Bob Schwartz

I’ve scoured the streaming services and my own collection for a movie that would serve as medicine for the pandemic.

I don’t just want to be distracted, though that is helpful. I want to be lightened and leavened, as if lifted in a hot air balloon on a sunny day, floating over pleasing and fascinating lands and seas.

That’s why I am watching The Princess Bride (1987), as I have dozens of times before. It is a fairy tale for children and adults, written by William Goldman from his novel and directed by Rob Reiner.

Maybe no movie has every contained such a right measure of engaging plot, wit and charm that so appeals to viewers of all ages. Need pandemic medicine? Watch The Princess Bride.