Mannequin: A Nostalgic Dive into 80s Magic and Movie Memories

Growing up, my trips to the movies were few and far between. I count them on one hand: The Sword in the Stone with a neighbor, rainy-day $1 movie outings during day camp (Harry and the Hendersons and believe it or not, Poltergeist 3), a secret date to see National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, and a memorable viewing of Home Alone with my mom. But there was one movie I desperately wanted to see in theaters: Mannequin.

I begged my sister, Becki, to take me, but she wasn’t interested. Even my friend Stig and his Gran weren’t interested and Stig likes weird movies. So, like many other 80s classics (Who’s That Girl, Nightmare on Elm Street 4—stories for another day), Mannequin became one of those films I had to wait to watch at home.


Back then, we didn’t own a VCR. My parents thought it was a passing fad, so we rented one whenever we wanted a movie night. Eventually, my mom caved and bought a secondhand VCR. It wasn’t fancy, but it played movies and recorded them in decent quality. Around the same time, we got Cinemax, because my parents thought it would be cheaper to record movies off of Cinemax than buying them at the store and I wasn’t upset because the VCR meant I could finally tape movies off TV. And when Mannequin hit regular rotation, I was ready with my Walmart-branded VHS tape.


When I finally watched it, I was hooked. I must’ve replayed that tape a hundred times. Andrew McCarthy as Jonathan Switcher was captivating—not a crush, just admiration. Kim Cattrall as Emmy? Pure magic. Estelle Getty brought her signature charm and the entire cast delivered performances that made the movie unforgettable.


The film was quintessential 80s cheese and I loved every second of it. The music was equally iconic. While Starship’s Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now became a radio hit, I spent years searching for Belinda Carlisle’s In My Wildest Dreams. It wasn’t until recently that I found it in a box set of her singles. Listening to it now, it’s delightfully dated, but it still brings a smile to my face.


The store in the movie, Prince & Company, felt like a dream. Growing up in Pensacola, our biggest department stores—Gayfers, Sears, Montgomery Ward, JCPenney, McRae’s, and DH Holmes—were nothing like the grand, multi-level elegance of Prince & Company. It reminded me of how I remembered DH Holmes looking in the early 80s, before Dillards bought them.


Here’s a fun fact: Prince & Company wasn’t a set. The movie was filmed at the historic John Wanamaker Building in Philadelphia, now the Macy’s Center City which has sadly found itself among the stores that Macy’s has decided to close for good. With its stunning architecture, including the Greek Hall and the world’s largest operational pipe organ, it was the perfect backdrop for this whimsical tale. Other Philadelphia landmarks, like Rittenhouse Square and City Hall, also made appearances, adding authenticity to the film’s charm.


Even decades later, Mannequin holds a special place in my heart. It’s a reminder of a simpler time when movies were pure escapism. The story of a struggling artist and his mannequin-turned-muse is as quirky as it gets, but that’s what makes it so endearing.

If you haven’t seen Mannequin, do yourself a favor and watch it. And if you have, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Did you fall in love with Prince & Company like I did? Were you as enchanted by Emmy’s transformation?

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! I’d love to hear your Mannequin memories or any 80s movie recommendations you have. Drop a comment below and let’s chat! And hey, if you enjoyed this trip down memory lane and feel like supporting my blog, I’d be incredibly grateful. Your kindness helps keep these stories alive. Until next time, keep dreaming and embracing the magic of nostalgia!

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A New York Holiday: An Unexpected Date and 'Home Alone 2' Adventure 1992

Home Alone 2 Lost In New York

This story is part of a chapter from my book. It recounts a sweet moment during a time when I wasn't getting along with Erik, who was more of a friend but sort of my boyfriend. In this story, I meet a random man in an arcade, lie to him about being stood up by a blind date and he steps in as my date for the night. I hope you enjoy this story as much as I enjoyed living and reliving the moment while writing it.

In December of 1992, I found myself in the heart of New York City, a place brimming with holiday magic and bustling energy. Amidst the bright lights of Times Square, I was on my own, in my own personal Winter Wonderland. While playing pinball at the Playland Arcade, an older gentleman kept coming over to watch me play and try to converse. I had no clients for the night and wasn’t interested in hanging out at bars or doing any sort of "work," so I told him I was there for a blind date who never showed.

I had seen this man around the village a few times. My crackhead friend Tim had even smooched at him once as we passed by him on the street. While he wasn’t the best-looking guy in the village, he was attractive and seemed nice. He asked what my date and I were supposed to do, and I told him we were meeting at McDonald's and then heading to the Loew’s movie theater to watch "Home Alone 2." I don’t know what possessed me to share a bit of the story about seeing the first movie with my mom during a time when we weren’t getting along well, but he listened.

Though not exactly, AI got pretty close to my date.

Since my date missed out on the company of a nice guy, he offered to take me to see the movie instead. Maybe this was a sign. Maybe it was my duty to make Tim's wrong my right for the night. I had no intention of being disrespectful to this man. Perhaps he was the one that Biscuit and Shane told me to look out for as an unexpected "Sugar Daddy." But here I was, picked up by a sort of random man in a video arcade that I’d seen around the city, and he was treating me as if we were on a proper date, not just dumped.

Let me just say for the record, there was no blind date—it was something I made up because I thought it sounded good. So this gentleman not only held my hand and led me to the movie theater, but he also bought us tickets to see "Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" at the Lowes theater, along with two tubs of popcorn, a huge Sprite for me, and a Diet Coke for himself. I was on an unexpected date with a man who took pity on me and stepped in as my fake date’s understudy to my actual, not-really, fake date.

Years ago, while watching the first "Home Alone" movie, I never would have imagined there would be a second or that it would be set in the city I now call home. Not with my mom or even TK, who I felt was embarrassed to be seen with me, but with a sweet man who treated me as a proper date. Despite my initial disinterest in his company, thinking he would try to pull some funny business, we ended up having a pleasant time together. It was unexpected, and I think the hand-holding on the way to the theater was a sweet touch. I’m not sure if it was to give me the full effect of an actual date or if he was just affectionate with anyone.

When the movie began, he settled comfortably in his seat, watching the screen intently. As the film progressed, I found myself leaning my head on his shoulder. Surprisingly, he didn’t pull away or seem uncomfortable. Instead, he seemed to welcome the gesture, snuggling just a little closer. It felt unexpectedly sweet and genuine, almost as if he enjoyed the simple act of closeness as much as I did. His warmth and patience made me feel safe and cared for, turning what could have been an awkward situation into a comforting and memorable experience.

"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" follows the misadventures of Kevin McCallister as he finds himself stranded in New York City during Christmas. The film captures the spirit of the city beautifully, with iconic landmarks and festive decorations setting the perfect backdrop for Kevin's escapades. Watching the movie while being in the very city it was set in made the experience all the more magical for me. It felt as if I was wandering the same streets alongside Kevin, sharing in his wonder and excitement. The film itself was a delightful blend of comedy and heartwarming moments, with Kevin once again outsmarting the bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv. Macaulay Culkin's performance was as charming as ever, and the addition of Tim Curry and Rob Schneider added an extra layer of humor to the film.

As I watched, I couldn't help but think back to when I saw the first "Home Alone" movie in Pensacola with my mom shortly after its release. The memory of that special time, filled with laughter and joy, added an extra layer of nostalgia to my experience in New York. After the movie, the man took me to a place that served pancakes bigger than your head, around the corner from the Townhouse Bar. We enjoyed our pancakes, which we could barely finish, laughing and talking about where we were from. He was really interested in where I was from because my accent, at the time, had become a hybrid of Southern, mid-Atlantic, and a bit of New York thrown in. The whole experience was surreal, almost like living in a movie myself. Here I was with this strange man, showing me kindness just as Kevin and the bird lady found friendship within the city by chance. They were both exactly what each other needed at the time.

"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" is a sequel that truly stands on its own, capturing the essence of the holiday season while delivering plenty of laughs and touching scenes. The movie beautifully showcases the magic of New York City during Christmas, from the grand tree at Rockefeller Center to the bustling stores. It highlights the importance of finding others to share the joy of the holiday season, even amidst chaos.

Though I never saw the man who stepped in as the alternate to my fake date again, I often think of his kindness and hope he found someone to appreciate him the way he deserved. To this day, I look back on that night with a smile. The combination of being in New York City, watching a movie set in the same place, and the festive atmosphere made it an unforgettable experience. For a few hours, though I was really just a kid, I felt like a kid again, filled with wonder and excitement.

"Home Alone 2: Lost in New York" remains one of my favorite Christmas movies, not just for its entertainment value, but for the cherished memory it created during my time in the city. It was a brief respite from the complexities of my life at the time, and the film, intertwined with that personal memory, has a special place in my heart.

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A Movie Night to Cherish: 'Home Alone' and Motherly Love

Home Alone

Growing up, going to the movies was a rare treat for me. My parents preferred the comfort of home, where TV shows were free and movies often aired without the need for a ticket purchase. At the time "Home Alone" was released, my mom worked during the day at Hackbarth Delivery Service, and she had her evenings free. My dad, on the other hand, worked with Team, Inc. and spent his evenings at Murphy's Lounge on the Pensacola side of Escambia River. Their relationship was strained, their marriage on the brink, and their disagreements frequent.

During this tumultuous period, I was dealing with my own struggles. I found myself in the midst of a complicated friendship, wanting for it to be more. My friend, who I'd known since a bullying incident in the 6th grade, only wanted to keep things casual and secret due to fears of being "out" in our conservative area. I also suspected that he might have been embarrassed for people to know we were boyfriends, let alone friends. This added to my emotional turmoil, leaving me feeling isolated and misunderstood. My mom, in a misguided effort to help, had me attending Alateen meetings and counseling sessions, but all I wanted was to be left alone or to be comforted by my best friend.

In the midst of our constant bickering, my mom decided to treat me to a night at the movies. She went to the bank and withdrew money for our tickets and whatever snacks we wanted at the concession stand. We drove to Cordova Mall, parked near the cinema and bought tickets for "Home Alone," the new Christmas movie everyone was raving about. Despite our troubles, that night, something magical happened.

"Home Alone" was a breath of fresh air. It was entirely different from the other Christmas classic we loved, "A Miracle on 34th Street," but it brought us joy and laughter. Kevin McCallister's antics, as he defended his home from bumbling burglars, struck a chord with us. We laughed together, forgot our worries for a couple of hours, and simply enjoyed the film. After the movie, we wandered around the mall, savoring the rare moment of peace between us. For the first time in a long while, we didn't argue. The next day, we returned to our usual disagreements, but something good had come from that movie night. We had found another Christmas movie to cherish, and it gave us a memory of shared laughter during a time of unhappiness.

"Home Alone" remains a beloved holiday classic for many. Its blend of comedy, heart, and the timeless theme of family makes it an enduring favorite. The film's portrayal of a young boy cleverly outwitting would-be thieves while learning the importance of family resonates with audiences year after year. For me, it will always remind me of that special night with my mom, a night when we found common ground and shared a much-needed laugh.

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Embracing the Quirky Charm: My Lifelong Love for 'A Christmas Story'

A Christmas Story Poster

As the holiday season approaches, I find myself revisiting one of my all-time favorite Christmas movies: "A Christmas Story." This 1983 classic, based on the book by Jean Shepherd, holds a special place in my heart. Despite its silliness and quirky humor, it never fails to bring a smile to my face.

When I was a kid, I loved watching "A Christmas Story" on TV. I would eagerly wait for it to air during the holiday season, relishing in Ralphie's misadventures and the iconic leg lamp, which I wanted for myself. My family, much like my partner Terry, didn't quite share my enthusiasm. They found the movie's silliness a bit too much, but that never stopped me from enjoying every minute of it. There's something endearing about its over-the-top moments and the nostalgic charm that transports me back to a simpler time, even though it was set in a completely different setting and years before I was born.

Three Lives & Company, New York, NY

During my time in New York in 1992, I discovered the book that inspired the movie written by Jean Shepherd while shopping in the Greenwich Village bookstore across from Julius' called Three Lives & Company. I spent a couple of nights reading "In God We Trust: All Others Pay Cash" and it gave me a deeper appreciation for the film's whimsical storytelling. Shepherd's writing captured the essence of childhood wonder and holiday magic, and I fell in love with it. Ever since, it's become a tradition for me to read the book each year around the holidays, adding another layer of joy to my Christmas celebrations.

In God We Trust All Others Pay Cash by Jean Shepherd

While Terry may not be a fan of "A Christmas Story," he tolerates it as I embrace its quirky humor and heartwarming moments. The film's depiction of a Midwestern Christmas in the 1940s, with all its eccentricities, reminds me of the importance of embracing the silly and joyful aspects of life. It may not be everyone's cup of eggnog, but for me, it's a cherished holiday tradition that never gets old.

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