Monday, September 22, 2014

Underrated Treasures Blogfest


Hosted by Ninja Captain, Alex J. Cavanaugh.

Everyone has a favorite movie or band that no one else has ever heard about. For whatever reason, they remain undiscovered and underrated. Now is your chance to tell the world about this obscure treasure!
On Monday, September 22, post about your favorite unknown –
MOVIE – BAND/ARTIST – TV SHOW – BOOK
Post about one or all four – dealer’s choice!

Here are my selections:

Music - Arena


From Wikipedia - “Arena was founded in 1995 by Clive Nolan keyboardist of Pendragon and Shadowland, and Mick Pointer, the original drummer of Marillion.”

While well known in Europe, most Americans have never heard of the prog rock band Arena. I discovered them in 2008 when their song “Purgatory Road” came up on my Pandora station. I fell in love with that song, and the other one I heard, “Spectre at the Feast.” I picked up a couple of their albums and really liked their solid rock sound.

“Spectre at the Feast” contains these lyrics -

“Hey don't fall asleep
Don't close your eyes and drift away to some foreign land”


Which holds a lot of meaning to me - at the same time I discovered this song, my stepbrother died of cancer. So I can’t hear that song without thinking of Shane.

Arena has over a dozen albums and several DVDs. I recommend starting with their album “Pepper’s Ghost.”


Book - Following the Whispers by Karen Walker

I’ve known Karen for many years, as we were in the same BBT class together. We share a common bond in that she moved to Albuquerque the same year I moved away. When I read her memoir though - wow. It just blew me away. I’ve read quite a few, both by famous people and average people, and Karen’s journey is by far the most powerful.

If you’ve not read it, I encourage you to pick it up.


Movie -

Since I couldn’t think of a TV show (I just never watch TV) I’m giving you two movies.


Doc Hollywood

This movie did well when it was released, but that was over 20 years ago, so many have not seen it. Starring Michael J. Fox, Julie Warner, and Woody Harrelson, it’s a sweet romantic comedy set in the South.

Outside of the romance, the humor, and the sweet innocence, the film holds a special place with my husband and I. I’ve always said we were a “When Harry Met Sally,” but he likes to think of us as “Doc Hollywood.” He says Julie Warner’s character reminds him of me, not just in sass but in looks and the way their relationship unfolds. (Yes, my husband is a sweetie!) 

I should note that my husband and I saw it before we moved to NC. We imagined that was what a real Southern town was like. (We’re still trying to find it - LOL!)


To Walk With Lions

The first movie I ever fell in love with was Born Free. I love cats, and the story of George, Joy, and Elsa is so powerful. I still to this day cannot watch it without crying.

To Walk With Lions is the true story of what happened many years later.

After the filming of Born Free, George Adamson began rehabilitating the lions used in the film. (And in Living Free.) He thus dedicated his life to the rehabilitation of many lions. The story begins when he is much older. Joy is pretty much out of the picture (she’s a bit loony) and a young protégé comes into George’s camp. The story follows this young man, who begins caring for nothing and along the way develops George’s passion for the lions.

It’s a powerful and compelling film. I recommend anyone who is looking for their purpose in life, striving for a goal, or who just loves animals, to watch it. 




Remember that submissions are open for the The Insecure Writer’s Support Group book, the IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond. We are looking for more publishing and marketing submissions. Please do not include any quotes that might be a copyright violation. Thank you!





What underrated treasures would you recommend?

64 comments:

Natalie Aguirre said...

Both the movies sound really good and have actors I like. If I get time, I'll try to rent them. Thanks.

Elizabeth Spann Craig said...

I've read Karen's memoir and totally agree with you--very powerful and moving.

I haven't heard of Arena...thanks for the tip!

To Walk With Lions sounds like a great movie--again, thanks!

Unknown said...

I haven't heard of any of them. Thanks for the recommendations. I want to see the movies.

S.A. Larsenッ said...

Great film choices. I remember both!

Anonymous said...

Hi, Diane. Thanks for sharing your choices for the Underrated Treasures Blogfest. I haven't heard of Arena. I haven't read Karen's book, but I do follow her blog. I've seen Doc Hollywood, but haven't seen To Walk With Lions. Will definitely have to find a copy of it as I liked Born Free.

Jemi Fraser said...

I loved Born Free too - I'll have to check out the Lions! :)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Elizabeth, her book is wonderful and moving.

Sheri, so few have seen the second one, so I'm glad you watched it.

Jemi, you'll love it.

H. R. Sinclair said...

What does BBT stand for? I agree Doc Hollywood was a fun movie. I have to look into To Walk With Lions.

Mason Canyon said...

Watching Doc Hollywood always makes me smile and I agree about Karen's memoir - it is powerful and inspiring. I'll have to check out your other mentions.

Jo said...

I never saw Born Free because the story is so very sad I figured I just couldn't handle it. Not seen To Walk with Lions. Not sure if I could watch it or not. Doc Hollywood sounds good though.

I didn't realise you were not natives of NC.

Donna McDine said...

I haven't heard of Arena and enjoyed Doc Hollywood!

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh I completely love Doc Hollywood! The pig Giggles.

My blog post

Jay Noel said...

Doc Hollywood! It's been a long time since I've seen that flick. But I don't remember To Walk with Lions.

Isn't Pandora awesome?

Nicki Elson said...

I have never seen Doc Hollywood - and I lourve Michael J. Fox so I think I'd better get on watching that.

I've read Karen's book & I agree---it's a great story of overcomig & moving on.

Shah Wharton said...

Used to love Doc Hollywood, but I had the hots for MJ Fox so I would watch just about anything with him in it :) Weird too, as I ended up marrying a guy nicknamed Hollywood (long story). Totally unrelated, but worth a mention :)

shahwharton.com

Tamara Narayan said...

I remember Doc Hollywood, but haven't seen Born Free or To Walk With Lions. That memoir sounds good too. Thanks for the picks.

Maurice Mitchell said...

Doc Hollywood is one of MJF's forgotten classics so it's a great choice!

Susan Gourley/Kelley said...

I have never heard of that band. I liked both of those movies. Great choices.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Holly, it was Book Blog Tours, a special class.

Jo, I'm from Oregon and lived all over.

Jay, I've found so many bands through Pandora.

Karen, you're welcome. It was the first book that came to mind.

Nicki, I think it's his best film.

Shah - LOL!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

I've heard of Arena. I know all the European prog bands.
And Karen's book was awesome.
Thanks for participating in my blogfest.

Margo Kelly said...

LOVE Doc Hollywood! :) A great movie.

Anonymous said...

Haven't heard of must of your underrated treasure, but I did watch Born Free and loved it. Didn't know about the follow up.

D.G. Hudson said...

Excellent choices, and Karen's book sounds like something I'd enjoy.
I'm sure there's a southern town somewhere like that movie and I've heard of it but not watched it. (I'm originally from Georgia)Thanks for all the suggestions.

Bish Denham said...

I'm going to have to check out all of you suggestions! (Except Doc Hollywood which I've seen and I agree. It's a sweet film.)

Unknown said...

Doc Hollywood... awesome! I also need to check out the prog rock... I am a fan of that style.

Jeremy [Retro]
Howlin' Wolf Records: On-Line Magazine

S. L. Hennessy said...

Oh goodness, I remember Doc Hollywood. Wow, it's been ages since I've seen that one. Good choice.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Diane .. love the Born Free movie ..

So pleased you've mentioned Karen's book - I've got it here and must read it ..

Cheers Hilary

Chrys Fey said...

Doc Hollywood was on TV not too long ago and I watched it. It's a cute movie. I'm going to have to check out Following the Whispers. Thanks for sharing!

Loni Townsend said...

I love me some music. I'm going to check out Arena.

Cynthia said...

Thanks for sharing your picks, Diane. Maybe I should share To Walk With Lions with my husband. He told me about a true movie he saw about how animals are "trained" for a popular amusement park, and I was horrified to hear about the abuses that take place.

Pearson Report said...

Great book choice - I'm a fan of Karen Walker.
As to the other selections - you've piqued my interest.

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Joy, it will make you cry, too.

Hilary, you must read it.

Cynthia, George really takes care of these lions and rehabilitates them back into the wild.

Joylene Nowell Butler said...

Excellent choices! I loved Doc Hollywood. Michael was so young and strong. I haven't read Karen's memoirs, but it's now on my list.

Catherine Stine said...

I do like prog rock so there's a good chance I'd like Arena. Never heard of them... until now.

Carol Kilgore said...

I remember Doc Hollywood! One scene stands out for me when he's in his car.

Rawknrobyn.blogspot.com said...

I used to love watching Born Free, the tv show. Michael J. Fox is one of my lifelong crushes, so I'll have to consider that movie. And I'm keeping Karen's book in mind too. Thanks for all the great recommendations, Diane.

Sheena-kay Graham said...

Michael J. Fox is a living treasure. Nice underrated treasure choices. We each have our own.

Lisa said...

I wrote the movies and the book down to check on! Thanks! I've almost got my submission ready to go for IWSG.

Arlee Bird said...

Glad to see you give a nod to Karen's book.

Haven't heard of Arena, but I've heard of the group Coliseum from back in the late 60's. I think they were kind of early prog rock.

Lee
Tossing It Out

Mark Means said...

Interesting picks and the only one I've heard of was "Doc Hollywood". A true 90's flick back in MJF's heyday. Good stuff!

Arena sounds, just a tad, like Nightwish...I'll have to give them a listen.

Tyrean Martinson said...

I remember Doc Hollywood - now I want to watch it again - such a sweet romance.

I love the personal tough to your choices! :)

Anonymous said...

These look like gems. I'm getting some great underrated recs today.

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Oh my gosh, Doc Hollywood! It has been years, hasn't it. I did enjoy the movie though.

Anonymous said...

I never saw this Michael J. Fox movie. My favorite Fox movie is The Secret of my Success.

Jackie said...

Doc Hollywood- such a good movie! I'll check out Following the Whispers.

Al Diaz said...

I remember doctor Holliwood and walking with lions! Very good movies both of them!

J Lenni Dorner said...

Great post.
Doc Hollywood was a funny movie!

Mike said...

Neat! I've watched both movis but it has been a while!

Denise Covey said...

Great choices. Lovely of you to like a blogger book so much to include it. Definitely underrated!

Robin said...

Awesome to see Karen's book featured here. I keep telling myself that I must read it. ::writing it down::

Jennifer Shirk said...

Fun post!
Yes, I read Karen's book and thought it was really good too.

Morgan said...

These are treasures!!! Why haven't I heard of that Michael J Fox movie? LOL!

M Pax said...

I'll have to check these out.

Movies: Giant Mechanical Man, Jeff Who Lives at Home, and Stardust.

Nas said...

Fun post. Loved reading all these answers!

LD Masterson said...

I loved Doc Hollywood and based on other comments I'm not the only one. The others choices are all new to me. Thanks for the leads.

Tara Tyler said...

Doc Hollywood - always loved that movie. and who doesn't love lions? the kings!

Sherry Ellis said...

I've seen Doc Hollywood. Good choice! Thanks for blitzing me, yesterday. It made my day!

Misha Gerrick said...

I have to say I was very small when I watched Born Free, so I can't really remember much of it.

So perhaps I should watch all three movies sometime. :-D

Annalisa Crawford said...

I'm so excited by all the music I never knew existed, that I'm discovering! I remember watching Doc Hollywood years ago - I like Michael J Fox.

Dean K Miller said...

Maybe I'm underrated as a reader/viewer/listener. Haven't read, listened or watched any of your list. Must be more me than "them." But I did see Born Free as a kid.

First choice: I'll be checking out Karen's memoir.

Vanessa Morgan said...

To Walk With Lions and Following The Whispers are now on my list to check out. Thanks for the recommendations.

Anonymous said...

Well, I haven't seen/heard/read any of these, so thank you for broadening my horizons!

Jai Joshi said...

Such a great blogfest idea!

I can never understand why more people haven't seen The Gods Must be Crazy. I absolutely adore that film.

Jai

Shannon Lawrence said...

I hadn't heard of 2 of the 4 of these, so thanks for passing them along!