Dive into the World of 'Ivy': From Sidney Poitier's Charm to Poisonous Plants and Enduring Symbolism
Have you seen a film so charming that it inspires fake romances to stop your maid from leaving? "For Love of Ivy" is that film. Released in 1968, this romantic comedy stars Sidney Poitier. This movie deserves a place on your watchlist. Let’s delve into its story and the intrigue of "Ivy" in pop culture and botany.
For Love of Ivy (1968): Blackmail for Love? Comedy Ensues!
Picture this: a wealthy white family, the Austins, faces a crisis. Their dedicated black maid, Ivy Moore, wants to leave to pursue her education. Instead of supporting her, the Austins hatch a funny scheme. They resort to blackmailing Jack Parks into romancing Ivy. Their hope? To convince her to stay. It's ethically dubious and primed for comedy. That's "For Love of Ivy."
Want to watch this classic film? "For Love Of Ivy" is available for streaming. Head over to Amazon.com: For Love Of Ivy : Poitier, Lincoln: Movies & TV to enjoy a dose of 60s romantic charm. Roku users can also stream it on Classic FilmTime with ease. So, stop making excuses and get ready to stream!
This movie magic had real-world roots. "FOR LOVE OF IVY," featuring Sidney Poitier, was filmed in New York and nearby areas. Critics at the time believed it felt too "Hollywood," yearning for the cinematic flair of the 1940s. Still, we’re here for Poitier, love, and a good laugh, right?
Beyond 'For Love of Ivy': A Tangled Web of 'Ivy'-Themed Films and Series
The Holly and the Ivy: A Christmas Tale with More Depth Than Tinsel
During Christmas, baggage of unspoken truths and desires surfaces. His daughter, Jenny, devotion-filled, wishes for freedom. The looming shadow of World War II adds more emotional layers. "The Holly & the Ivy" is available on various streaming platforms. Kino Film Collection lists it, and budget-friendly options include Kanopy and Hoopla. If you’re a Prime Video user, it's there too. Take your pick!
Curious about the title's symbolism? It's not just festive greenery. In Christian symbolism, holly represents Jesus, while ivy symbolizes Mary. Furthermore, holly and ivy have been traditional Christmas decorations since the late medieval period. They embody masculine and feminine traits in a delightful woodland rivalry.
Poison Ivy Film Series: From Seduction to Secret Societies
Now, let's shift to something decidedly darker. The "Poison Ivy" film series dives into teenage obsession and manipulation. The initial "Poison Ivy" film arrived in 1992 and struck a chord. It led to three sequels: "Poison Ivy II: Lily" (1996), "Poison Ivy: The New Seduction" (1997), and "Poison Ivy: The Secret Society" (2008). That's a lot of ivy-infused drama.
If you want to explore where it started, watch "Poison Ivy" on Prime Video. Just a heads up, this isn't family-friendly content. "Poison Ivy" also appears in various other media. Uma Thurman infamously played Poison Ivy in the 1997 film "Batman & Robin." On the small screen, Clare Foley, Maggie Geha, and Peyton List have taken on this leafy role in "Gotham." Bridget Regan portrayed Poison Ivy in CW’s "Batwoman." She is a villainous character with plenty of staying power.
Let's discuss the real poison ivy. This notorious plant is famous for its three leaves. "Leaves of three, let it be!" That’s the warning. Poison ivy has broad, tear-shaped leaflets. It can grow as a climbing vine or low ground cover. It appears almost everywhere in the U.S., except Alaska and Hawaii. Strangely, it thrives near rivers and lakes. Prime picnic areas hide it, ironically.
Need to tackle some poison ivy? Several methods exist, from slightly aggressive to full-on nuclear. For an all-out approach, glyphosate or triclopyr herbicides are effective choices. Glyphosate can eradicate poison ivy in one application when the plant is mature. Triclopyr is gentler on grass. For hands-on people, digging out roots works but takes effort. Pouring boiling water directly onto the plant can also be useful. Saltwater spray and vinegar spray offer temporary relief too. You can even smother the plant slowly or deploy goats, known to munch on it. Choose your method carefully!
But who is Poison Ivy beyond villainy? Her real name is Dr. Pamela Isley, PhD, a botanist from Gotham City. So remember, she holds a doctorate. This adds sophistication to her villainous character. Quick note: Don't mix poison ivy with Virginia creeper. Virginia creeper has five leaves per stem and poses no threat. Five leaves? A friend. Three leaves? A foe. Simple enough, right?
Ivy and Bean: Kid-Friendly Capers and Netflix Fun
Switching gears, we have "Ivy and Bean." This series is based on well-known children's books. It’s ideal for family viewing. All three "Ivy + Bean" films became available on Netflix on September 2, 2022. This offers a convenient binge for families. Aimed at grades 2-3, it follows Ivy and Bean, two contrasting friends.
Ivy is quiet and intellectual; Bean is adventurous and rambunctious. Despite their differences, they bond quickly. Their friendship showcases how opposites attract. Expect heartwarming tales, kid-friendly humor, and zero poison ivy rashes.
The Book of Ivy: Dystopian Romance and Deadly Missions
Next up is "The Book of Ivy." This young adult series immerses us in dystopian fiction. It's not for the faint-hearted or those looking for laughs. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, "The Book of Ivy" thrusts a teenage girl into deadly missions. She is pitted against the dangers of her future.
A family has a mission. They aim to assassinate the president's son. He is her newly-made husband. Awkward, right? The sequel is titled "The Revolution of Ivy." One deadly mission is not enough. If this dystopian story intrigues you, "The Book of Ivy" is free to download, borrow, or stream at the Internet Archive. Enjoy!
The Real Ivy Plant
Let's dive into the real ivy plant. It is not just a movie title. Ivy has a rich history and symbolism. The plant even has a dark side.
Ivy's Meaning
Ivy is an evergreen plant. It climbs trees and buildings. "Ivy covered the broken walls," shows this. But it is more than that. Ivy symbolizes fidelity. It clings to whatever it attaches to. It represents eternal life too. This is rooted in history.
The word "Ivy" has English and Latin origins. It simply means "vine." Its symbolic roots go back to ancient Greece. Greeks linked ivy with fidelity. They gifted ivy wreaths to couples. This symbolized eternity and faithfulness. Roses had competition; ivy was the romance plant.
Ivy and Deities
Ivy appears in mythology and religion. In Greek mythology, ivy belonged to Dionysus. He was the god of revelry and theater. The Romans called him Bacchus. They held ivy as sacred too. Often, he wore a wreath of ivy and grapevines. Ivy was also dedicated to Osiris in Egypt. Clearly, ivy had deity connections across ancient cultures.
Ivy in the Bible
Ivy appears once in the Bible. It is mentioned in the Apocrypha (2 Maccabees 6:7). The text states Jews carried ivy during the Bacchus feast. This was in honor of the deity. Ivy does not have a leading role here, but it does make an appearance.
Ivy Folklore
There is folklore around ivy. Ancient Greeks thought wearing an ivy wreath could stop drunkenness. It was a hangover cure! Whether it worked or not is unclear. Still, it is a stylish alternative to drinking water.
Ivy's Spiritual Symbolism
Spiritually, ivy stands for eternal life and fidelity. It symbolizes enduring love and bonds. Ivy shows human resilience and connection to the divine. Its green leaves reinforce fidelity and immortality. In Christian belief, it represents eternal life in Christ. Ivy symbolizes steadfastness.
The Dark Side of Ivy
However, ivy has a dark side. It can disrupt ecosystems. Ivy competes against native plants. This reduces local wildlife habitats. It can kill trees by blocking sunlight. Ivy can also act like a sail in high winds, increasing storm damage risk. Though it symbolizes fidelity, it can be harmful in the wrong spots. Plant carefully!
In conclusion, "Ivy" holds cultural and botanical significance. From the comedy of "For Love of Ivy" to poison ivy issues and deep symbolism, explore "Ivy." Whether watching a movie or managing weeds, there is much to discover in the world of “Ivy.”
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