"Pucker Up"
From a New Jersey poultry guy to a nerdy corporate exec, the folks profiled here have one thing in common: they're serious about whistling. Kate Davis and David Heilbroner traveled to Louisburg, NC -- site of the International Whistling Competition -- to make this joyful movie about the no-nonsense business of competitive whistling. Presenting a year in the lives of several competitors, the film culminates with the event's nail-biting finale.
Are you a whistler? Or maybe you know somebody who likes to whistle? My mom is a really good whistler, but we used to tease her about it when we were kids, so I haven't heard her whistle for many years. Anyway, this is a really fun movie and there are plenty of references to birds in it too. (and it made me wonder, how do birds whistle without lips??)
The whistling is phenomenal and since the movie's only 76 minutes long, you're not stuck in front of the TV being bored for hours. It's definitely a family-friendly movie and I think people of all ages would enjoy watching it. And if the whistled version of the Star-Spangled Banner doesn't bring a tear or two to your eyes, then you have a heart of stone.
If you're a Netflix subscriber, add this one to your queue or check with your local public library to see if you can borrow a copy of this DVD from them.
16 comments:
Ha! Who knew?! I'll go add it to my Netflix queue!
:)
P.S. You gettin' any of this storm? I went out about an hour ago, and there was 6"+ and it was still falling fast!
I am a whistler but not a competetive whistler. I think I took to heart the Disney song "whistle while you work". When I first started working where I do now my boss was a little taken aback but now everyone here is used to it. Better than my singing for sure. I will see if I can find the movie.
My Mom was a really great whistler. Whenever I hear whistling I think of her.
Just added it to my Netflix queue! Thanks for the recommendation. Dave is a "whistle while you work" type of whistler. Sometimes I don't think he even realizes he's doing it! Can't wait to watch it.
I love to whistle. Both melodically, as in "whistle a merry tune" and loudly as in wolf whistle!
I don't do much whistling anymore, once in a while when I'm alone I try it. I use to do all kinds of hymns, pop music and even some classical pieces. My Dad was a great whistler he did all knds of music.
MOM
Definitely not mainstream :D
I wish I could remember this guy's name, but once I heard him on the radio - classic rock station - and he could whistle "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen, singing parts and pertinent accompaniment parts as well. It was so incredible.
LOL... a talent to be treasured for sure! Who knew? Competitive whistling?
Hi Chicken Mama,
I'm sorry to tell you we have only a dusting of snow this morning--once again, winter has stayed in the north. (I bet you really miss Arizona!)
Hi Lisa,
In the film when they're talking about the history of whistling, there are several film clips of the 7 Dwarfs "whistling while they work." Also some clips from Bridge on the River Kwai -- do you whistle that song too?
Hi Lynne,
Our moms grew up in an era where whistling was popular. Once in a while I hear someone whistle at work, but not very often.
Hi Heather,
I think you will enjoy the movie and maybe Dave will be inspired to expand his whistling skills!
Hi Donna,
You're one of the lucky ones! I had jaw surgery about 30 years ago and my "whistler" doesn't work anymore. I'm envious of anyone who's able to whistle and would love to be able to do it myself again.
Hi Mom,
In this film, they talked about how popular whistling was in the 30's and 40's. Of course, we all remember Bing Crosby, but there were several others who whistled with the big bands. There were even whistling schools. I was amazed!
Hi Red,
I would be happy to be able to whistle like a bird. Bohemian Rhapsody? That must have been so amazing to hear.
Hi Jayne,
The film talked about the disappearance of whistling as the advancement of technology occurred--starting with the transistor radio. We no longer have to make our own music, because we can carry it along with us.
But it would sure be fun to go to Louisburg some day and see the competition in person!
Hi Ruthie, I'm just catching up on blogging reading. I'm so glad to see that you've gotten some work! :) And what a work of art that Oriole nest is!! What a treasure!! I've never seen one before. I haven't been feeding the birds for the last few weeks due to my finches and siskins getting sick. They have cleared out, but of course, my Spring flock of cowbirds and starlings are here in force, so again, I'll wait a while to put my birdseed out. :( I have never seen a Robin at any of my feeders over the many years that I've fed the birds. :0
Thanks! I never could figure out how to do it. Wait until my husband finds that on the Netflix list...he he he....
Ouch! No talent here in the whistlin or singin dept. Well I did practice in grizzly country as a way of warning the critters I was comin.
I'm definitely a whistler...an absent-minded one. My husband will ask what I was just whistling and I rarely can recall. I just do it.
I'll check out the movie. Sounds like a good one to take our minds off troublesome things.
Thanks Angie. Most of my winter birds are gone now too--just a few juncos still hanging around. They don't get much time at the feeders with all the grackles hanging around, so I understand what you're dealing with too.
Hi Martie,
Your husband will probably think it's a movie about kissing! It was so long ago that I put it on my queue that I forgot what it was about and then when I saw the title, I thought, "what in the world did I order here??"
I hope you both enjoy the movie when you get it.
Hi Troutbirder,
Well, since no grizzlies got you, even a not-so-good singing voice must be good for something! :-)
Hi Carolyn,
Yes, this movie is just the thing to take your mind off troublesome things for a while. They talk about that in the movie too--how whistling helps keep you cheerful.
I always wanted to be a better whistler. I can't seem to master the "air in and out" thing. When I go to the local pet store and spend time with Simon, the parrot, my whistling is quite pathetic. Thanks for the recommendation.
Hi Meggie,
Another amazing thing in this movie is that some of the whistler's had parrots and other birds as pets!
Post a Comment