vs. An Affair to Remember

Philadelphia Story vs. High Society 

Red Dust vs. Mogambo

Rio Bravo vs. El Dorado

The More the Merrier vs. Walk, Don't Run