Here is a list of ten old movies I viewed in our home theatre over the past few months. The cliché, they don’t make them like they used to certainly applies. These movies spare the viewer of copious foul language or explicit sexual content you see in most movies today. It’s just not necessary for good entertainment.
The Public Enemy – This 1931 gangster movie gives today’s viewer insight to lifestyles in the early 1900’s, and the days of prohibition. The colloquialisms, dialects, and characterizations are intriguing particularly with the settings of the era. In the movie’s period, you have to remind yourself that William Howard Taft, Woodrow Wilson, and Warren G. Harding were the presidents (1909 to the early 1920’s). James Cagney, of course steals the show.
Laura – The theme music is beguiling (even though it saturates the 1944 movie) and the plot keeps the viewer undecided with a, “he did it – she did it” confusion.
Land of the Pharaohs – I like this 1955 movie mostly for the ending. I saw it when I was a kid and it unnerved for days. If you are a Joan Collins, malicious diva, fan you’ll like this early epic.
Mrs. Miniver – In the early days of World War II, people in England were living their lives as normal even though the attacks from Germany eventually forced them, in some cases, to survival mode. Even so, the characters in Mrs. Miniver still clung to their lifestyles and culture, stubbornly refusing to submit to the tribulations of war, treating it more as a nuisance. Eventually, they have to face reality.
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre – The “we don’t need no stinking badges” line came from this 1949 movie, not Blazing Saddles. Humphrey Bogart fans will enjoy his performance as a corruptible fortune-seeker.
A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court – This is the 1949 version where Bing Crosby plays the title role. Crosby never won many awards for his acting but he is certainly comfortable, almost nonchalant, on camera. A fun movie for the whole family based on the Mark Twain story.
The Hound of the Baskervilles – Basil Rathbone is to Sherlock Holmes what Sean Connery is to James Bond; there is no substitute. At the end of the 1939 movie, Holmes is heard giving Dr. Watson a curt command, “Watson, the needle!” a reference to Holmes’ drug addiction.
The Ox-bow Incident – Henry Fonda is rarely in a bad movie and this 1943 classic is no different. However, be warned: the plot is shocking and depressing, but the movie is unforgettable.
Forbidden Planet – Despite the absurd settings, this 1956 movie is quite deep in content and was a trailblazer for later sci-fi classics. Leslie Nielson starred in this entertaining and thought provoking film.
Dial M for Murder – This gem is an Alfred Hitchcock drama adapted from a one set play. Hitchcock casts Ray Milland as the “heavy” who plays the 1954 role to perfection where the best planned murder may not always go as designed.
Source for detailed information: allmovie.com
Reference:
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/2192857/turner_classic_movies_a_review_of_the.html?
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/5946880/marx_brothers_5_best_movies_of_all.html?cat
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/190092/great_old_movie_quotes.html?cat=40
