I did a post about old fashioned "stack cakes" when I first started blogging in 2009 and I had forgotten completely about it until we saw THE HELP over the weekend. There in Skeeter's Jackson, Mississipi kitchen sat a stack cake, lovingly made by "the help." The movie touched my heart and carried me back to 1963 when times were oh so different. Maybe not so different. The country was in an upheaval over the unrest between races. It finally reached the boiling point and cities across the South exploded with riots and violence and hatred. In my secure little Midwest world, Springfield was calm and safe. Our schools were integrated, for my whole life I'd never thought twice about riding a bus or eating in a cafe with anyone who was of another race. Some of the events seemed like yesterday, the movie has a compelling plot and great acting. It's still doing well at the box office after several weeks, that says something. Those were painful times for our nation, lots to feel ashamed of and wish it had never happened. But you can't sweep history under the rug, it's there on video for us to have to re-live no matter how painful.
The movie is somber and funny, entertaining from start to finish. I loved seeing the clothes from the 6o's, the shirtwaist dresses and hairdo's flipped just so. So many things that were a part of our life then are nothing but a memory now. No more big cars that suck gas, no more bridge parties for bored housewives, no more little pillbox hats and white gloves that were a "must" on Sunday mornings.
I stepped back in time and watched as three remarkable women, Skeeter, Abileen and Minny changed how we felt about oppression. It took strength then and now to cross the line for change.
I haven't seen the movie yet but hope to soon. Thanks for the preview. And boy does that stack cake look yummy. LOL
ReplyDeleteI too saw "The Help" as well as read the book. You are so right, those were unrestful years. Here in the north, or the way I was raised, people were people. Didn't matter the color of skin, eyes, hair, etc. We had relatives in the south, and yes, as a six or seven year old child, I went up to the 'black' drinking fountain, and took a drink. I thought it was a different kind of water!! Tasted the same to me!! I am so glad things have changed for humanity in this country. We still have a ways to go, but we're getting there!
ReplyDeleteI read the book over a year ago and loved it. Then I couldn't wait until the movie came out. Waited a couple of weeks and when it didn't get to the theater closest to us we drove an hour down the highway to see it at an 'off' time. Didn't matter because the theater was packed. My 79 year old MIL was here over the weekend and saw the book laying on my end table. She said she read it and DID NOT like it even a little bit. She didn't say why, only that she DID NOT like it. I have absolutely no idea but maybe she had some bad memories from that time period. Personally, I can't wait for it to come out on dvd. I rarely buy a movie but this one is on my want list.
ReplyDeleteBeing a Yankee, I didn't understand what the fuss was about at the time, the riots on the news, did not make sense to me. I do know now and things have changed, but it seems that problems in races is always going to be there and it's just too bad.
ReplyDeleteThose cakes must take a lot of patience. Wow.
ReplyDeleteI don't go to many movies but this one has peaked my interest.
I loved the book and the movie...and I just did a post on The Help..come see! That cake is amazing! ;D
ReplyDeletethanks for the lovely review. i do intend to see this at some point. :)
ReplyDeleteI've heard nothing but good things about the movie!
ReplyDeleteLoved the book and the movie! You're right, growing up in Spfld., we didn't really have to deal much with the problems of the day. We all seemed to love one another regardless! K
ReplyDeleteHi Joycee, it's me Rosalie,
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you stopped by on my blog and introduced yourself. This post was a delightful surprise for my first visit here. I really love that book and the movie. Your review is lovely, including a video, very nice. I hope to share lots of ideas and visits and see you again soon.
Rosalie/mudderbear
OK, the movie is supposed to be really good, but WHAT ABOUT THE CAKE? Let's get our priorities in line here, people! :)
ReplyDeleteMy mouth is watering now.
-Revi
I haven't watched the movie yet, but this clip already makes me want to cry!
ReplyDeleteRevi, I sent the recipe onto your email and Saturday's post will have Martha Meadows Famous Stack Cake!
ReplyDeleteI loved the book. IT was soooo good.. I had a hard time reading another book because this one was so good.. I plan on going to the movie because it has to be as good as the book. I have never had a stack cake.. looks good.
ReplyDeleteHave a Tiggeriffic Day~! ta ta for now from Iowa:)