Onward through the 1950s! The first real era when television was a force to be reckoned with. Because of the small screen, the big screen got bigger and more spectacular. Musicals really came into their own in this decade. Color and wide aspect ratios would soon take over. However, that doesn’t mean smaller black and white films stopped. In fact, I think they may have increased in quality during the 50s. Let’s take a look.
1950-1959
“Really? This was ‘the Best?’”
Greatest Show on Earth (1952)
What should be a compelling and entertaining tale of the circus, is actually a bloated, somewhat boring mess. You can tell this was a “big deal” kind of flick: directed by Cecil B. Demille, a lot of top stars, over two hours, and lush color. For some reason, none of that really works. There are two stories going on in this film- a narrative about people in the circus, and documentary like footage of circus acts. If there was less of the latter it would be a more worthy entry. Though, to be fair, the circus folk narrative isn’t particularly amazing either. No way is this a better film than the also nominated High Noon or The Quiet Man or the not nominated Singin’ in the Rain or The Bad and the Beautiful. I’m not really sure why this won out. Demille’s non-opus and Broadway Melody are, in my opinion, the bottom of the Best Picture barrel. Grade: D+
Around the World in 80 Days (1956)
I liked this movie as a kid, but now that I’ve reevaluated it, this flick could probably have an entire hour cut from it. Most of that footage would be uninspired “travelogue” shots. I’m a pretty big fan of David Niven, and to me he is Phileas Fogg. Niven does his best to keep the momentum going in a cameo laden opus, but at 3 hours, that is difficult to do. Grade C+
The Good
Marty (1955)
Yes, it’s just the small story but it is told in such a way that it seems bigger. Ernest Borgnine stars as the titular Bronx butcher in this romantic drama. The film is often forgotten in Oscar history, which is a bit of a shame. I think if you dug Silver Linings Playbook, you’ll probably like Marty. Grade: B+
Gigi (1958)
A few weeks after I watched this, I went to see La La Land. Which I think enhanced both films. I was actually dreading watching this one, it struck me as one of those kind of musicals that would require insulin shots after watching. I liked it more than I expected. The story of the romance of Gigi and Gaston is told in lavish color and great cinematography. However, the song “Thank God for Little Girls” has not aged well at all. Grade: B
The Great
American in Paris (1951)
Another film enhanced by seeing La La Land around the same time. I still think Singin’ in the Rain is better film, but American in Paris is a pretty solid movie musical. Gene Kelly in near top form with great songs. Seriously, the dancing is some of the best ever filmed. A good time indeed. Grade: A-
The Bridge Over River Kwai (1957)
WWII again. I will say I wish there were more war films like this, there is an odd sense of “adventure” that other war films of the period are missing. There was a great sense of suspense even though you pretty much know how everything is gonna pan out. I feel like this film makes interesting remarks about the difference between the Brits, the Americans, and the Japanese at the time. It made me realize just how quintessentially American William Holden could be. Grade: A-
The Essential
All About Eve (1950)
First film to be nominated for 14 awards and probably one of the best films about rivalry and relationships. It deserves all its praise. This story of two actresses and how they affect each others lives sticks with you for a long time afterward. I do know some folks that don’t like this flick because of that reason. I don’t think they are wrong, the film certainly leaves an impression- all because of how well it was written, directed, acted, and produced. Grade: A
From Here to Eternity (1953)
Like Mrs. Miniver, this is a “war” movie that isn’t really about the war. It's a story of soldiers stationed in Hawaii just before December 7th. This is another one of those often referenced films, with the beach makeout scene lampooned particularly well in Airplane! More a domestic military drama than a war film, every actor in this film gives it their all. All the principals were nominated and Frank Sinatra and Donna Reed won their categories. An interesting look at the beginning of a dark time. Grade: A
On the Waterfront (1954)
Brando, man. This crime drama of dockworkers really is one of the greatest films of all time. Like most films of that caliber, it has been parodied to hell. How many folks know the “I could’ve been a contender” scene without really knowing this film? It’s a bit of a shame because the power of that scene has almost been diminished because of it. Almost, thankfully. If you haven’t actually sat down to watch this, I recommend you do soon. It is director Elia Kazan’s masterpiece. Grade: A
Ben-Hur (1959)
There are two epic films to end all epic films, in my opinion: this and Lawrence of Arabia. Though this film is approximately 4000 years long, I never grew bored or disengaged. This film is spectacle at its highest without being overindulgent somehow. I also like the somewhat disputed claims of homoerotic subtext between Massala and Ben-Hur. Partly because it pissed Charlton Heston to no end, but really because it gives an interesting wrinkle to the story. I’m fairly sure Massala's Stephen Boyd played it that way too. I don’t know why anyone thought it was worth it to remake this last year. Grade: A
Come back Thursday for the 60s!