288 of 1001 Movies: Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953)

It was a random decision to finally watch Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, and I didn't regret it. So far the 1940's had proven a strong time for movies, but the 1950's had a liveliness and upbeat nature that came out of the 40's. On top of that, the popularization of technicolor was taking flight, an it makes a film pop so amazingly. I'm a fan of technicolor. This movie provides some of the most memorable song movies of all time like, "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend." Not only that but it has tons of memorable song and dance scenes, and the undertones definitely make it at least PG-13.

Summary: Lorelei Lee and Dorothy Shaw are showgirls who have different perceptions about love. Lorelei believes you need to marry rich to be comfortable to focus on love, and Dorothy Shaw wants to find a passionate love despite the circumstances. Lorelei finds herself in trouble after she becomes engaged to Gus, a rich heir, and boards a cruise ship with a wealthy man who owns a diamond dynasty. The temptation lands her in trouble, and her friend Dorothy caught in an interesting triangle between a friend and possible love.

The movie stars Jane Russell as Dorothy, and Marilyn Monroe as Lorelei. I think the two actresses balance each other well. Russell has the charm of Katharine Hephburn. Unlike many movies at the time both sexes seem to mock and have fun with the stereotypes in the 50's culture, and even turn the tables while Dorothy's character admires the Olympic sports players who have boarded a ship with them.

The movie seems to make light of, while also giving thought to how women are known for marrying men with money, and men are known for marrying women who have looks. Dorothy's character wants in on known of that, but Lorelei is all about that.

The movie never becomes too deep, but it does analyze what has brought these characters to these conclusions as well. Lorelei only slightly indicates the hurt she has had in the past that makes her more reliant on diamonds and money for happiness than men, even though she seems to find a balance by the end.

What is most likable about the movie is how this seems to be a buddy comedy for women though. It's rare, especially for this era, to draw out women's friendships like this that will stick by each other as these two do. Many times we see women pitted against each other over men and vanity, but in this one they stick to one another.

By the end the movie calls out many double standards, and even ones that still exist today. It's impressive that Howard Hawkes has the range he does to direct the variety of movies he has brought to the screen.  While the topics have serious undertones, the movie itself always stays light. Some may like the fairy tale, and some may not, but considering this was the 50's it was set in, it's not exactly surprising. Regardless, this is at least a fun movie that catches the attention.

278 of 1001 Movies: Horror of Dracula (1958)

It's no secret that I really love horror movies, or at least horror movies from the 90's and before. I can't think of many that really have sold me since the 2000's started. If I had to pick a favorite decade it really is a toss up between the 70's and 80's. Before those decades though there were ones to inspire those, and they are some strong contenders for some of the best of the best like Horror of Dracula. It's creepy, a little over the top, and gives a great go at old school horror of the 30's and 40's even though this was the 50's moving into the 60's.

Summary: Jonathon Harker arrives to much mystery at the castle of Dracula, where he thinks he has arrived to just be a manager of estates. He ends up attacking Dracula though, and setting off a series of dangerous events for his own family after Dracula finds an attraction to Harker's fiancee. Now he is stalking his family, and the only help they might have is with Van Helsing who knows more about what is happening than he is letting on.

Acting: Christopher Lee might be best known currently for his role in the Lord of the Rings movies, but he at one time made the staple performance of Dracula. He is the strongest actor of the movie, and does create a really eerie Dracula. If you're into a less gory Dracula, or even darker one for that matter, then you might be into this version that goes more into the traditional portrayal. Now the other actors went a bit more traditional too in their acting of terror. With lots of over done faces and lots of high pitched screaming to last you a while. Peter Cushing is Dr. Van Helsing, and while it was a little over the top it makes the movie a bit more worth watching.

Filming: This is one of the first horror movies I know of that was done in color. While I love the color, and feel that technicolor is really beautiful, it does detract from some of the horror that you get from the older movies. You may lack in a lot of gore or frightening images that occurs later in movies, but the black and white layers on mystery you don't normally get with modern movies. Regardless, I have to say I love the color, and the fun of an old school horror movie is still there.

Plot: This movie seems even more vaguely based on the book than other versions I have seen. They did make a series from this first movie though. It seems the goal before the 70's was to cram a horror movie into at least 80 minutes. There may have been a few that pushed further than that but a 90 minute horror movie was like the Ben Hur of horror for the day. Anyways, I still think they do a good job of summing up the story, and considering they don't give you much more to work with as far as characters here you might as well pull out the frights and end.

If you're into checking out, or even continuing to watch classic horror movies then this is a good one. To be honest there are very few weak ones considering the formula they all stick to is quite the same. There are others that try to dig the characters to be a little deeper, and by 1958 well you were just churning out horror characters.

265 of 1001 Movies: Diabolique (1955)

Diabolique is a 1955 mystery movie that is French, and while it isn't horror it does have some terrifying scenes, and a very well written plot. I will admit that these days the plot seems predictable though. I already knew the ending way before the last hour was even arriving. The movie doesn't lose it's entertaining value though. The acting is good and some parts do have a terrifying look to them that you can't help but watch. I wouldn't watch it in the dark again for sure.

Summary: Christina is the wife of a mean headmaster, Michel. With the help of his mistress, Nicole, they devise a plan to kill him. After they murder him, and dump his body into a pool he mysteriously disappears, and leaves the both worried about where his body will turn up. When his body is instead being seen around the campus they teach at they both worry that perhaps they were wrong in the assumption they killed him.

245 of 1001 Movies: The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951)

Robert Wise brought quite the classics like The Sound of Music, and the motion picture of Star Trek, and even earlier on he brought to the screen some creative CGI use in The Day the Earth Stood Still. Really, I was impressed with how the movie looked. The plot though is very stretched in a lot of ways, and since it's a B movie I don't think thoroughly thought through in some ways. The story is entertaining, and Michael Rennie makes for a very compelling alien that is just trying to save earth!

Summary: A spaceship causes quite a disruption in Washington D.C. when it lands in the middle of the city. Klaatu, an alien, has landed to give earth a warning, but he won't reveal what he is there to warn of until he can get the attention of the people he knows will listen. With the help of a boy, Bobby, he leans about the city he is in, and the people there that is informative to him in how he will get his point across. After World War II has just ended, and with the Cold War era just beginning Klaatu's message is more urgent than ever.

237 of 1001 Movies: Roman Holiday (1953)

William Wyler is a classic director with movies like Ben Hur, and the famous Roman Holiday under his belt he will always have a name that is talked about lived through movies that still are mentioned regularly and show often. Wyler is also really great about bringing characters to the screen that are rough in nature, but present traits that are human enough to transcend over time in being easy to relate to for an audience no matter what era you're from. With a lot of notable stars in this Roman Holiday is one of the highlights from the 50's, and a classic.

Summary: Princess Anne is staying in Rome with her guardians to hold a conference where she will address the relations they have with the country. Instead of preparing though she is dreaming of what it would be like to be free to roam Rome. She escapes one night, and falls asleep on a bench. Joe Bradley, a journalist, finds her sleeping there, and gives her a place to rest by letting her sleep at his apartment. As soon as he finds out who is staying with him he is excited about the interview details he could get out of her, but he feels for him to open up to him he must keep it secret that he knows she is the princess, and instead treats her to a day in Rome.

230 of 1001 Movies: Cranes Are Flying (1957)

One of the benefits of doing a huge movie list is being exposed to moves from all over the world that show many perspectives of one event that much of the world lived through. Cranes Are Flying shows Russia's impact on families as men were drafted to war. This isn't a war movie in the traditional sense of showing us what it was like to go to battle. Instead this turns the spot light on the families that were left at home after the men able to go to war were drafted.

Summary: Veronica and Boris are in love, and they have plans to marry. They're life seems like a dream, until one day the Soviet Union is called to war. Instead of waiting to be drafted, Boris volunteers to go to war. This angers Veronica, but many men were wanting to fight with the pride they felt for their country. Veronica is left to an uprooted life though, and one that will make many transitions without Boris. She find her and her family are both going to face their own horrors of war attacks right in their home, and while Boris is gone Veronica finds that suitors are wanting her attention she is unable to give.

201 of 1001 Movies: Carmen Jones (1954)

Suspense? Court room drama? How about a musical? Otto Preminger shows he can direct anything and make it good. While Carmen Jones might not be as strong as Angel Eyes or Anatomy of a Murder (for sure), it does still have some progressive and unique features that make it a stand out for 1954. Would this have worked as well now? No. Dorothy Dandridge is a name that rings familiar as well, but I had never seen her in anything. She is by far what makes this movie great. She received the first nomination for an African American actress at the Oscars for this role. She owns the role.

Summary: This take on the Bizet Opera, Carmen, uses an all African American cast, and sets itself in an army camp. Carmen is a civilian parachute maker, and the one who all the men have their eyes on, and she knows it. The man she has her eyes on though already has a fiancee, but she will stop at nothing to win over Joe. He doesn't want to mess up the perfect life he seems to have which includes his engagement to Cindy Lou, and his future in pilot training for the Korean War. Carmen Jones must be bad luck for Joe though, because she causes him to land in the stockade with further chaos following.

197 of 1001 Movies: The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)

The Bridge on River Kwai is know as a war classic. It depicts a part of war that most wouldn't ponder over it and it brings up good questions about work ethic and warring itself. The only thing was it wasn't until the last 15 minutes or so that I felt really excited about the movie. Before that I was chugging along for 2 hours hoping for anything to get my attention. It does some nice character development because by the end you can see how a person might have been misled or how the other feels justified in the choices they have made.

Summary: The Japanese have been trying to get their POW's to build a bridge. This bridge is crucial to Colonel Saito to build to save his own life, but he mistreats the prisoners into rebellion. When he sees that he is in a losing battle he lets Colonel Nicholson out his torture unit and back with his army to command them after he failed at convincing him to work. Colonel Nicholson takes his dedication to work seriously, and how his men are perceived, so he sets everyone up to be motivated to build the bridge. What he doesn't know though is that his army is plotting to destroy the bridge though.

194 of 1001 Movies: Cairo Station (1958)

Egyptians seemed to be trying to be the edgiest of the bunch and I think they even took out the French and Germans for edgiest movie done so early. The only thing is the treatment of the women is terrible and I don't ever know that the movie doesn't condone that. Youssef  Chahine doesn't only star in the movie but he also directs, and the story almost seems like it was made to shock, with lots of notes taken from Hitchcock, and being something that seems like a footstep to Psycho. Cairo Station can also be found under the title The Iron Gate.

Summary:  After a newsstand owner finds Quinawi and allows him to sell newspaper for him he discovers that Quinawi is growing more odd with each passing day. He still pities the guy though because he is lame. Quinawi is getting stranger though and he now has set his sight on a woman, Hannuma. Hannuma does flirt and sort of mislead him, but she is open about the fact she is engaged to Abu Siri, who is currently trying to put together a union. Quinawi hatched a plan though that he will either kill Abu Siri and steal her away, or just allow no one to have her if he can't.

166 of 1001 Movies: The Burmese Harp (1956)

The Burmese Harp is more of an impressive film than I expected. It resonates with you after watching and is difficult to forget.  It creates characters that are some of the rarer ones in movies, and that is the ones that drive the plot and are the core of the story instead of the action. If you're looking for a movie showing the action of World War 2 then this isn't it. It is more so showing Japan's various recovery for the soldiers after finding out they had surrendered during World War 2.

Summary: After Captain Inouye has found out that the war has ended  in World War 2 he surrenders himself and the troops to not risk their lives continuing to fight for a cause that is shut down. There are other Japanese units though that do not know the war has ended, so the British troops allow for one Japanese soldier to leave and communicate to them that it has stopped. Mizumshima takes on the task not knowing the other unit will have different feelings and not surrender. After witnessing their deaths he leaves and begins the lifestyle of a Buddhist Monk, and leaving his fellow Japanese soldiers who have surrendered to wonder if he is still alive.

165 of 1001 Movies: Rebel Without a Cause (1954)

Bigger Than Life was the other Nicholas Ray movie I had watched, and so I knew that I should expect very stereotyped 1950's families, and lots of colors. The stereotypes he deal with though then are what make his films so good at analyzing the culture of the 50's though. He seems to be one of the few directors then trying to make movies about people then, and just what did drive them and the next generation. There is just something about the movies that show the 50's how we imagine them, and then a bit more into the harshness of being a teen at the time with all the levels of expectations. It does build the bridge I think though in helping the younger crowd understand that previous generations have through the same battles for responsibility and acceptance they have.

Summary: Jim's parents have moved once again to a new neighborhood in order to help their son try to find a group of people he can fit in with better, since he has had such a hard time with making friends before. He instantly finds trouble though with a new crowd who begins challenging him to switchblades fights and dangerous car games. He does find some positives though in this place though including a growing interest in a girl, Judy, and the very desperate friendship of a boy who feels abandon by all others, Plato.

123 of 1001 Movies: Bob Le Flambeur (1956)

Bob Le Flambeur is so beautifully filmed, and the setting of France makes it that much more interesting. On top of that you have the casino lifestyle it's based in, and a lot of dramatic scenes all led by a very charming character. It grabbed me for reasons beyond comprehension. Jean Pierre Melville has a way with directing that builds upon the character, and even the surrounding ones. While the transitions are a little rough and the story a little stretched it's got a good little twist in it.

Bob is a gambler who is running out of money, and he is also running with other people that are in need of money. He seems to view Paolo as a son, and he has taken on a girlfriend, but since he doesn't have money he is struggling to keep her attention. Bob hatches a plan along with other men to bring into the casino and steal the money they keep in the safe. Things go awry when word gets out about their plan though.

116 of 1001 Movies: Black Orpheus (1959)

After reading a book set in the areas of Portugal and Brazil earlier this week it seems very fitting to have my first movie from Brazil pop up as well on the list. Marcel Camus directs this movie that is a retelling of the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.  The carnival atmosphere is nicely painted and, almost completely conceals the very dark backdrop in the movie. By the end it becomes very intense and, you feel so mad at certain characters.

Set in Rio, Orfeo is a trolley conducter and musician who is popular in the city for his music. He is also engaged to a very demanding woman, Mira. When he sees Eurydice though he becomes set on winning her over instead but, she is on the run from a stalker who has chased her from her other city. He finds that Eurydice is staying with Sarafina, her friend and, begins to further get to know her until she feels safe enough in disguise to the carnival with him. Death begins to pursue her again though and, Orfeo may be the only one able to protect her.

104 of 1001 Movies: On the Waterfront (1954)

On the Waterfront shows the Marlon Brando is one of his strongest roles that could have possibly went to Frank Sinatra. Elia Kazan though had to struggle with a lot more though than just which actor to play the lead though including get cast members to stay on set during the cold season it was filmed in. Kazan though has made a pretty good drama that realistically does portray the problem of corruption and crime among the longshormen that was happening and portrayed in a series of articles in the New York sun called, "Crime on the Waterfront"

After unknowingly helping in the murder of his friend, Terry, feels it's time for him to step up against the corrupt union boss that dictates the waterfront. This motivation to step up against the mob is also encouraged by the new love interest he has found in his deceased friend's sister, Edie. With the increased pressure to expose, John Friendly, especially after his life becomes threatened, it is only a matter of time he has to decide what he must do.

101 of 1001 Movies: Bigger Than Life (1956)

The 50s has darker movies, but let's be honest that isn't what the 50s are known for. We think of Leave it to Beaver families where the dad is the breadwinner, and the mother stays home as the housewife to raise the perfect child that is male. Bigger Than Life has that exact stereotype, but instead of playing into it it showcases a dad stressed out about the pressures of being the man who wants to be the sole provider, the woman who is concerned about letting her husband be the head of household as he descends into madness, and a son who is less than stellar at his work.

Ed Avery begins having odd symptoms that hint something is seriously wrong with his health. His wife convinces him to see a doctor, and he is prescribed a new pill to help him stay alive. Things begin to get strange and even dangerous for his family though when the pill begins changing his personality. Beginning with him quitting his extra job, and spending frivolously the things he does become crazier especially as his belief that his son will grow up to be a failure spirals out of control.

98 of 1001 Movies: The Bigamist (1953)

One man and two women, so what will happen? Usually these stories don't end up well especially if both the women are not interested into being married to one man. Ida Lupino has directed a story though that is compelling, short, and simple, so it's easy to get into and follow. Also, in a very small way I think it does showcase a man's want in a relationship and how instead of just discussing it he runs from it. Some of the dynamics that never get a full view in the short movie are available at least for the viewer to think about once it's over.

Harry and Eve are wanting to expand their family, and seek out an adoption. Harry is reluctant to open up to the investigator about his life, and this makes him suspicious so he begins researching a little about Harry, and finds that Harry isn't suitable to adopting much less even be married to Eve. The amount of traveling he has done from his home in San Francisco to Los Angles doesn't even seem normal for his work. After being tracked down living with the other wife, and baby, he begins explaining how he became married to two women.

91 of 1001 Movies: The Big Heat (1953)

The Big Heat is a short, but intense movie full of mystery and action that it is one of the better crime movies to watch from the 50s. Fritz Lang shows his talent for directing, and making the film run with suspense up to the very end despite the predictable outcome. The film is aided by Glenn Ford in being a good movie. His acting may be a tad strong at the time, but he really induces passion into what he is doing, and it makes for an interesting watch.

Dave Bannion is called on to a case where a man has killed himself, and his wife doesn't seem too upset by the incident. Everyone is acting suspicious though, and the further he investigates the more he becomes a target of a powerful crime boss who can even sway the police force to his rules. His family becomes at risk for being the target of a hit forcing him to separate himself from them until he can figure out what is happening. He finds an unlikely ally in Debby, who has personal contact with the man she knows to be responsible for the crimes.

88 of 1001 Movies: Ace in the Hole (1951)

Billy Wilder has shown his ability to capture witty, and modern characters in The Apartment, and in his earlier work he proves he was just as good at his directing style then with Ace in the Hole. The difference is none of the characters are hugely likable except poor Leo who is the one trapped in a hole in a cave. Kirk Douglas continues his streak of being the unlikable guy who will do anything to gain just like his son, Michael Douglas, seems to do in his movies, and even the other characters are just as unlikable. It turns out to be a movie to see what people will do just for a little fame, and it's a sad look especially since people haven't changed much in the digital age.

Chuck Tatum is a former big time journalist looking for a job, and the only thing that seems open to taking him in is a small-town newspaper in Albuquerque. He is warned though that while working for them that they value the truth, and want him to uphold a good standard. It isn't long before Tatum finds himself something to get into though. On the way to a rattlesnake hunt, he spots some things to investigate happening. After dropping in he finds a man is stuck in a cave-in, and believes this is his big chance to revive his career. He begins exploiting the story by controlling it through the sheriff so no one else has access to the stuck man, Leo, and begins enlarging details. The situation grows so big even a circus arrives to entertain the people who have traveled for the story.

85 of 1001 Movies: Ben-Hur (1959)

Ben-Hur is one of the earliest epic films. It's the beginning of a long of epic tales to follow it, and it beautifully weaves in the story of Christ through the story of Ben-Hur. The subtle messages, and the very likable Charlton Heston make it a great watch. Though I'm still wondering why in the 6th grade this was apart of the curriculum to be shown to us. They had a day set aside each year for 6th graders to watch. While entertaining at that age the message, and beauty of the movie was missed on me.

Judah Ben-Hur and Messala are long time friends, but when they are reunited there is an instant riff between them as Messala has changed. He is now a Roman soldier, and has some deep set feelings against the Jews, which is Ben-Hur's heritage. When Messala recognizes his friend's defense of his people a barrier is made between them, and he sets him up for plotting a murder. Ben-Hur is sentenced into slavery, and his family taken away to prison. A turn of events has him regaining his freedom, and seeking revenge on the man that betrayed leading up to a grand finale of redemption and loss.

82 of 1001 Movies: Beat the Devil (1954)

John Huston has offered several classics so far for viewing such as The African Queen, which was presented in technicolor, and his short on The Battle of San Pietro, so why does Beat the Devil look like the lowest quality movie I've ever seen from the 50s? The guy was well enough in his career to have the access to make something clearer, and where I could at least see people's faces. Everyone has terrible shadows though, and film is just really bad. You have classics like Humphrey Bogart and Jennifer Jones leading the film, and while there chemistry makes it somewhat interesting it still doesn't salvage the film.

After their ship is docked for repairs on the way to Africa a group of rogues is now left stranded their a few days. Everyone is hoping to get rich there, and a couple, Harry and Gwendowlen probably have the best plan for doing so. There is one that is trusted to know what exactly they are up to, Billy, as he has fallen for Gwendowlen and gotten her trust. Not only that, but Harry has fallen for Billy's wife, Maria. While these guys are navigating their romantic lives a group of criminal like guys are trying to weasel their way into Harry's prosperous deal he has set up once arriving to Africa.