Pro-democracy fun -- Teahouse of the August Moon (1956) has Eddie Albert, playing a military psychiatrist (Capt. McLean), has a lot to say about earthworms. (Laugh until tears roll from your eyes.)

Love essentials -- What every woman and girl needs to know about men: Pick the one who loves you. The contemporary film Win a Date with Tad Hamilton (2004) is a good teaching/learning tool for teens, as well as for women still grappling with the lesson.

Arms and the man -- Awkward title aside, Kiss them for Me (1957) puts the wicked charm of Cary Grant in the role of outspoken Commander Andy Crewson. And the Cmdr. is worth hearing. (Call it a comedy with vigor.)

Trauma -- Post-traumatic stress might have had a different name, but its manifestation was well known for all of the 20th century or more. Joseph Cotten and Ginger Rogers are both hiding information about themselves in I'll be Seeing You (1944), but the openess about psychological effects of war is profound, given the year.