A Movie for Each Decade [1920-2010]
March 22, 2020
Category: The 50’s
5 Underappreciated Hitchcock Movies
September 10, 2018
Here’s another post that has been on my mind for a while. Quite often, I hear people mentioning “Vertigo”, “Rear Window” and “Psycho” as soon as we start talking about Alfred Hitchcock. But here’s a man that directed 57 movies over the course of 54 years. Having watched most of these movies, I’ve decided to list a few “underappreciated” ones. How many of those have you seen?
Strangers on a Train (1951)
This was my very first encounter with the master of suspense. My mom got me an Alfred Hitchcock box-set for my 19th birthday, and I couldn’t wait to discover what was in there. Out of all the movies that I watched back then, “Strangers on a train” remains my favorite: a tense, masterful thriller that should rank as one of Hitchcock’s best work. In telling the story of how two strangers agree to kill someone the other person wants gone, Hitchcock keeps you on the edge of your seat the entire time. There are twists and turns, as you would expect from the master himself, and the climax is incredibly entertaining. If you’re still discovering old films, I highly recommend this one.
Shadow of a Doubt (1942)
One of Hitchcock’s own personal favorite films, “Shadow of a doubt” is a movie that deserves more recognition in my opinion. Joseph Cotton was still fresh out of “Citizen Kane” when he was chosen to play good old uncle Charlie, who is visiting his relatives in a small American town. Soon enough, his niece begins to suspect that he may be…wait for it… a killer on the loose! A psychological thriller through and through, “Shadow of a Doubt” is more proof that Hitchcock could easily manipulate his audience, keeping them on the edge of their seat until the credits start rolling. It’s a fantastic film from start to finish.
Saboteur (1942)
Before 1959’s “North By Northwest”, there was “Saboteur”, another tense film that features a man who is wrongly accused of sabotage. This leads to a relentless chase across the country in order to clear his name. Talking about this underrated gem, Hitchcock said “It’s what strikes the eye that leaves the most lasting impression on moviegoers”. Indeed, the film features elaborate settings and an incredible climax atop the Statue of Liberty that is truly unforgettable. It’s a great film that needs to be rediscovered by movie buffs.
Frenzy (1972)
After a hugely successful 30 years in Hollywood, it was time for Hitchcock to return to England, and what better way to celebrate his return than this terrific gem? This is the first Hitchcock film to earn an “R” rating, and he made it count. There’s a sex criminal known as the Necktie Murderer roaming around 1970’s London, and it’s up to, yet again, a wrongly accused man to find him. “Frenzy” is a delicious mix of suspense and black comedy, and it features one of the most brutal murder scenes I’ve seen in a Hitchcock film. Not for the faint of heart, for sure, but it’s one of his best movies in my opinion.
Suspicion (1941)
Hitchcock had a very busy few years in the early 40’s, directing the Oscar winner “Rebecca” while working on so many other projects. “Suspicion” might strike you as something that could have been shot in 2 weeks, and understandably so. But it’s also very effective, making it a definite must-see in my opinion. Cary Grant was still a rising star at the time, and he’s excellent as a playboy who marries a vulnerable woman (Joan Fontaine), only for her to start suspecting that he wants to kill her. It’s unusual to think of Cary Grant as a killer, and that’s what makes “Suspicion” so intriguing to watch. I’ve seen it over a decade ago and I still consider it as one of the master’s most underrated films.
Death Of A Cyclist [1955] ★★★½
March 31, 2017
Today’s classic film recommendation is Juan Antonio Bardem’s masterful “Death of a Cyclist”, released in the mid 1950’s under the Franco regime. It’s clear that Bardem’s aim was to criticize the huge gap between the poor and the rich, which explains why the movie was censored and Bardem was “forced” to change a key plot point. The simple story follows a rich married woman who is having an affair with a college professor. The movie opens with them driving on an empty road when they accidentally hit a cyclist. Instead of helping the injured man, they decide to drive off in fear that this incident might jeopardize their relationship. And so begins “Death of a Cyclist”, a powerful drama about guilt, paranoia and blackmail. Directed with extraordinary skill by Bardem (who happens to be Javier Bardem’s uncle), the film is a tough road well worth traveling. All the actors amaze, so does Alfredo Fraile’s breathtaking cinematography. “Death of a Cyclist” is emotionally devastating. It takes a piece out of you. If you’re into old European films, consider it a must see.
Truffaut: the adventures of Antoine Doinel
January 22, 2016
Way before “ Boyhood ”, François Roland Truffaut, French film director, screenwriter, producer, actor, and film critic, as well as one of the founders of the French New Wave, directed “ Les 400 coups ” (“ The 400 blows ”), a childhood movie featuring his own alter ego: Antoine Doinel.
Years later, Doinel appears in four subsequent films (including one short: “ Antoine et Colette ”) that masterfully portray love, marriage and the difficulties of daily life. Those movies remain some of Truffaut’s finest achievements.
The 400 blows | Les 400 coups [1959]
A classic tale of childhood, family and the loss of innocence. Doinel is a young boy facing constant trouble at home and at school. As things go out of control, he decides to rebel. François Truffaut’s most personal film and one of the all-time greats.
4/4
Stolen kisses | Baisers volés [1968]
Truffaut followed up “ Les 400 coups ” with this irresistible screwball comedy that takes place a few years after the events of the first movie, as we follow Doinel as an adult, trying to earn a living following his discharge from the army, and win the heart of the charming Christine. Easily one of Truffaut’s finest romantic comedies.
4/4
Bed and board | Domicile conjugal [1970]
Third feature film in the Antoine Doinel series is faithful to its predecessors in every way, as we follow the married life of Antoine and Christine. Another wonderful film filled with laughs, tears and nostalgia.
3,5/4
Love on the run | L’amour en fuite [1979]
The last of the Antoine Doinel adventures portrays his separation from Christine, his love affair with Sabine and his brief encounter with his ex-girlfriend Colette. Not as good as the first three, but it’s still a delightful comedy and a fitting conclusion to Doinel’s romantic endeavors.
3/4
Limelight [1952] ★★★½
August 12, 2015
I find it quite ironic that this is the last movie I ever saw with my granddad. Ironic because, unlike many Chaplin movies, this one is tragic. Ironic because my granddad passed away a few months later. Looking back at “Limelight”, there’s always a bittersweet feeling. Even when I saw it again recently, I couldn’t help feeling moved by the film’s many beautiful moments. Charlie plays Calvero, a former comic giant who has fallen on hard times. No one cares about his comedy anymore and he’s not getting any younger. When he saves his young neighbor, an aspiring ballerina named Terry (Claire Bloom), from an attempted suicide, he finds a new purpose in life. Terry would become his protégé as he attempts to make a comeback. But perhaps best of all is the historic teaming of Chaplin and fellow silent cinema star Buster Keaton; their scenes together will make any film buff jump for joy. Overall, “Limelight” is an extremely moving and, at times, incredibly funny Chaplin vehicle. It would also be the last movie he would ever make in the United States; perceived as a communist, Chaplin would eventually leave the country and settle in Switzerland before winning an Oscar for best Original Score not in 1952, but at the 1972 Academy Awards. Today, “Limelight” is regarded by many Chaplin fans as one of his finest work. It’s certainly his most personal. Even when you laugh, it hurts.
Rating: 3.5/4
Diabolique [1955] ★★★★
October 19, 2014
Henri-Georges Clouzot’s most notorious film is still terrifying almost 60 years later. An unmerciful school master (Paul Meurisse, terrific) is murdered by his long suffering wife (Vera Clouzot) and mistress (Simone Signoret). But then strange things start to happen. Haunting, exciting thriller will you keep you guessing at every turn, right through the unforgettable finale. Hailed as one of the most suspenseful films ever made; it’s certainly one of the all time greats. A must watch.
Rating: 4/4
The Night Of The Hunter [1955]
May 3, 2011
In this terrifying tale of Good vs Evil, Robert Mitchum plays a “preacher” who roams the countryside, spreading the gospel, and leaving murdered women in the wake. His knuckles eerily tattooed with “love” and “hate”, he strongly believes that the work of God has more to do with condemning souls than saving them. Now his eyes are set on $10,000, and the only ones who know where the money’s hidden are two little children! “Chill…dren”! the preacher yells for the terrified boy and girl hiding in the cold, scary cellar. If this sounds too dark, then perhaps it is. Afterall, this movie was way ahead of its time in its depiction of a society where a charlatan preacher exists. Keep in mind that the idea of a serial killer disguised as a man of God was out of the question in the 1950’s. But there it was, a fairy tale story of Good vs. Evil, Innocence vs. Corruption as personified by the children against the evil preacher. His pursuit of the children is so frightening and menacing, that it becomes impossible to believe that they can escape. One of the most haunting scenes finds one of Mitchum’s victims lying at the bottom of a river, her throat slit, looking peaceful and troubled at the same time. Film buffs are in for a treat. What’s more, Black in White is used superbly here to create an atmosphere of brooding terror (which definitely worked for the benefit of the picture).
“The Night Of The Hunter” is an extraordinary film noir, and definitely one of the most fascinating American films ever made.
Rating: 3.5/4
The Ten Commandments [1956]
April 23, 2011
What can you say in a few words about a four hour movie that depicts the life of Moses, the Egyptian prince who learned of his true heritage as a Hebrew and who became the deliverer of his people? Let’s try “perfection”, which is what director Cecil B. DeMille achieved in this epic film. Apply “magnificient” to the tour de force Charlton Heston delivers as Moses, and who was picked for the role because of his striking resemblance to Michelangelo’s sculpture, in particular his facial expression. But it was not only Heston who made this movie a huge success, but all the elements that came together: the special effects (they look dazzling even after all these years), the costumes, the sets, and best of all the amazing parting of the Red Sea. Today, this would probably be a piece of cake for the effects department, but in pre-CGI days, it was something special (the special effects deservedly won an oscar that year).
A lot of people critisized this movie for being campy, and there a loads of foul-ups, both technical and scriptural (why kill the first born pharaoh?), but the visuals are superb, the acting unforgettable, and the film itself is a treat to watch. And you don’t have to be a religious fanatic in order to enjoy this truly outsdanding movie. It definitely stood the test of time. Thou Shalt not want to miss it.
Rating: 3.5/4
Abbott And Costello Meet Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde [1953]
April 7, 2011
While not quite in the same league as “Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein” (possibly the duo’s best movie), “A&C meet Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (what a long title) is still a fine vehicle for the boys, and shows that they were still in excellent form even after all these years at Universal. Thankfully, the movie offers an added treat by starring legendary horror icon Boris Karloff in the role of Dr. Jekyll (and not Mr. Hyde since it was stuntman Eddie Parker who did every scene as Jekyll’s alter ego). The story takes us to London, where Budd and Lou are inexplicably working for the London police. When they wind up in jail, it’s Dr. Jekyll who bails them out. Little do they know that this “polite” scientist is also Mr. Hyde, the monster who’s been terrorizing the city. Eventually, the boys spend the rest of the movie trying to solve the case in order for them to get back on the force. The comedy of Abbott and Costello this time around relies more on slapstick gags than their trademark routines. No worries, it works perfectly fine. Budd and Lou carry off their roles well, and the romantic subplot here doesn’t seem to intrude as much as in their earlier wartime comedies (“One Night In The Tropics” and “Ride’ Em Cowboy” come to mind). The story flows well and doesn’t waste our time with unecessary details. So basically, this is straighforward stuff, which makes the movie as a comedy a highly effective and successful one. It’s definitely one of their better films of the 50’s. Oh and you gotta love those vintage posters!
Rating: 3/4
Abbott And Costello Meet The Invisible Man [1951]
April 6, 2011
So here I am again, drawn into yet another Abbott and Costello movie. After meeting up with Frankenstein, Dracula, and The Wolfman, the boys finally got to hang out with the Invisible man this time around. All of these films were among their best work-solid entertainment and a nice break from the usual formula. Speaking of which, since this movie was made later in their careers, the original formula (which included songs and dance numbers) was abandoned and the film was pure comedy (clever decision). Lou and Budd play recent detective school graduates who just got their first case, and what a case it turned out to be. It’s Tommy Nelson, a famous boxer wrongly accused of murder. The boys’s job is to help him clear his name before it’s too late. How? by using an invisibilty formula developed by a scientist. The boys make Tommy disappear in order to hide him from the police while they catch the real killer. What I liked the most about this A&C vehicle is how cleverly the material is handled. The boys are in fine form and they are handed some great gags to work with, both verbal and visual. Many have said that their later films weren’t as good or original as their older ones. I beg to differ. Their encounter with The Invisible Man is certainly no disappointment by any means. It’s funny, clever and a solid entry in the series (36 films in total). But perhaps best of all are the special effects; some might look corny today, but many are very ingenious indeed. Good stuff!
Rating: 3/4
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