A Kind Act: Random Acts of Kindness in Classic Films

A Kind Act: Random Acts of Kindness in Classic Films
Publicity still for the film “Harvey” (1950). MovieStillsDB
Tiffany Brannan
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Commentary
Have you ever noticed how people are suspicious of someone who does something kind for another person? People aren’t used to others doing something kind without an agenda. In times past, the average person wouldn’t think it was sinister if a neighbor stopped by to bring some homemade baked goods or if a co-worker gave his friend a birthday gift. Nowadays, many people are very uncomfortable if you do something kind for them; they think there are strings attached. They feel indebted to you even if that isn’t your intention.

Some Classic Examples

In old movies, you see many examples of very nice characters who do kind things for their fellow men. In “Harvey” (1950), Elwood P. Dowd (James Stewart) is constantly doing nice things for everyone he meets, whether old friends or total strangers. Many people in his community consider him a crackpot because he likes to do generous things for others, while the medical personnel are trying to institutionalize a man who is saner than they are.
Tiffany Brannan
Tiffany Brannan
Author
Tiffany Brannan is a 23-year-old opera singer, Hollywood historian, vintage fashion enthusiast, and journalist. Her classic film journey started in 2016 when she and her sister started the Pure Entertainment Preservation Society to reform the arts by reinstating the Motion Picture Production Code. Tiffany launched Cinballera Entertainment in June 2023 to produce original performances which combine opera, ballet, and old films in historic SoCal venues. Having written for The Epoch Times since 2019, she became the host of a YouTube channel, The Epoch Insights, in June 2024.
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