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Candy Memories, Candy News, Retro Candy

Love ’em or Hate ’em: America’s Controversial Candies

January 22, 2018 by

What comes to mind when you think of the most controversial candies? Do you think of Circus Peanuts, Mary Janes, or Candy Corn? After much research, I have learned that the top three most controversial candies in America are those three. People think of circus peanuts as confections, not even candy, candy corn is one of those candies that you either love or hate, and as for Mary Janes, people say that peanut butter shouldn’t be chewy. But I think there are some really great aspects of these candies that consumers should stop overlooking, so let’s take a deeper look.

Candy cornCandy Corn is a small triangular candy split into 3 different colors: yellow, orange, and white. These bite size pieces really pack a flavor punch though. With their slightly bitter butter flavor, one is normally very intrigued by the sharpness or completely disgusted. It is claimed that a Pennsylvania candy company worker in the 1880s named George Renninger was the creator of the most debated candy in America. He must’ve been very proud of himself. These little nuggets of sweetness are the perfect Halloween treat, but can be eaten year round, and can be used to make some mean art projects.

  • Share-ability: 10
  • Denture Danger: 6
  • Convenience: 5
  • Novelty: 3
  • Overall: 7

Circus peanuts can be described a lot of ways. I’ve heard people say that it is like a hardened banana cotton candy, a puffed air taffy, and a taffy made of foam. These odd little marshmallows are banana flavored and very easily chewed. Circus peanuts started off in the 1800s as penny candies and the inventor is unknown. Although you’d think that because the candies are orange in color, they would be orange in flavor too- the candies are actually that sweet artificial banana flavor that I have always loved. These marshmallow treats are quick dissolving and fast to eat. They are also fat free and don’t leave you with a nasty aftertaste. With all that in mind, just remember that these strange little candies will always give you a lot to talk about.

  • Share-ability: 8
  • Denture Danger: 2
  • Convenience: 7
  • Novelty: 8
  • Overall: 6

Mary JaneMary Jane’s are small tan rectangles that are meant to be chewy, but are actually very difficult to eat. They have a peanut butter and molasses taste which is very evident once they eventually become soft. These little candies were created in 1914 by the Charles Miller company and they were named after the creator’s aunt. After trying these candies, I have really learned to appreciate them. At first I had a hard time getting used to the amount of work that it took to eat them, but after that, I found the flavor to be quite enjoyable. I have always been a peanut butter fan and on the inside there is a bit of the gooey food for consumers to love as well. These are now one of my favorite candies because they are very tasty and have a texture that doesn’t really exist within any other candies.

  • Share-ability: 7
  • Denture Danger: 10
  • Convenience: 8
  • Novelty: 9
  • Overall: 9

So now that you know a little more about these unique, controversial kinds of candies, I hope that you have found a new appreciation for them. Next time you look at Candy Corn, Mary Janes, or Circus Peanuts sitting on a shelf at a store, maybe you’ll pick up a bag and delve into some flavorful adventures. Or you can buy them right here at CandyFavorites.com. 

Candy in Pop Culture, Candy Memories, Candy News, Gummi Candy, Retro Candy

Lights, Camera . . . Candy!

July 21, 2017 by

“There’s an electrical thing about movies.”  — Oliver Stone

Grab your tub of buttered popcorn and your ice cold pop because we’re going to see what candy debuted in some famous movies and TV shows. So “Here’s looking at you kid,” as you find your seat, sit back and relax as the curtain opens to some blockbuster candy treats that made their name on the silver as well as the small screen.

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial

Reese's Pieces“E.T. phone home” for some delicious Reese’s Pieces. You all remember the scene when Elliott lures E.T. with this orange, brown and yellow coated peanut butter candy. But did you know that Steven Spielberg originally approached Mars Inc. to use M&Ms in the movie? Unfortunately Mars Inc. declined and that’s when Hershey stepped in and Reese’s Pieces were chosen to star in this block-buster film. Sales of Reese’s Pieces rose 65% after the film was released in 1982. Another interesting fact: Foley Artist John Roesch said he used a wet T-shirt crammed with jello to simulate the noise of E.T.’s waddling walk.

Laffy Taffy Bulk CandyWreck-It Ralph

When Wreck-It Ralph came to the big screen in 2012, candy was seen in an entirely different light. The candy world, Sugar Rush, featured in the movie, was an island completely made of candy and had everything from Mentos stalactites to Diet Cola Mountain, to Laffy Taffy vines, to peppermint racing wheels and candy cane forests.

Early Films

Hershey's Chocolate Bar

  • In the 1927 film, Wings, there was a plug for Hershey’s chocolate.
  • Fritz Lang’s1931 film, M had a banner ad for Wrigley’s Chewing Gum.
  • In the Marx Brothers 1932 film, Horse Feathers, Thelma Todd’s character falls out of a canoe and yells for a “life saver.” Groucho Marx responds by tossing her a Life Savers candy.

gummi bears

Friends

One of my favorite episodes is when Jon Lovitz guest stars as Steve, a food critic and while waiting for Monica’s tartlets to be done, grabs a bag of Gummi Bears and hides them in his jacket. Monica grabs them and they fall into her soup. “Bears overboard, quick grab onto these Sugar O’s!” Steve yells.

Aside from his favorite sandwich, Joey likes Hershey Chocolate bars. Hey it’s Joey, He loves eating period.

Mike and Molly

“Nielsen called a scene in an episode of CBS’ Mike & Molly of Mike eating M&M’s in Carl’s apartment 2013’s best branded and opinion-shifting product integration in a scripted show.”

Seinfeld

junior mintIn season four, there was an episode called The Junior Mints. Jerry and Kramer witnessed the surgery of Elaine’s friend Roy. Jerry wouldn’t take Junior Mints from Kramer and somehow Kramer dropped them into the patient. The chocolate covered mints were also included in many conversations between the main characters. Kramer says “Who’s gonna turn down a Junior Mint? It’s chocolate, it’s peppermint: it’s delicious!”

So don’t be a Slo Poke, or Snicker as I Take 5 and go looking for Mr. Goodbar. Whether you’ll be sitting in front of the big screen or chillin’ as a coach potato, I wish you a Whopper of a good time and Zero days without candy!

“Life is short, make it sweet!”

Candy Memories, Candy News, Christmas Candy, Retro Candy

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like . . . Christmas (Candy)!!

July 6, 2017 by

“He who has not Christmas in his heart will never find it under a tree.”  –Roy L. Smith

Oh you better watch out, you better not cry, better not pout I’m telling you why -Christmas candy is coming to town in July. Ok, ok, don’t get your mistletoe in a twist! I haven’t lost all my marbles yet, but with Christmas just 6 months away I thought it would be jolly to think about the season in this sweltering heat.

chrsitmas in july hershey kiss

Red, Green and silver Hershey’s Kisses are a Yuletide favorite!

Oh what fun it is to imagine red and white striped candy canes on your tree, or white, green and red Hershey kisses in a bowl on your coffee table. Or how about them stuck in the middle of those Peanut Butter Blossom cookies? Mmmmmmmm . . . I can almost smell them coming out of my oven and plopping them into my mouth!

Here’s an idea: why not surprise your kids and have a Christmas in July day? Surprise them and hang up their stockings on July 24, then fill them with some special candy treats? Leave one little present by their bedroom door with a note that says “Only 153 days until Christmas, so be good for goodness sake!”

Whenever I think of Christmas candy I remember one Christmas in junior high, I made a gum drop wreath using multi colored gum drops. I bought a white foam ring and some double pointed tooth picks and filled the wreath with gum drops. Then I looped red ribbon around it and tied a big bow at the top. It always hung on a mirror on my dad’s big meat cooler every Christmas until New Years. I think I ate every 10th gum drop that came out of that big bag during that fun project! For another festive creation try all green gum drops with a few red ones for the berries. Decorating with candy is as endless as your imagination.

Christmas Gummi Bears in July?

Christmas Gummi Bears in July?

Candy Favorites has a sleigh full of Christmas candy for you to choose from. There are Gummi Christmas bears, trees and snowmen, Christmas Jelly Wreaths, Marshmallow Santas, Brach’s Peppermint and Spearmint Star Brite Mints and even Candy Cane Peppermint Tootsie Pops! I don’t know if I can wait till Christmas to sample them all!

But I think the candy most associated with Christmas has to be the candy cane. Did you know that candy canes go back about 350 years when candy makers were creating hard sugar sticks? Then in 1670, a choirmaster at the Cologne Cathedral in Germany, bent the all white sugar sticks to resemble a shepherd’s staff during the long nativity services for the children.

christmas in july candy cane

It’s all about Candy Canes!

“The first historical reference to the candy cane in America was in 1847, when a German immigrant called August Imgard decorated the Christmas tree in his Wooster, Ohio home with candy canes. About fifty years later, the first red-and-white striped candy canes appeared. No one knows who exactly invented the stripes and Christmas cards prior to the year 1900 showed only all-white candy canes.” (The History of Candy Canes by Mary Bellis)

So Ho, Ho, Ho! Whatever your Christmas candy pleasures are, July is a great time to think about them . . . and order them . . .  and enjoy them early! Don’t forget to include them as you make out your Christmas list. They’re the sweetest addition to your holiday treats, decorating and gift giving.

Now if you’ll excuse me I need find my sunscreen, pop in my Christmas CDs, grab my iced tea, put on my Santa hat and soak up the sun on my deck as I sing my own version of the Twelve Days of Christmas . . . “On the fifth day of Christmas in July my true love gave to me, 5 Fort Knox Milk Chocolate Gold Coins, 4 Lindor Dark Chocolate Balls, 3 Reese’s Peanut Butter Christmas Trees, 2 Naughty or Nice Charms Sweet and Sour Pops and a 7 ounce chocolate Hershey Kiss!

(No worries about me quitting my day job! Haha!)

So have yourself a merry little, delicious, candy Christmas in July! It’s the (second) most wonderful time of the year!

Candy Memories, Nostalgic Candy Favorites, Retro Candy

Lik-m-aid, Candy Necklaces and Tootsie Pops – Oh My!

April 28, 2017 by

“Candy is childhood, the best and bright moments you wish could have lasted forever.”

–Dylan Lauren

retro candy adThe sun teases me as I sit in my fourth grade classroom. I’d squirm at my desk and anxiously wait for that 3:30 dismissal bell to ring.  3:25, 3:26, 3:27. Come on bell. Gees! Can’t that minute hand move any faster? Oh man, I hope Mrs. Daugherty doesn’t give us math homework today. Doesn’t she know it’s a beautiful spring day? Doesn’t she know children need to get outside and play after school? You know, jump rope. Play dodge ball. Roller skate up and down my street, and best of all – hop on our bikes and ride to the neighborhood candy store. Ring bell . . . RRRIIIIIIING!!!

One of my most favorite after school childhood memories is walking into that little store. I’d  run home from school, fly through the house to change into my play clothes, then grab a dollar out of my piggy bank and jump on my old pink bike. I’d head to Cindy’s house (my best friend), who lived just across the street. She knows the plan, as I drop my bike near her back porch and fly up her back steps. In a matter of minutes we’re zooming off to the neighborhood candy store for all kinds of sweet candy treats.

Cindy and I pedal down the back alley and onto the street that leads back to our school. We take the short cut through the old baseball field, our bikes rattling through the dirt path as we get closer to our destination. Down Penn Street and we’ll be there! Some days we’d try to beat our brothers there so we’d have first dibs. Older sisters rule sometimes you know. No matter what those silly boys say.

Finally our bikes jump the cement curb in front of the store, and come to a halt. Eagerly we grasp the handle of the store’s weathered, crayon green, screen door. BANG!

The door slams behind us and suddenly we’re in front of the huge glass case that contains countless candy confectioneries. Mmmmmmm. We press our noses against the glass as the store owner greets us with her sweet smile. She reaches for a little brown paper bag and asks what we’d like today.

tootsie pops

I go first since Cindy is still undecided. “I’d like four packs of Lik-m-aid, one bag of Indian pumpkin seeds, five satellite wafers, two candy necklaces, five Ice Cubes, five Smarties and two cherry Toostie Pops.” My fingers leave prints on the front of the glass case as I point out each treasure. Then Cindy chooses her brown paper bag of goodies and we say good bye as more kids rush through the door.

Sometime we sat on the cement steps outside the candy store and enjoyed our treats and sometime we rode to the playground and ate them on the swings. And sometime we rode back home, sat on my front porch and listened to my mom say, “You’re going to spoil your dinner!” Haha. We didn’t care.

What could be better than a mouthful of purple Lik-m-aid sugar, or chocolate Ice Cubes that I swear felt cold as I bit into them, or wearing a pink, blue, yellow and white candy necklace?

Maybe it’s a lazy summer afternoon of roller skating, or laughing with my best friend on my front porch, or not waiting for that school bell to ring, or having no math homework after school.

Or maybe it’s finding just one more cherry Tootsie Pop in the bottom of a little brown paper bag.

Candy Memories, Candy News, Retro Candy

Just a Small Town Girl Sharing Her Sweet Memories…

April 7, 2017 by

 

“We write to taste life twice, in the moment and in retrospect.” Anais Nin

First of all, let me tell you that I am honored to be a blogger. My name is Mary Lynn Davidek Alpino. When I broke the news to my 20 year old daughter, Ashley, she was pleasantly surprised that her mom even had an inkling of an idea just what a blogger is and my 25 year old son, Ryan said quite simply, “That’s cool mom!”

And since this is a blog for CandyFavorites, it is my intention “to taste life twice.” Did you know memories can affect taste! Recalling a positive memory about eating a certain food will make a present experience with it more enjoyable (Health World). That’s what I want to focus on in my upcoming articles, recalling a memory, a feeling, a place, a moment in your life that you’ll never forget.

“Well I was born in a small town”

The song “Small Town” by John Mellencamp reminds me of where I grew up and who I am today. Brackenridge, Pennsylvania, is where I called home. A small town about 22 miles from Pittsburgh. The kind of town where you could walk to the bank, barber shop, post office, dry cleaners, town news, drug store, shoe store and church all in a matter of 2 long blocks. My father owned a neighborhood meat and grocery store, one of 4 in that 2 block area. A store that my grandfather started.

“Oh, those small communities”

My two brothers and one sister all grew up working in the store. And as I grew older, I realized our store kept us close as a family, taught us core values, and gave us tons of great memories. I started my “store career” in grade school when my dad taught me how to make change so I could wait on kids that came in for candy and pop after school. The prestigious job of sweeping the tile floor and washing the meat case windows was bestowed on me as I longed to be there helping my dad any way I could.

“Used to daydream in that small town”

My day dreams used to be of being a nurse just like my mom. But one day in my college English 101 class, Sister Teresa asked me if I ever thought of writing as my major. She said, “just think about it.” So I did and I decided to be a journalism major. The rest they say is history. I’ve worked in public relations and enjoy freelance writing for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

So come and taste life (and candy) twice with me for “nothing is ever really lost to us as long as we remember it.” –L.M. Montgomery

Bonne Vie!

Candy News, Retro Candy

It’s Time to Sip Some Candy Flavored Coffee and Hot Chocolate

January 13, 2017 by

Heads Up, Candy Lovers! Candy Flavored Coffee and Hot Chocolate Is Coming To You

sugar babies hot chocolateWhen you think of CandyFavorites, we’re willing to bet that you probably think of us as straight up candy people. And, it makes sense. After all, we were founded on the principle of great, accessible candy. However, nothing maintains greatness like innovation. So, it should come as no surprise that, in this new year, we’ve got a few new tricks up our sleeves.

One such development involves candy flavored coffee and hot chocolate! You read that correctly. We’re excited to announce that we now carry a variety of candy flavored coffee and hot chocolate from 2 Rivers.

The flavors come in pods that have 12 to an order and are ready to go in your instant beverage machine, so you’re never far away from some great tasting drinks. But what exactly will you be getting yourself into?

andes creme de menthe coffeeSatisfy Your Endless Sweet Tooth Cravings

Well, if you’re a coffee lover, then Ande’s Crème de Menthe may be calling your name. Think: all the chocolate-minty goodness of Ande’s combined with the invigorating taste of coffee.

Or, if you’d rather something a little fruitier, Cella Chocolate Cherry Coffee might be right up your alley. After all, what could be better than chocolate covered cherries, in liquid form?

junior mints hot cocoaOh, but don’t worry hot chocolate fans. We didn’t forget about you! To get your own minty goodness, we’d recommend the Junior Mints Hot Chocolate. It’s the perfect combination of soothing and bright. And if you’re in the mood for something a little bit richer, then the Tootsie Rolls Hot Chocolate may be the one for you. Think chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate.

But this is just the beginning! We have a vast and tasty selection of candy flavored coffee and hot chocolate. So, you’ll want to take a look around. Who knows? Your favorite candy may now become your favorite cup of Jo.

Candy Memories, Retro Candy

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving With Your Favorite Retro Candy

November 11, 2016 by

When Thanksgiving comes around, there’s bound to be plenty of discussion about food. Especially if you’re the one tasked with hosting the event, we’re willing to bet that you are already up to your ears with ingredient lists and potential food ideas that will please the many varied taste buds that you’ll be welcoming around the dinner table.

While most people tend to stop their checklists at dessert, we feel that isn’t quite fair to the most important food group: candy, of course. Sure, pumpkin pie and turkey are Thanksgiving staples, but has anyone ever complained about a little bit of candy on the side? We don’t think so. And, if you’re as much of a candy lover as we are, then we would definitely support your motion to bring candy to the Thanksgiving table.

In fact, we’re so enthusiastic about this that we want to help you celebrate with your favorite retro candies. Sound like a plan? Then read on!

cherry-slices-unwrappedIf you fancy something that’s fruity and gummi, we highly recommend our Cherry Jelly Slices. These treats will give you a little taste of yesteryear with their endearing cherry flavor and their irresistible chewy-ness.

Your relatives may remember when these came onto the scene in the 1950’s, which will add an extra nostalgic boost. But even the ones too young to remember will definitely be able to satisfy their sweet tooth.

candy-buttons-neccoFor something a little more interactive, we’d recommend our Necco Candy House Candy Buttons. Once you get going on these, they can be quite addicting!

So whether you favor the pink or the blue buttons, we think everyone will agree that these are a great addition to your Thanksgiving table. The fact that they’re share-able makes them just that much better. Talk about a candy that gets the spirit of the holiday, right?

milkmaidcaramelsforwebOr, for a more classic taste, our Brach’s Milk Maid Caramels will go perfectly with your other holiday flavors. Plus, since they come in bulk, you really will have more than enough to go around.

These are just a few delicious retro treats that would be a welcome addition to your Thanksgiving spread. We have plenty of candies from days gone by, so feel free to take a look around! When you bring one of these sweet treats with you to Thanksgiving, you’ll have just one more reason to be thankful.

Halloween Candy, Retro Candy

Halloween Costumes Inspired By Our Favorite Retro Candies

October 24, 2016 by

Nothing says “it’s time to eat candy” quite like Halloween. While we tend to think that any time of year is a good time for a sweet treat, the celebration of Halloween practically requires it! After all, the night would just not be as fun if it didn’t end with a sugar high!

But before you can even begin the trick-or-treating, you’ll have to decide on a costume, right? That is definitely the most important part. And, as a result, there’s a chance you may be at a loss for what to do.

Around here, when we have a question we can’t seem to answer, we get inspiration from our favorite retro candies! And you can, too.

A vintage Baby Ruth Candy Bar advertisement from when the company was owned by Curtis Candy Company

Try Baby Ruth on For Size

One of the most popular candy bars over the years has always been Baby Ruth. The origin of the name is a little bit disputed, which means that it may inspire more costume options! While some claim that the bar was named after the famed baseball star, Babe Ruth, others claim that it was named after the daughter of President Grover Cleveland.

So whether you like sports or children, this may give you just the boost of inspiration that you need! And it will certainly make for a great option to hand out to all of your trick or treaters.

No One Can Resist a Gummy Bear

Another fantastic retro Halloween candy is the Haribo Gummy Bear! These little cuties were first invented all the way back in 1920! Thanks to their convenient gummy nature, they won’t melt if your Halloween happens to be a little hotter or rainier than expected.

As for costume inspiration, there’s really nothing cuter than a toddler dressed as a bear, right? It’s a look that’s sure to get lots of oohs and ahhs as you go door-to-door, calling, “trick or treat!”

And, Of Course, Candy Corn

It would be remiss of us to write about Halloween without mentioning candy corn! Easily the most beloved and polarizing candy of the holiday, candy corn is a staple of October 31st, and has been for quite some time!

This sweet tooth satisfier first came into existence in the 1880’s! So if that’s not a retro candy, we don’t know what is.

We also appreciate the fact that candy corn can be so easily transformed into a cute and recognizable costume for all ages! So whether it’s your first year out on the trick or treating trail, or your 75th, you’ll be well received by everyone on your path.

So, as Halloween draws near and the scent of candy fills the air, we recommend looking to a few of your favorite retro treats to get you in the costume-making mood!

Candy History, Candy Memories, Retro Candy

Candies from the 80’s That Are Still Going Strong

September 21, 2016 by

It’s that time of year again. The days are getting shorter and cooler, the leaves are beginning to fall, and football season is back! And if there’s one thing that goes hand-in-hand with football season, it’s tailgating.

From a food perspective, some of the greatest tailgating took place in the 80’s, when sloppy joes and pasta salad reigned supreme. But, of course, no sports-watching experience would be complete without a sweet treat to finish things off.

Luckily, the 80’s were full of great candy debuts that we still love today! So while Waldorf Salad and dips in bread bowls may not be quite as much of a hit as they used to be, you can rest assured that the candies from the 80’s have not even begun to lose their charm.

cow-tails-bulk1Classic Cow Tales

Like something that’s all sweet and all fun to eat? Then Cow Tales may be your go-to, blast from the past snack. Created by Goetze’s Candy Company, this perennial favorite was launched in 1984.

The cream center is covered in chewy caramel, so you get just the right amount of creaminess and caramel goodness in each bite.

skittlesTaste the Rainbow with Skittles

But maybe Cow Tales aren’t quite your cup of tea? If that’s the case, then we think that Skittles are another great tailgating snack that we can thank the 80’s for providing! Although technically introduced to the US in 1979, it wasn’t until 1982 that we started producing these sugary treats on our own soil. But as soon as we did, they took off!

They’re the perfect size for throwing in a big bowl and eating by the handful! And since we have a variety of flavors from which you can choose, there’s bound to be at least a few that strike your fancy, and sound like a nice way to finish off that saucy, heavy, and oh-so delicious tailgating meal.

sour-patch-kids-bulkSour Patch Kids for the Win

 If you want something to make your lips pucker, however, Sour Patch Kids are the 80’s treats you’ll want to get ahold of.

Another late 70’s creation, these gems didn’t really catch on until the mid 80’s when they were re-named as a result of the popular Cabbage Patch Kids dolls, whose popularity was sweeping the country during that decade.

These gummy treats are the perfect size for snacking all through the big game, and will leave you reaching back for “just one more,” when overtime comes around. So you’ll want to make sure you have plenty on hand.

The 80’s:  A Decade of Delicious

As it turns out, the treats of the 80’s are alive and well around here! We have countless snacks to make your game day a whole lot sweeter. So if these options didn’t tempt you, feel free to take a look at everything we have to offer!

Candy Memories, Retro Candy

Candy Movie Night Redux

February 2, 2015 by

By Susan Amerikaner
Contents of Casablanca Party Bags
We recently celebrated our 35th Wedding Anniversary. We are not big entertainers: not party-goers or party-givers. But my husband felt we ought to somehow mark this milestone in style. And thanks to CandyFavorites—and my own planning–our party was a wild success.

People have been asking me how I did it. So I decided to write and share. This was a decidedly adult affair, but you can easily adapt for children’s birthdays. We used candy, creativity and the film Casablanca. For children, you could easily use a film such as Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory! (I prefer the original with Gene Wilder, but the newer one with Johnny Depp would do also.)

We have long loved the classic film Casablanca. We’ve seen it so many times, we can quote lines to each other. Casablanca has special significance for us, because the first time I met my husband he impressed me with his Bogie imitation of “Here’s looking at you, kid.” I was a goner!

We live in a community with a choice of party rooms, and we got one with a projector and sound system. I made the place look as much as “Rick’s Café” as I could. Inexpensive Moroccan style candle lanterns for each table worked well, plus movie posters and a six-foot-stand-up of Humphrey Bogart. We would serve Greek food—and then show the film while serving candy, popcorn and cake.

Then I came up with ways to make the movie “interactive.” If you have ever been to a Sound of Music Sing-a-Long or a Grease Sing-a-Long, you know what I mean. The audience gets a small bag of “props” to use at certain moments in the film. It’s great fun. These films also have song captions on the screen. Casablanca isn’t a musical, but it still has memorable moments to “play!” This is what we put in our party bags:

We instructed our guests that whenever they hear the line, “Here’s looking at you, Kid,” they take a sip of champagne. Whenever a film character smokes a cigarette, enjoy your chocolate ciggies or gum cigars. When Rick and Ilsa kiss, blow the lip whistles! When you see and hear the propellers of the “plane to Lisbon,” use your Biplane Whizzers. When Rick goes to the Roulette Table, throw your Chocolate Coins on the table. And during the famous scene in the café when they all drown out the Nazis by singing Les Marseilles, wave your French flag!

The purpose of the Junior Mints? I can’t stand to watch a movie without them. Since the room had to be darkened to show the film, we also included little flashlights in each bag. I found these online for a buck a piece, including the batteries. I got the flags from a flag company and the whistles and whizzers from Oriental Trading.

We sent out invitations asking people to come in forties attire if they desire. Our party was a major success. Guests keep calling and saying how much they loved the candy and the props. I was sure to order quality candy from CandyFavorites. Inside the candy bags, I had a little instruction sheet and also some trivia about the film itself. Believe it or not, some people were seeing this gem for the first time!