10 Marvellously Monochrome Classic Films
It has been a pretty cold and wet few weeks here in London so instead of having adventures we've been watching them. While rom-coms, indie and action films are enjoyable we simply can't keep away from Classic Hollywood, and the captivating Bogart, Monroe and Hepburn. We chose to share our favourite black & white films from the Classic Age (1930s to 1950s for our purposes) of Hollywood.
In chronological order, here are our top 10 favourite Classic Black and White Films.
1. CURLY TOP (1935)
Nominated by: Jeordy
"There's no human problem that can't be solved by kindness."
This Shirley Temple classic has all the charm you could expect: plucky orphans, cute animals, charming vocal numbers, and abundant curls. It was a toss-up choosing just one Temple film, but the 'Animal Crackers' number in Curly Top takes the cake. The colorised version of this film is also lovely!
2. SWING TIME (1936)
Nominated by: Jeordy
"No one could teach you to dance in a million years."
Swindler meets beautiful woman and scheme is discarded in pursuit of love. While the plot of this film is not incredibly original, the unbelievable dance numbers certainly compensate. If you like legendary Ginger Rodgers or Fred Astaire, and/or impressive tap dance sequences, this is the film for you. Just remember kids, 'everything Fred Astaire did, Ginger Rodger's did backwards and in heels.'
3. REBECCA (1940)
Nominated by: James
"I'd like to have your advice on how to live comfortably without hard work."
The story of a young girl who elopes with a rich and mysterious widower, Max, only to find out she must live in the shadow of his former wife, Rebecca. The young wife must learn to live and manage a large house along with the secrets of her cold husband. Be warned, not all is as it seems in this romantic tale.
4. CASABLANCA (1942)
Nominated by: James
"Here's looking at you kid."
Casablanca nightclub owner Rick Blaine discovers his old love Ilsa is in town with her fugitive husband. Rick's cafe attracts a variety of clients, from fugitives to the French and German officers they're desperate to avoid. The film follows Rick as he helps the couple with general bitterness and indifference while trying to overcome his love for Ilsa, his past, and alcoholism.
5. THE THIRD MAN (1949)
Nominated by: James
"In Italy for 30 years under the Borgias they had warfare, terror, murder and bloodshed but they produced Michaelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and the Renaissance. In Switzerland they had brotherly love, and what did they produce? The Cuckoo Clock."
Holly Martins, a penniless writer, arrives to stay with his friend Harry Limes in post-war Vienna only to discover Harry is dead. Martins soon finds himself enveloped in a conspiracy theory after learning that there was a third man present and unaccounted for at the scene of Harry's death. Mystery, action, thrilling chases, and the authentic backdrop of post-war bomb-damaged Vienna will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.
6. BORN YESTERDAY (1950)
Nominated by: Jeordy
"A world full of ignorant people is too dangerous to live in."
Ditzy and uncultured former-showgirl Billie comes to realise the errors of her crooked boyfriend and unites with her mentor to bring him down. This avant-garde film was one of the first to depict cohabitation (unmarried individuals living together), and is one of the rare classic films where the heroine becomes more desirable as her intelligence increases. Gasp!
7. ROMAN HOLIDAY (1953)
Nominated by: Jeordy
"She's fair game, Joe. It's always open season on princesses."
Young Princess Ann gets a much needed break from the overwhelming monotony of royal appearances when she runs away while visiting Rome. After meeting journalist Joe Bradley who is planning to write a slanderous exposé on her, Princess Ann embarks on a whirlwind adventure. Supposedly loosely based on English Princess Margaret's contemporary romances, this lighthearted film won Audrey Hepburn her first Oscar.
8. SABRINA (1954)
Nominated by: James
"A woman happily in love, she burns the soufflé. A woman unhappily in love, she forgets to turn on the oven."
Sabrina, a chauffeur's daughter, is deeply in love with the playboy son of her father's rich employers. After returning home from Paris, Sabrina captures the attention of both the family's sons, but not necessarily for the reasons she would prefer. Featuring Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart, this film explores the love triangle between romance, wealth, and class.
9. REAR WINDOW (1954)
Nominated by: Jeordy
"A murderer would never parade his crime in front of an open window."
Bed-bound photographer L.B. 'Jeff' begins fighting off boredom by observing his neighbours' daily lives. The longer he watches, the more convinced he becomes that a serious crime has been committed. His girlfriend Lisa and nurse Stella become wrapped up in the mystery as well, exacerbating the situation. This beautiful film is rife with the suspense and ingenuity which trademark any Hitchcock film.
10. SOME LIKE IT HOT (1959)
Nominated by: James
"I don't want you to think I'm a drinker. I can stop if I want to, only I don't want to."
After witnessing mafia activity in Chicago, penniless musicians Joe and Jerry go on the run. In a desperate escape attempt, the pair disguise themselves as women and join an all female Jazz band en route to sunny Florida. Both find themselves enthralled by the alluring lead singer Sugar (Marilyn Monroe) and compete to win her over without blowing their cover. With ludicrous wardrobe changes, chase scenes and ridiculous disguises, this film is hilariously funny and certifiably ahead of its time.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
1. KING KONG (1933)
Nominated by: James
"Oh no, it wasn't the airplanes, it was beauty killed the beast."
The story is a classic and well known to many however it is this scene above that has stuck in the minds of audiences. As the mighty Kong climbs New Yorks famous Empire State Building and battles with aeroplanes high above the city. Though the acting throughout is questionable the very early use of anamatronics and stop motion technology was revolutionary. As King Kong has become a well known story and character, I would advise any film lover to see its origins.
2. GODZILLA / GOJIRA (1954)
Nominated by: Jeordy
"Bombs versus bombs, missiles versus missiles, and now a new superweapon to throw upon us all! As a scientist - no, as a human being - I can't allow that to happen!"
Keeping with the theme of Monster movies, it would be an absolute shame to leave Godzilla off of this list. It was made in Japan, thus excluding it technically from a list of Classic Hollywood films, but is well worth the watch. Just as the Original King Kong, any lover of the Godzilla franchise should see the original. Moreover, this film offers profound insights into the fear and uncertainty Japanese people were experiencing in an era marked by atomic bombs and occupation.
