My, She Was Yar.

I love old movies. No, not ones from the 80's, I mean really old movies. Today I'm talking black and white. I'm also thinking, like, 68 years ago! There are certain films which are basic to understanding twentieth century, English-speaking culture. In a way, being ignorant of some classic films can be a hindrance to understanding huge chunks of pop culture. Modern media has constant, numerous tributes paid to icons from the past.

In this case, the blog title alone is nearly enough to test whether someone has spent time viewing this black and white piece of Hollywood's past. It is a line from Philadelphia Story (1940) . I happen to love Katharine Hepburn. Here she's playing Tracy. She and Cary Grant, as ex-husband Dexter, discuss a particular boat from their past and quite possibly their relationship. Yar describes a sailboat that's trim, responsive and easy to handle.

Dexter: Yes, yes. She was quite a boat, the 'True Love', wasn't she?
Tracy: Was, and is.
Dexter: My, she was yar.
Tracy: She was yar alright. I wasn't, was I?
Dexter: Not very. Oh, you were good at the bright work, though.
Tracy: I made her shine. Where is she now?
Dexter: I'm gonna sell it to Ruth Watrous.
Tracy: You're gonna sell the 'True Love', for money?
Dexter: Sure...Oh well, what's it matter? When you're through with a boat, you're through. Besides, it was only comfortable for two people. Unless you want her.
Tracy: No, no I don't want her.
Dexter: Well, I'm designing another one anyway, along more practical lines.
Tracy: What'll you call her?
Dexter: I thought the 'True Love II'. What do you think?
Tracy: Dexter, if you call any boat that, I promise you I'll blow you and it out of the water. I'll tell you what you can call her if you like...in fond remembrance of me, the Easy Virtue.