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The classics are classics for a reason , with many of the most important and influential motion picture ever made emerging out of the Golden Age of Hollywood . cross from the 1920s to the early 1960s , these foundational employment would go on to work and define what modernistic Hollywood and filmmaking , in general , would look like . For anyone concerned in these vital masterpiece , there are a few that should be considered essential screening .
From the fantasticalThe Wizard of Ozto the romanticCasablanca , the best Old Hollywood picture for beginners are essential , yet approachable works that are still wide celebrated and referenced today . These 1o films in special are timeless classics that capture the spirit of Hollywood ’s halcyon eld , easily transporting audiences to a dissimilar sentence .
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Gone with the Wind (1939)
Set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction geological era , go with the Windis an epic tarradiddle that primarily be Scarlett O’Hara ( Vivien Leigh ) , the strong - willed girl of a wealthy plantation owner in Georgia . It depicts her fail pursuit of a romance with Ashley Wilkes ( Leslie Howard ) , who is already matrimonial to his full cousin , and then her human relationship with Rhett Butler ( Clark Gable ) . Scarlett and Rhett ’s marriage rise to be tumultuous as she continue to pine for Ashley despite hold her own family .
Director Victor Fleming ’s adaptation of Margaret Mitchell ’s 1936 novel certainly tries to do its sweeping report justice with the movie ’s nearly four - hour runtime , making it one ofthe longest Hollywood movies ever made . It ’s , of line , deserving noting that its controversial depiction of the Antebellum South and slavery has aged poorly , though it ca n’t be denied that the film still provides a absorbing glimpse into the filmmaking techniques and ethnic attitudes of the thirties . Plus , Gable ’s ill-famed “ Frankly , my dearest , I do n’t give a damn , ” is a line that has become a lasting part of cinematic history .
West Side Story (1961)
BeforeSteven Spielberg‘s 2021 version , there was the renowned 1961 film from directors Robert Wise and Jerome Robbins , which still holds the phonograph record for the most Oscar wins for a musical . The innovative retelling of William Shakespeare’sRomeo and Juliettransports the story to the grainy street of 1950s New York City , where there ’s an vivid contention between two teenaged street gangs : the Jets , a group of white youth led by Riff ( Russ Tamblyn ) , and the Sharks , a Puerto Rican mob led by Bernardo ( George Chakiris ) . Amid the bedlam , a forbidden love story flush between Tony ( Richard Beymer ) , a former Jet , and Maria ( Natalie Wood ) , Bernardo ’s sister .
West Side Storywon 10 Academy Awards , include Best Picture , and forthwith set a new monetary standard for musicals . It overhaul the Shakespearean fib with cagey lyrics and dazzling numbers racket , with each set piece boasting great product note value . On top of all that , the 1961 movie would volunteer an insightful facial expression at current subject like racism and the demise of the American dream , punctuated by the main characters ’ tragic fates .
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
It ’s a Wonderful Lifeis a timeless vacation classic that some fellowship in all probability stillwatch on Christmas Eve . place by Frank Capra , the 1946 film secern the poignant story of George Bailey ( James Stewart ) , a kindhearted man who on Christmas Eve , present a fiscal crisis that could conduct to his collar . As he speculate suicide , the holy person Clarence Odbody ( Henry Travers ) intervenes by designate George how different the world would be if he had never been comport .
Both a snag - jerking and uplifting classic , It ’s a fantastic Lifehighlights the economic value of the small thing people do through George ’s touching story . As the protagonist realise the heavy impact he has had on the lives of those around him , he discover how of import his own being truly is . It ’s a heartwarming realization that only originate as the townspeople arrive together to support the character , offering a wholesome and inspiring determination to a story that ’s bound to be hold dear for generations to come .
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Hollywood can often be at its good when critique itself , and there ’s no better classic example of this than music director Billy Wilder’sSunset Boulevard . Both a black comedy and movie noir , the 1950 movie portrays the risky narrative of fight screenwriter Joe Gillis ’ ( William Holden ) unexpected encounter with the forgotten silent moving-picture show star Norma Desmond ( Gloria Swanson ) . Norma is convinced she can make a comeback , so Joe harmonize to edit her tangled screenplay , hoping to rig her in the cognitive operation . He finish up catch more than he bargained for .
Sunset Boulevardis an first-class picture of Hollywood at its worst , with the sardonic and satiric picture show emphasise the pitfalls of fame and obsession . Norma ’s delusional world is made believable by a mesmerizing performance from Swanson , whose unhinged character captures the spirit of the unrelenting and constantly changing industry . How much are celebrities unforced to give to hold on to their stardom ? At least for Norma Desmond , anything is worth it for her next “ close - up . ”
Singin’ in the Rain (1952)
One of the biggest shifts in Hollywood was the conversion from silent movie to “ talkies ” or “ sound moving-picture show , ” and some of the challenges that change presented are expertly get in 1952’sSingin ’ in the Rain . Directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen , the musical is centered on Don Lockwood ( Kelly ) , a dashing silent film star topology , whose vocation is threatened by the Second Advent of sound . Alongside his best friend , Cosmo Brown ( Donald O’Connor ) , and love interest , Kathy Selden ( Debbie Reynolds ) , he tries his ripe to adapt to the newfangled technology . A major subplot require Lina Lamont ( Jean Hagen ) , Don ’s atomic number 27 - ace with a strident voice unsuitable for talkie , which perplex their latest film project . The solution ? Kathy dubs Lina ’s lines , which does n’t go too swimmingly .
Still considered one ofthe best musical theater ever made , Singin ’ in the Rainis an excellent introduction to Old Hollywood , what with its sharp yet comedic aspect at a pivotal second in celluloid history . It has also just aged like fine wine-coloured , thanks to its iconic melodious numbers that are still a wonder to keep an eye on for the first time today . This certainly includes Kelly ’s ad-lib dance in the rain buckets rain , which was flawlessly frivol away and choreographed , ultimately becoming synonymous with the film itself .
Citizen Kane (1941)
“ Rosebud . ” That word would have an indelible effect in cinematic history , with Charles Foster Kane ( Orson Welles ) now remember as one of the most important characters in motion-picture show . The quasi - biographical movie also directed by Welles story the titular protagonist ’s life as a loaded and influential newspaper mogul , with the story told as a series of flashbacks triggered by that mystifying final Book . Reporter Jerry Thompson ( William Alland ) make it his mission to understand the meaning of “ Rosebud , ” interviewing those who knew Kane intimately , including his good protagonist and married woman .
Citizen Kane‘s narrative and visual techniques may be vernacular now , but it was the pioneer that helped make what are now image possible in filmmaking . From its purpose of nonlinear storytelling and groundbreaking expository devices to its mysterious - focus filming and distinct kindling , the 1941 movie would determine countless filmmakers and reshape the future of movie theatre . That ’s not even mention its innovational character - driven story that would embrace existentialism while assist as a scathing critique of medium sensationalism .
Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
Director David Lean produced one of thegreatest epics of all timewith 1962’sLawrence of Arabia , which chronicles the life of veridical - animation diachronic figure T.E. Lawrence ( Peter O’Toole ) . The British Army officer emerge as a legend after his actions during World War I , where he was initially allot to assess the prospects of Prince Faisal ’s ( Alec Guinness ) revolt against the Turks . Embracing the Arabian finish and demonstrating exceptional leadership , Lawrence unites the divers Arab tribes and precede them in guerrilla war against the Ottoman Empire .
Lawrence of Arabiavividly capture the protagonist ’s translation from just another soldier to a larger - than - life leader , with O’Toole being impeccably cast as the complicated character . His report stretch against awe - inspiring pre - CGI set piece , with M of extras and punctilious craftsmanship give way into ensuring that each frame lives up to the gravitational force of the plastic film ’s muscular story . Its technical splendor guarantee that the moving-picture show will keep on to savour its bequest as a timeless epic with a monumental scale of measurement that ’s nearly unacceptable to copy .
Psycho (1960)
Psychois a turning point in both the horror musical style and cinema as a whole . DirectorAlfred Hitchcock‘s most noted and important study begins with a flee secretary , Marion Crane ( Janet Leigh ) , who embezzled money from her employer in hope of starting a new life with her boyfriend . While on the outpouring , she stops at the Bates Motel , managed by the unknown Norman Bates ( Anthony Perkins ) , who live with his domineering mother in the house overlooking the motel . It soon becomes clear that resting there was a mistake .
There was horror beforePsycho , and then there was horror after , with the 1960 film pushing the limit as to what form of sexuality , deviance , and wildness could be portray on the bad covert . It would also have a ripple upshot on the genre , as seen in the subsequent narrative and technique that would take lineal inspiration from the movie . Hitchcock ’s centering would elevatePsychoto legendary position , with the film maker infuse every second with tangible suspense and an eerie ambience that makes its most shocking import even more good . Many of these would become mainstays in popular culture , including the infamous shower scene .
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Director Victor Fleming’sThe Wizard of Ozis a beloved classic that redefined fantasy filmmaking . It follows Dorothy Gale ( Judy Garland ) , a untested girl from Kansas who is swept forth by a twister to the sorcerous land of Oz . There , she tries to find out the Wizard of Oz ( Frank Morgan ) to help her give home while make raw friends along the way in the Scarecrow ( Ray Bolger ) , who desire a brain ; the Tin Man ( Jack Haley ) , who trust a heart ; and the Cowardly Lion ( Bert Lahr ) , who seeks courage . Together , they take the air down the Yellow Brick Road , soon meeting the Wicked Witch of the West ( Margaret Hamilton ) .
The Wizard of Ozmay not have been the first film to employ Technicolor , but it was unquestionably the one that bring it to a wide audience and signal a new epoch in cinema . Within theaward - winning illusion movie’svisually strike humans is an evenly impressive tale of courage and friendly relationship , with Judy Garland ’s performance , particularly her rendition ofOver the Rainbow , cursorily becoming a base of that era of Hollywood . It may have premier in 1939 , but modern audiences may be surprised to find themselves touched and delighted by Oz ’s lasting magic .
Casablanca (1942)
“ Here ’s look at you , kid . ” Over 80 years after it was first show , Casablancais still one of the most repeatable , well - compose , and wild-eyed movies ever . Set during World War II , the motion-picture show follow Rick Blaine ( Humphrey Bogart ) , an American expatriate who own a nightspot in the titular Maroc metropolis . His world is turned upside down when his former devotee , Ilsa Lund ( Ingrid Bergman ) , walks into his gild with her husband , Victor Laszlo ( Paul Henreid ) , a renowned impedance leader . Ilsa and Victor are seeking dependable passage to America to continue their fight against the Nazis , and Rick holds the key to their escape .
Casablancais the perfect example of one of those lightning - in - a - feeding bottle type of picture where everything comes together at the exact moment to create a chef-d’oeuvre . The screenplay is unflawed , the alchemy between Bogart and Bergman is unbelievable , and the timing is just veracious . Rick ’s moral dilemma about his choices during the warfare and the play of the sexual love triangle that he could n’t avoid were gripping then and continue to make the classic a must - see today . This is peculiarly true for viewers who are just getting into the smashing hits of the Golden Age of Hollywood , asCasablancashould be on the top of that watchlist .
