Category Archives: Best & Worst

Naughty librarians vs. prison librarians: Who wins?

I think the answer to that question is:  We all do! This is a round-up of the most popular — and least popular — posts here on Reel Librarians. Out of 1.75 years and 189 posts so far (umm, wow), I recently took another look at my stats to see who’s ranking at the top… and the bottom. Who wins in this cage match-up?

Most Popular

First up, the all-stars:

Reel Librarians: Naughty Librarians (ladies, take it away)

This comes at no surprise, especially as variations on that phrase, naughty librarians, have raked in over 3,000 keyword hits and related views. This post, originally published a little over a year ago in March 2012, has itself garnered over 2,000 hits!

But be warned — if their romantic or sexual desires go unfulfilled, these Naughty Librarians often to turn to violent, or otherwise criminal or manipulative, means to get what they want. But that’s probably all part of the fantasy, right?

Reel Librarians: What's in a name screenshot

This post, published back in December 2011 and the second most popular post with over 500 hits, highlights my favorite reel librarian monikers. Is your favorite on the list? Bunny Watson for the win! ;)

Reel Librarians: Naughty librarians (boys' night out) screenshot

And not to be left out, the male Naughty Librarians had their say! Although not as popular as the ladies (see above), the boys are still quite popular, with almost 400 hits so far. Have you checked out the “men of the stacks” yet?

Reel Librarians: Beautiful libraries guest post screenshot

Last summer, my first-ever guest posts debuted on the blog. And this guest post by Beth from the Beautiful Libraries site, is still garnering its fair share of admirers, with over 340 hits. Drooling over lovely pictures of beautiful libraries is always time well spent.

Reel Librarians: Best librarian films by decade, part I, screenshot

And coming in with just over 300 hits, my first post outlining the best librarian films of the first half of the 20th century, published at the end of 2011, rounds out the top 5 most popular posts. Interesting that its counterpart, the best librarian films from the 1960s – 2000s, is not as popular, landing just outside the top 10.

Least Popular

There are still a fair number of posts with single-digit number of views. :( Here are the last — but not least! — of my posts, according to number of hits.

Reel Librarians: Soul and inspiration screenshot

Published way back in November 2011, I revealed the inspiration behind the whole shebang… which, apparently, only 6 people besides myself still know about. If you’ve become a regular reader recently, I guarantee you’ll find my long-term inspiration a little surprising.

Reel Librarians: Mistaken identity screenshot

Ingrid Bergman gets mistaken for a Spinster Librarian, and all she got was 6 views for her troubles?! Oh, and a Best Actress award from the New York Film Critics Circle. So, you know, keep it in perspective. ;)

Reel Librarians: Missed opportunities screenshot

Coming in with 5 views (so far), and third least popular post, is the (aptly) titled Missed Opportunities post, published in June 2012. I bet Angelina Jolie isn’t used to being so unnoticed.

Reel Librarians: In this reel librarian's life screenshot

This short post from last August highlights a reel librarian from the 2009 Filipino flick In My Life. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways… all the way to 5 hits.

Reel Librarians: Within the law screenshot

And the least popular post, mustering less than 5 hits so far, features the first-ever female prison librarian. This post’s still quite recent, published only this past March, so I’m hoping it will rise in the rankings. Will you show this (uncredited) prison librarian some hard-knocks love?

Related articles:

Best librarian films by decade, Part II: 1960s-2000s

Continuing my picks for best librarian films per decade…

Like I said in my Part I post, my criteria is two-fold:  quality of the films themselves (differing from my Hall of Fame list, although there are some overlaps) and the prominence and depiction of the librarians in those films. The reel librarian depictions aren’t necessarily flattering in my following choices, but they are noteworthy and/or influential. As you’ll see, I haven’t limited my choices to just one per decade (it’s just too difficult!).

1960s

The Music Man (1962), a classic musical, includes one of the most indelible reel librarian roles (and songs) in Marian the Librarian. Includes a young Ron Howard!

A quirky and sensitive film, I like Goodbye, Columbus (1969) better each time I see it. A lot of it has to do with Richard Benjamin’s leading man portrayal of Neil Klugman (and let’s be honest, Ali MacGraw’s entire wardrobe). The film is refreshingly honest — even about his uncertain attitude about his future working in the public library (included in the trailer below).

The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965) is a tense, dramatic, stylish film in black and white. Yet nothing in this film is so clear-cut — especially not Richard Burton’s role as Alec Leamas, a spy who falls from grace (and into a library job). The film also boasts the excellent Claire Boom as fellow librarian Nan.

1970s

Foul Play (1978) boasts a glowing Goldie Hawn as public librarian Gloria Mundy. This screwball comedy is cheerfully fun and tongue-in-cheek, with charming performances by the whole cast (Dudley Moore is HILARIOUS in a small role). And Goldie Hawn is so resourceful with an umbrella! (see below)

Again with Ali MacGraw and a fantastic wardrobe — this time, she’s a student library worker (although not for long) in Love Story (1970). Although never as deep or significant as it thinks it is, the film still has an enduring charm with effective performances by the lead actors and a stirring theme song. Seriously, once that melody gets in my head, it takes a day or two to get it out.

Soylent Green (1973) takes a totally different direction into a dystopian future. Sure, it’s slightly cheesy and grainy, but it all kind of works. The future of libraries and librarians (called Books) — literally the last-standing guardians of history and knowledge — is bleak yet stirring in its own way. This movie makes you think.

1980s

Major League (1989) still stands up, minus the dated ’80s hair and wardrobe — it’s addictively rewatchable! And bless Bob Uecker. Although in a slightly minor role, I always enjoy Rene Russo’s turn as special collections librarian Lynn Wells — smart, beautiful, sassy, and a former world-class athlete. A winning combo.

Ghostbusters (1984) features less-than-desirable librarian roles — a frumpy librarian scared out of her wits by a spinsterish librarian ghost and an uncaring boss — but that opening scene in the New York Public Library sure is memorable! And it’s a good movie. The comedic timing, Sigourney Weaver, the soundtrack, the tagline, and the final villain? Classic.

Something Wicked This Way Comes (1983) didn’t really impress when it came out. Maybe the expectations were too high. To succeed, this kind of story has to rely on tone and atmosphere — and this film has that in spades. It is a genuinely scary scene when the evil Mr. Dark (Jonathan Pryce) threatens town librarian — and eventual hero — Charles Halloway (Jason Robards). See their final confrontation, set in the public library, below.

1990s

I know, it seems I can’t make up my mind, as I keep picking more and more films for each decade. But looking back, the ’90s were uncommonly deep in significant reel librarian roles!

One of my all-time faves, of course, is Party Girl (1995). It’s so unique in so many ways, with its insider look into and hilariously tongue-in-cheek frustrations about libraries and librarians (see clip below). I could quote from this film for days. And Parker Posey in the title role is a joy to behold, so sassy and fearless.

I appreciate genre films that revel in its genre and have fun with it. The Mummy (1999) is an adventure film with lots of humor — and damn proud of it! (Not so much the sequels.) And Rachel Weisz makes me smile every time in her drunken “I’m a librarian” campfire scene.

You may not be familiar with this British TV movie, but it’s a real gem. Shooting the Past (TV, 1999) is about a special collections library — with priceless photo archives — and its oddball librarians who fight to save it. A suspenseful and intriguing film, it boasts one of the most complex reel librarian roles ever, Lindsay Duncan as head librarian Marilyn Truman.

Ah, The Shawshank Redemption (1994). Another totally rewatchable film that never gets old. Although it’s a bit long — that’s probably why it’s such a popular move to air on TV during any kind of holiday — I can watch it at any point and get caught up in the story, as well as the universally excellent acting. And I tear up each time I think of Brooks, the old prison librarian.

2000s

They’re cheesy, I know, but the TV movies of The Librarian trilogy (The Librarian: Quest for the Spear, 2004; The Librarian: Return to King Solomon’s Mines, 2006; The Librarian: The Curse of the Judas Chalice, 2009) are so much fun! Although the plots are pretty predictable, and the special effects not-so-great in places, Noah Wyle’s performance (as the Liberated Librarian male prototype, Flynn Carsen) is worth the effort.

In an Oscar-nominated role, Javier Bardem stars as real-life poet Reinaldo Arenas in Before Night Falls (2000). He gets his start by winning a writing contest sponsored by the National Library — the prize is a job at the library! A beautiful and complex film — but be warned, it’s a wrenching journey.

Michelle Williams and Peter Dinklage in ‘Station Agent’

The Station Agent (2003) is a quiet film, heartfelt and quirky. It’s about a man born with dwarfism (Peter Dinklage, always a first-rate actor) who just wants to be alone. But of course, that’s just not possible in a small town. Starting with this film, Michelle Williams — although in a minor role as public library assistant Emily —  really began her quest to break out of Dawson’s Creek and develop into a serious actress.


Best librarian films by decade, Part I: 1910s – 1950s

The end of the year, and it’s time for every web site and blog to send up some “best of” lists. This blog is no exception. Plus, I’m a listmaker. It just feels natural.

So here are my top choices — for right now, at least — for best librarian films per decade. My criteria is two-fold:  quality of the films themselves (differing from my Hall of Fame list, although there are some overlaps) and the prominence and depiction of the librarians in those films. The reel librarian depictions aren’t necessarily flattering in my following choices, but they are noteworthy and/or influential. As you’ll see, I haven’t necessarily limited my choices to just one per decade (it’s too hard!).

This is Part I, through the 1950s. Enjoy!

1910s

The first librarian film is the aptly titled The Librarian in 1912. However, it appears that the major librarian films of this decade are all presumed lost. From the thorough write-ups in The Image of Librarians in Cinema, 1917-1999 (culled from primary source docs and reviews), I would say the following films are the most noteworthy:

A Wife on Trial (1917) and its sequel (!) The Wishing Ring Man (1919), feature a librarian in the leading female role. Phyllis is a children’s librarian who dreams of a rose garden. The film is based off The Rose-Garden Husband, a bestseller in 1915.

Bryant Washburn plays LeRoy Sylvester, a public librarian and the title role in A Very Good Young Man (1919, see above). In fact, in a decidedly rare occurrence, the leading man’s occupation was changed from a brass bed factory worker in the original stage play to a librarian in the film!

1920s

The Blot (1921) boasts one of the best female directors of that time period, Lois Weber (also one of the highest-paid directors of the era, male or female). The tone of this silent film is both sensitive and intelligent, with an touching story — about poverty and societal disregard for intellectual professions — and effective acting, including Claire Windsor as public librarian Amelia Griggs. The film was generally well-received upon its release, earning good reviews in Variety and Motion Picture News. It’s an important film to showcase early independent film (and good works by early female directors), as well as highlighting librarians as efficient, pleasant, and well-liked — even though lowly paid — members of the community.

1930s

Forbidden (1932) features a spirited performance by Barbara Stanwyck as public librarian Lulu Smith, who quits her library job and sets sail for Havana, en route for romantic adventure. Check out her fiery opening scene, below. Deliciously melodramatic!

I have a soft spot for Fast and Loose (1939), a comedic mystery in the Thin Man style, this time with the dynamic duo of Robert Montgomery and Rosalind Russell. It includes two male librarians as supporting characters — and fellow murder suspects! — and the rarely featured world of archival manuscripts and private libraries. Although not on the same level as the Thin Man series, the film is still witty and fun. Keep an eye out on TCM for this one.

1940s

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). Of course. Was there any doubt this would make the list? It’s a great film, one of the best ever on ANY list. Sure, I sigh and roll my eyes at its Spinster Librarian fate alternative for Mary, but I still love the film. A noteworthy, if not flattering, entry for the reel librarian.

And for those of you who like a bit of music, the 1940s had a surprising number of noteworthy musicals featuring reel librarians in leading roles, including Good News (1947), Wonder Man (1945), and Strike Up the Band (1940). The latter is one of the best of the Mickey-and-Judy “let’s put on a show!” series and includes one musical number, “Nobody,” in the public library (see clip below).

1950s

Desk Set (1957) is one of the finest efforts pairing Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy. Hepburn plays the best reel librarian EVER — sassy, funny, smart as hell — a woman who isn’t afraid to downplay her professional skills or love of pretty dresses. The film crackles with wit, style, chemistry, and an enduring central issue of how technology affects libraries and librarians.

Sam Jeffe earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal as an ex-convict and former prison librarian in The Asphalt Jungle (1950). A gritty film noir classic.

Stay tuned for Part II!

Related articles

All hail Mary

Mary, Merry Christmas. I’ve written a lot already about Mary Bailey’s immortal (and infamous) 30-second reel librarian character in the nightmarish alternative reality featured in the second half of It’s a Wonderful Life (1946). But hey, it’s a classic Christmas favorite — and one of my favorite films of all time.

 Are you planning to watch — or rewatch – It’s a Wonderful Life for Christmas?

Screenshot of Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed in ...

Mary is certainly a memorable character, whether you’re referring to the supportive soul mate of the first half or the Spinster Librarian of the second half.

Others agree.

Mary Hatch/Bailey made both the Movieline Magazine’s list for 100 Best Female Character Roles (#6) and Filmsite’s Greatest Film Characters of All Time.

Movieline highlights Mary Bailey as “a tribute to a lost breed — women who quietly, unfussily prevail.”

Do you agree?

Related articles

Dishonorable Mention

Here are some extras rounding out my bottom picks for reel librarian portrayals.

Bookies (2003)

A student library employee uses the university library as the drop-off spot in a bookmaking scheme. This shining example of a library worker smokes, drinks, curses, plays video games, and has an addiction problem with gambling and drugs (in one scene, he does drugs on the library copier!). He is called an “asshole” by everyone, including his co-workers!

The Caveman’s Valentine (2001)

Another Spinster Librarian, this time one who is outraged by a homeless man sleeping in the library.

High School High (1992)

A school librarian shows up briefly twice to yell out, “You suck!” to a naïve, well-meaning teacher.

The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969)

Another Spinster Librarian, one who shoos noisy children out of the school library and declares, “This is a library, not a fun fair!” The drab clothing and unflattering hairstyle of side buns do not help.

Wetherby (1969)

A misguided scholar visits the British Library Lending Division (where he is informed by a rude, wholly disinterested librarian that they do NOT lend books) and then shoots himself in a stranger’s house later that night. Coincidence? Perhaps, but definitely not the most positive reel librarian portrayal.