There was a time when I used to have an opinion on every film showing in the cinema, but I honestly cannot remember the last time I watched a full movie. Blame a busy schedule, Netflix binges or my talent for falling asleep on the couch the minute I sit down, but it has been a long, long time.

So thank goodness for Bryant Park’s Summer Film Festival, which made me roar with laughter as I watched a whole comedy classic surrounded by the glow of the city.

Now – I have to apologize because the Festival is actually over (it finished last night with The Shining) but it is a mainstay of New York’s summer schedule, so just bear it in mind for next year or, if you’re from out of town, start planning your trip now. (See – rather than being a tardy blogger, I’m just giving you plenty of warning!)

Meg and I met in Bryant Park about two hours before the movie started – and it was already crammed. The park often shares ridiculous photos on its Instagram feed showing just how popular the event is:

 

We snacked on crackers, brownies and strawberries before it got dark enough for the movie. And we quickly learned that we’d missed a sly trick: a lot of people seemed to be getting away with necking alcohol in public. I think as long as you don’t misbehave, it’s overlooked.

The film was ‘Lover Come Back’ – a 1961 comedy starring the dreamy Dorris Day and the even dreamier Rock Hudson as two advertising execs competing for the same account. Little does Day’s character know, the account is actually phony, so Hudson’s character tricks her into thinking he’s the inventor of the mysterious product – when he’s really trying to woo her. Cue lots of hilarious antics.

The best part of the whole experience was watching it with hundreds of other people who were equally gripped. By the end, there was whooping, booing and big belly laughs. Everyone got swept up in the atmosphere.

Plus, I finally watched a film all the way through! It was a fun classic – with gorgeous wardrobes and a solid script with plenty of cheeky innuendos. Much better than all that special effects rubbish the kids these days like, eh? It is interesting what shows the ‘kids’ are watching these days – oftentimes, it’s questionable! Parents really ought to be aware of the dangers children face watching TV as violence and sexual content is rife these days. Thankfully, there are plenty of shows and movies on TV and streaming services suitable for them to watch.

This is such a glorious – free – way to spend a summer evening after work, and I am ashamed I haven’t been before. I’m already looking forward to next year’s schedule, but for now you can check out other outdoor summer movies at various other locations across the city. Look at this lovely extensive list.