When I spotted this music box, it stirred a murky memory. Like I should know what it was but didn’t quite get it. I wound it up and it creakily thrummed a few notes.
After warming up its innards a bit, it started to croon, “Where Do I Begin”. Then I got it- Ally McGraw and Ryan O’Neal from Love Story are immortalized in china on a music box. I started reminiscing about a sleep over in Jr High where the whole party was loaded into the car (seat belts? Heck no, we piled on top of each other) and we were captivated by the romance that we saw on screen at the theater.
Would I still enjoy this movie if I watched it today? I don’t know, I’m very cautious about rewatching old movies and breaking the spell they’d previously cast. I’ve discovered that with fresh eyes, most don’t hold up. Sugarwings and I have rewatched a few that do, but am I ready to erase this classic from my favorites if it doesn’t hold its magic now?
Nope, I’ll just sing this song and feel those threads of love and longing, the way I remember the movie.