We just finished streaming the new PBS Masterpiece Theater series "Around the World in 80 Days,” described as a re-imagined story modern audiences could better relate to. Yes, it was fun to watch and well-acted, but the characters and situations were pretty preposterous-- for the 19th century.
Preposterous in another way, we followed that with the 1956 movie classic on DVD, starring David Niven. Shirley McLaine played the Indian princess rescued from a forced suttee. She was only 20 in her first big role.
Very entertaining, if you can keep it in context of the 1950's. As they circle the world, the movie becomes a showcase of all the typical cultural and racial stereotypes. In fairness, no country is spared, with the wild west and Native Americans (as usual) being the silliest. For better or worse, this is the world view we grew up on.
Anyway, guess what? Snow this morning and below freezing temperatures for the rest of the week. Good TV weather.
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