Dirty Dancing: #4 in Romance Hall of Fame Romantic Travel Movies Category
Summer romances, much like the season itself, are often frivolous and all too fleeting. However, as the nation enjoyed its last days of innocence in 1963, Frances "Baby Houseman learned that a connection between two people, no matter how brief their time together may be, can be likened to a beautifully choreographed dance whose steps can lead toward a promising tomorrow.
Travelers still have the time of their lives at the Mountain Lake Hotel, the sandstone sanctuary and outlying cottages in Pembroke, Virginia that played the pivotal role of Kellerman's Resort. An homage to the 1987 Hollywood hit is held several times a year at the 2,600 acre retreat, complete with tours of the various filming locations, a trivia contest, and dancing lessons.
Trivia
Dirty Dancing devotees who make a pilgrimage to Pembroke, Virginia to see the contemporary classic's sites can book a stay in the same Mountain Lake Hotel suite Swayze stayed in during filming-- room 232.
Cameras began to roll on September 5, 1986. The director yelled "That's a wrap!" the following month, on October 27th.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
This has the best romance, Good girl meets bad boy, falls in love. Secretly I think we would all love to be in their shoes. The soundtrack especially Patrick Swayze singing could make any girls knee weak, throw in the romantic and hot dancing, and you have it all.-- contributed by Theresa
Whenever I watch this movie I instantly travel back to my high school days-- sitting in a darkened theater, giggling with my friends, munching on a box of buttered popcorn and dreaming of dancing with Patrick Swayze. I will be forever grateful to Dirty Dancing for giving me some of my most treasured memories.-- contributed by Natalie
I developed a crush on Patrick Swayze back in the days of North and South, and I remember rushing to the theater to see DirtyDancing on its opening day. I've lost track of how many times I've watched it since!-- contributed by Tania
The chemistry between Patrick Swaze and Jennifer Grey made that a standout movie...and the score is outstanding. The other movies are great like Gone with the Wind, Titanic etc but Dirty Dancing gets my vote.-- contributed by Nancy
When they both dance to "The Time of Your Life"-- contributed by Julie
What girl doesn't want to be Johnny Castle's "Baby"? *Sigh...*-- contributed by Bonnie
This movie reminds me of my summer romances when I was young.-- Carla
I remember playing the soundtrack over and over, trying to dance like the people in the movie. It's been more than 20 years--I still have two left feet, and I still love every frame of this movie!-- contributed by Donna
Dancing on a hot summer night. Ymmm.....-- contributed by Jason
I've always had a weak spot for dancing couples in the movies-- I can watch Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers or Gene Kelly and Leslie Caron trip the light fantastic over and over again. Having grown up after Hollywood's Golden Era, I had always felt that I was born in the wrong time until Dirty Dancing came along. Patrick Swayze and Jennifer Grey (and Patrick with Cynthia Rhodes) are dancing duos who can rival any movie pairing from the past.-- contributed by Anne
The African Queen: #5 in Romance Hall of Fame Romantic Travel Movies Category
The waters of a Central African river becomes a visual metaphor for the romance between world-weary seaman Charlie Allnut (Humphrey Bogart in his Oscar-winning performance) and prim preacher's sister Rose Sayer (Katharine Hepburn) in this 1951 classic.
Just as the mosquito-infested region mirrored the characters' early irritation with one another and the life-threatening rapids mimicked their growing sexual tension, so the river's eventual marriage to the sea seemed to paint a poignant cinematic portrait of two souls who, though lost alone, discover that together they are invincible.
One of the silver screen's most beloved love stories, The African Queen-- which ranks at #14 in AFI's 100 Years...100 Passions-- docks at the half-way point in Lovetripper's look at the top 10 most romantic travel movies of all time.
Filming Locations
As equally stellar on the big screen as Katharine Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart is the majestic scenery. Unlike other movies of its time, The African Queen was filming partially on location, with the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ruiki River and Ponthierville Falls and Uganda's Kabalega Fall National Park and Port Butiaba playing prominent roles.
Trivia
Charlie Alnutt's beloved boat may have chugged to her doom in the final reel of the movie classic, but in real life The African Queen is moored in the Florida Keys, bringing a touch of Tinseltown magic to the tourists booking a stay at the Holiday Inn Key Largo, situated adjacent to the canal which is now the tugboat's home.
Everyone who has ever boarded the Jungle Cruise ride at Disneyland has The African Queen to thank for the experience, as the attraction took inspiration from the 1951 classic.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
This was what love is all about, it is easy to believe and they had very hard and trying times, they did not give up on each other. When they looked like they were to die, they wanted to be married and die that way. What a excellent story.-- Edna
Although not in a beach paradise with instant sexual attraction, Bogart and Hepburn showed that real romance comes from character and respect.-- Flora
Bogart and Hepburn at odds in the brutal African interior battling each others wants/needs and the formidable environment made the movie one of the most thought provoking films ever. It made both sexes realize that their differences can be overcome with the proper understanding and compassion for the other.-- David
It's a movie I can watch over and over and enjoy again and again.-- Mary
You can't get any better than the pairing of Bogart and Hepburn, and under the direction of a powerhouse like John Huston this movie was destined for greatness.-- Roger
The African Queen should definitely be on the list of the top 10 most romantic travel movies of all time as it was one of the first movies with scenes shot on location. It's a common occurrence now, but I remember seeing the movie in theaters and the African landscape made quite an impression on me.-- Michael
Katharine Hepburn's Rosie is one of the most inspiring women ever in the movies.-- Sarah
Aside from the leeches, bugs and torrential rain, watching The African Queen makes me want to take a chance and explore the world. There's not many movies today that inspires that sort of feeling, unfortunately.-- Nelson
Under The Tuscan Sun: #6 in Romance Hall of Fame Romantic Travel Movies Category
More than merely the providers of succulent spirits, the vineyards which blanket the Tuscan landscape are visual metaphors for life. Although left barren after each harvest, time will bring rebirth to the vines, and just as new leaves unfurl in the caring climate, so does heroine Frances Mayes, who finds herself experiencing an emotional reawakening in her new Tuscan surroundings which, like the grapes destined for bottles of wine, makes for a very good year.
Trivia
According to IMDB, the man heard crying in apartment adjacent to the leading lady's divorce digs is actor Matthew Laborteaux, a former star of the family favorite, Little House On The Prairie.
Already a star from its appearance in Under The Tuscan Sun, the main square in Montepulciano-- which echoed with the shouts of spectators as Pawel performed in a flag-throwing demonstration-- will share the big screen with the cast of New Moon when the supernatural love story premieres in November 2009.
Diane Lane's first acting experience at age 14 partially took place in Italy when cameras rolled on A Little Romance, which also starred Sir Laurence Olivier.
Frances and Mr. Martini wished each other "Buon Natale" at Piazza della Repubblica in the Tuscan town of Cortona, where much of the filming took place.
Just as they did for Pawel and Chiara, the bells of Farneto Abbey still ring out the happy news of nuptials. Located in the hills of Valdichiana not for from Cortona, the 11th century house of worship also houses a museum featuring architectural finds.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
This movie is all about hope,love and crazy risks. It shows how someone who goes through bad times can find love and a life full of joy. By taking risks we can move on and start anew. To all of us who have had our dreams vanish, this movie is pure inspiration!-- Nan
Diane Lane is the star of two of my favorite romantic travel movies-- Under The Tuscan Sun and A Little Romance. Both films capture the spirit of a new love and leave you with the feeling that anything is possible.-- Diana
At the risk of sounding cliche, this movie warms your heart just like the Tuscan sun! From the time Frances arrives in Italy, each frame is filled with a joy of life that will rub off on anyone who watches it!-- Nicole
I've always dreamed of touring Tuscany. For anyone who may never get the chance, this movie is the next best thing! The cinematographer really captured the beauty of the landscape.-- Kristen
It was cute, brought back some memories for me.-- Linda
I love this movie!! I just wish that I had had the same results as Diane Lane when I renovated my house! :)-- Pamela
This movie does more than just entertain you for two hours. It inspires you to take a chance on love.-- Catherine
Whenever I feel down I watch this movie. It's one of the most uplifting films I've ever seen.-- Stephanie
Why is Under The Tuscan Sun the best romantic travel movie? It just is!!!-- Jhawn
Sleepless in Seattle: #7 in Romance Hall of Fame Romantic Travel Movies Category
A cinematic Valentine for anyone who has ever wished that real life could mirror the magic of movies, this 1994 Nora Ephron-directed homage to the quick quips of tongue-in-cheek twosomes from Hollywood's Golden Era shows that, with hope in your heart, a love that is meant to be can span any distance in order to fulfill its destiny.
Filming Locations
Tiramisu may not be on the menu, but film-loving foodies can find an assortment of fresh seafood delights on the menu at the Athenian Inn, the Seattle restaurant and bar where Rob Reiner gives Tom Hanks a lecture on the do's and don'ts of dating in the 1990's.
Sam took his date out to dinner at a venue at 1904 4th Ave., which was known at the time as Dahlia Lounge (a restaurant still in business, although now at a new location.)
Although tourists may not actually be walking in the footsteps of Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks when they step on to the 86th floor observatory of the Empire State Building (the scene was filmed in a Seattle studio), just like many of the 110 million sightseers who have visited the Big Apple landmark since 1931, film buffs will find themselves in awe as they look out cityscape at, as said in An Affair To Remember is "the closest thing to heaven in the city."
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
This movie is great to watch as it shows that love is never rational or "by the book." Even though they are separated by many hundreds of miles, Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks somehow make a connection over the radio that leads to very interesting and funny movie.-- Mary Mae
Even though the main characters never meet until the final moments of the movie, this is still one of the most romantic big screen love stories that I've ever seen.-- Sophie
It was such an innocent movie and one you could watch over and over.-- Diane
Every DVD in my collection is from Hollywood's Golden Era, with one notable exception-- Sleepless In Seattle. This movie captures the comic timing and the romance of a cinema classic.-- Nelson
I guess because two people who never expected to fall in love did with the help of a child.-- Arlene
Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan were the successors to the king and queen of old Hollywood romantic comedies, Spencer Tracy and Katharine Hepburn. They brought wit and intelligence to their roles and in the process made the world fall in love with them.--Josie
Sleepless in Seattle is one of my all time favorite movies because it bridges generation gaps. My 15-year-old daughter loves the movie, I love it and so does my mother.-- Belinda
The soundtrack's modern remakes of romantic standards helped to conjure up the movie's old Hollywood style.-- James
The best movies have the ability to evoke emotion from viewers, and Sleepless in Seattle can bring a smile to anyone's face.-- Renee
It's a movie that makes you believe that your soul mate really is out there.-- Warren
The Holiday: #8 in Romance Hall of Fame Romantic Travel Movies Category
Two women who pack their luggage for a Christmas season house swap find that their vacation from their romantic vexation lets them leave their emotional baggage behind in this tribute to the romantic comedies of Tinseltown's past.
Filming Locations
A touchstone of Hollywood history, Greystone Manor in Beverly Hills has been a silent witness to the real life weddings of actress Jaime King as well as that of movie legend Kirk Douglas, who renewed his vows to his bride of 50 years in 2004. A star in its own right, its regal facade has been seen on the big screen in Spider-Man, What Women Want, The Bodyguard and The Witches of Eastwick and on the small screen in Gilmore Girls. Its gardens provided a romantic backdrop for the vows of daytime drama's Luke and Laura on General Hospital in 1981, and in 2006 the landmark's interior was utilized for the lunch scene between Amanda (Cameron Diaz) and Graham (Jude Law) in The Holiday. Although its doors remain closed at most times, architectural aficionados can take a closer look at the 1920's landmark during one of several special events scheduled each year at the estate.
Also providing cinematic scenery for the romantic comedy was Church Street in the town of Godalming and the village of Shere in Surrey, England.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
It showed sometimes you have to step out of your comfort zone to find the love of your life.-- Leann
Who knew that Jack Black could be so romantic? When I saw his name in the opening credits I have to admit that I was sceptical, but he toned down his usual wisecracking ways and turned in a realistic performance.-- Colleen
The Holiday is a sweet homage to old Hollywood. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys classic romantic comedies.-- Beth
While Kate Winslet has been lauded for her dramatic roles, she proves in this movie that she's equally adept at romantic comedy. She's one of my all time favorite actresses, and it was great to see her in a light-hearted film for a change.-- Frank
It is romantic because it takes these characters make a location switch to get away from it all and instead unexpectedly meet someone that is close with the character they switched with and fall in love.-- Susan
This is a movie that will make you smile.-- Taylor
The Holiday reminds me of the innocent flirtations found in old Rock Hudson/Doris Day romantic comedies. It's a welcome change from what passes as big screen romance these days.-- Beatrice
The first time I watched this movie I was down in the dumps, but by the time it was over I had a smile on my face. Sometimes all you need is a little reminder that taking a chance can completely change your life.-- Maria
The Holiday leaves you with a cozy feeling. It's going to be Christmastime viewing at my house every year, along with It's A Wonderful Life.-- Lillian
A Room With A View: #9 in Romance Hall of Fame Romantic Travel Movies Category
A sojourn to Italy leads to both self-discovery and a soul mate for a young Edwardian lady, whose room without a view at an Italian pensione starts a chain of events which offers her a renewed view on life she learns to break free from the constraints of conformity and indulge her craving for love.
Trivia
The movie's shooting schedule dictated that Lucy and George's first kiss would not take place in a field of violets, as depicted in the E.M. Forster novel.
Nominated for eight Academy Awards in 1987, A Room with A View walked away with three wins in the categories of Best Costume Design, Best Writing of a Screenplay Based on Material from Another Medium and Best Art Direction- Set Decoration. At that year's BAFTA Awards (the British equivalent of the Oscars), the movie fared far better, winning Best Actress (Maggie Smith,) Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Judi Dench,) Best Costume Design, Best Production Design and the evening's most coveted title, Best Film.
Known at the time of the movie's filming as the Quisisana e Ponte Vecchio, the romantic retreat which starred as the Hotel Bertolini is now the Hotel deglo Orafi.
"O Mio Babbino Caro" and "Chi il Bel Sogno di Doretta," the two Puccini aria's which provide a sweeping soundtrack to the couple's blossoming romance, were sung by Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, the operatic star who performed at the 1981 wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
Relive the magic of George and Lucy's first kiss in the following clip:
The gnarled branches of more than 20,000 olive trees seemed to block out any presence of the present as cast and crew traveled into the hills between Fiesole and Settigano to film several of Pensione Bertollini's interior scenes at Villa di Maiano. During a guided tour, a little imagination is all it takes for tourists to hear the vexed voice of Charlotte Bartlett as she complains about a room with no view in the dining area or Lucy Honeychurch's passionate piano playing in the sala della bambole, or dolls' room. A venue ripe with romance, couples often pledge their love or celebrate their nuptials at the Italian retreat.
For insight into more of the Italian landmarks and English edifices that played a role in the movie, see Lovetripper's filming location guide to A Room with A View.
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
I love the fact that this Merchant Ivory production is such a faithful adaptation of E.M. Forster's novel.-- Sarah
The soundtrack to A Room With A View is undoubtedly one of the most romantic in movie history.-- Vivian
This is one of the most beautiful films ever made-- not only due to its cinematography, but for its life-affirming message.-- Ruth
A Room with A View brings back memories of my own trip to Italy. I had the opportunity to tour the Church of Santa Croce just like Lucy-- and without a Baedecker!-- Moira
This is the quintessential travel movie which shows off the beauty of both Italy and England.-- Daniel
The costumes are breathtaking. Helena Bonham Carter's face has such a timeless quality-- she looks right at home as an Edwardian lady!-- Louise
Watching A Room with A View is a virtual visit to Italy. The Florentine masterpieces and Italian countryside are as much the stars of the movie as any of the actors.-- Kate
No matter what roles she's played since, in my eyes Helena Bonham Carter will always be Lucy Honeychurch.-- William
A Room with A View introduced m to the novels of E.M. Forster, so it holds a special place in my heart.-- Billie
One need only look at the credits to realize the cinematic importance of this movie. Daniel Day-Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Denholm Elliott, Simon Callow-- no wonder A Room with A View is beloved by movie buffs!-- Deacon
Every time I watch this movie it makes me want to pack my bags and book a flight to Europe!-- Margaret
Some Like It Hot: #10 in Romance Hall of Fame Romantic Travel Movies Category
Life on the lam leads to love for a saxophone player and the ukulele-strumming siren he comes across in this gender-swapping screwball comedy classic. The sight of two cross-dressing men was anything but a "drag" for movie audiences in 1959, and the hilarity holds up today, with Some Like It Hot earning the number one spot on AFI'S 100 Years...100 Laughs and the 10th place position in Lovetripper's Romance Hall of Fame.
Trivia
In the novel Bid Time Return, upon which the romance classic Somewhere In Time is based, author Richard Matheson's main characters Richard Collier and Elise McKenna are not reunited at Mackinac Island's Grand Hotel, but rather at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California.
In celebration of the 50th anniversary of its 1959 premiere, the Some Like It Hot companion, written by Laurence Masion, is scheduled to hit book shelves in September 2009.
Each day of her stay at the Hotel Del Coronado, Marilyn Monroe ordered a cold souffle vanilla pudding with egg-white decoration, the hotel states on their web site.
Even before her birth, actress Jamie Lee Curtis was visiting movie sets. Her mother-- Janet Leigh of Psycho fame-- was pregnant when she would stop by to see her then-husband Tony Curtis as he stepped in front of the cameras.
The exterior of the Hotel Del Coronado shares the screen with Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis in this comedic clip from Some Like It Hot:
Lovetripper Reader Recommendations
This is part gangster caper, part fish-out-of-water, part slapstick, part love story. They both go on a journey (physical, emotional, and sexual). And it ends with Joe E. Brown!-- Thomas
The looks on Joe E. Brown's face are priceless! This movie never fails to make me laugh-- it's one of my all-time favorite comedies.-- George
I've always felt as though I was born in the wrong era. I love the fashion, music and movies of the past, and Some Like It Hot is the quintessential sex comedy of its time.-- Samantha
I read once that Some Like It Hot was originally to be shot in color. Thank goodness that Billy Wilder changed his mind! Black and white adds depth to this delightfully dipsy comedy and helps to make it a timeless classic.-- Lionel
While I love to watch the latest box office hits, they can't hold a candle to the movies of the past. Marilyn Monroe positively glows in every frame of this film! Anyone who watches it will instantly fall under her spell.-- Charlie
There are a few movies that bring a smile to your face whenever you think of them. Some Like It Hot is one of those movies.-- Jason
Although I've read that she didn't feel the same way about her performance, I've always thought that Marilyn Monroe was in top form as Sugar Kane. Even though SomeLike It Hot is a comedic farce, she added an extra layer to her role. Every woman can identify with the feeling that they've ended up with the "fuzzy end of the lollipop."-- Maria
One of the greatest pleasures of investing your time and emotion into watching a television series can come in sharing the joy of a beloved character's special day. Take a walk down memory lane as you peruse a list of the top 10 TV twosomes who walked down the aisle, as voted on by Lovetripper readers:
#3:Roswell: Max and Liz's wedding-- The love between a human girl and an alien hybrid was cemented in a simple ceremony at a roadside chapel.
#4:Grey's Anatomy: Alex and Izzie's wedding-- Although a cure for her ailing body may be out of reach, the soul of Dr. Isobel Stevens recovered from heartache and her fear of an uncertain future as she said "I do" to Dr. Karev.
#5:7th Heaven: Lucy and Kevin's wedding-- The preacher's daughter looked like an angel when she walked down the aisle of her father's church during the 150th episode of this beloved family series.
#6: Ugly Betty: Daniel and Molly's wedding-- A planetarium was a heartbreakingly appropriate setting for this couple's wedding, whose love-- like that of a shooting star-- was brief but beautiful.
#8:Gilmore Girls: Lane and Zach's wedding-- The two Stars Hollow soul mates said "I do" in a traditional Korean ceremony before the drummer for Hep Alien walked to the beat of her own drum, so to speak, when she strolled down the aisle in a second ceremony.
#9:Happy Days: Joanie and Chachi's wedding-- "Shortcake" Cunningham said "I do" to her childhood sweetheart in the final episode of the long-running sitcom.
#10:Ghost Whisperer: Melinda and Jim's wedding-- In a new body but the same soul, the Grandview paramedic once again vowed ''til death do us part" to his paranormally gifted soul mate.
