The Magical World of Classic Hollywood Cinema

I love cinema. I am convinced it is some ethereal being or something crafted by the gods. On many of my worst days, I have only been saved by a piece of art like poetry, novels, or film. But in particular, film has assisted me in dark moments. It has climbed the walls of my heart and opened me to new thoughts, emotions, and worlds. Ultimately, film has moved me deeply. For this list, I will be celebrating films according to the mood you want to be in. Since I have been deeply moved by cinema, I want you to be deeply moved as well.

As a lover of all things movies, I feel compelled to share some of the gems from the Classic Hollywood cinema era which spans from the 1910's through the 1960's. It's a famous era with an iconic menu, but the Classic Hollywood era's films are waning in existence in the contemporary day and age. Truly, I don't know many young people who watch Classic Hollywood cinema. For some, watching "old movies" is a laborious task. Many people bemoan the idea of watching moving pictures in black-and-white or anything made before Star Wars. But just like films laced in lurid colors or any modern movie we love today, the beauty of black-and-white or classic films are the use of monotonous colors and the worlds that artists are able to create. But never fear, this list will provide classic films that are not only in black-and-white but also in technicolor.

If you haven't watched many films from the Classic Hollywood cinema era, an entire list of their greatest gems are compiled here for you. Let's begin!

THE FILMS:

Do you want to feel....

INTENSE DRAMA

The Man with the Golden Arm (1955) dir. Otto Preminger

Currently streaming: The Criterion Channel

Ol' Blue Eyes in a drama? While many would die to hear the smooth voice of Frank Sinatra, there are many films where his acting ability is his greatest asset. Sinatra stars as a gambling drug addict named Frankie in the great Otto Preminger's The Man with the Golden Arm. After Frankie is realeased from prison, he tries to get clean and get honest work. But soon after his release, his drug-dealer and his old boss who is a small-town conman enters his life again, and he must work to overcome the pressure of being poor and staying clean. The first time I viewed this film, it overwhelmed my thoughts. With it being an emotional gut punch, the intense drama filled me to the brim until the climax of the story finally pushed me over. The film is moving, it is an intense study on addiction, and a harrowing portrait of a desperate man in need of love. And while Frank Sinatra is enough to warm your heart, Kim Novac co-stars in it as an added bonus! If you often feel the intense nature of certain films like The Shawshank Redemption, then this film might be for you!

HAPPY

The Producers (1967) dir. Mel Brooks

Currently streaming: HBO max

This film has helped lift my spirits on sad days. I remember first viewing it and needing to hold my stomach due to fits of laughter. But the comedic film doesn't just comfort me on a bad day, it also stirs my thoughts by highlighting a thoughtful theme of greed. Mel Brooks is a legendary director of various satires and comedies. His great technique and storytelling ability has uplifted the lives of so many individuals. In his musical comedy film, The Producers, Zero Mostel stars as Max, a previously successful broadway producer who trades sexual favors for money. But Max soon finds a new accountant, Gene Wilder's Leo Bloom and devises a plan to create the worst broadway show in history to keep the money from its failure. If you enjoy comedies like The Interview, then this hilarious movie might just be for you!

CURIOUS

The Big Heat (1953) dir. Fritz Lang

It's not just the elements of mystery, diabolical villians, beautiful mistresses, and storytelling technique that keeps large audiences loving crime and mystery films but also the themes. Films like The Departed, The Usual Suspects, and Scarface include themes of power, greed, ambition and criminality. If you love those types of movies, then The Big Heat might be for you. The story follows a detective who dives deep into the mysterious suicide of a police officer. During his search for truth, he finds corruption that leads to the police and the mob and soon both threaten his life. Films like The Big Heat can elicit curiosity that can help you examine the dark reaches of humanity. You will be sure to feel the intensity of this thoughtful and curiosity-inducing film because the crime and mystery is as intriguing as it is masterfully made.

ROMANCE

City Lights (1931) dir. Charles Chaplin

Currently Streaming: The Criterion Channel & HBO max

If you want your heart to ache from a beautiful rom-com like When Harry Met Sally, I promise you that City Lights will be the film to do just that. The first time I watched the famous Tramp gallop across the screen was when I saw Chaplin's Modern Times. After loving that feature film, I sought out more. Addicted to Chaplin's "touch," I found City Lights and melted due to the deeply moving story. It quite literally changed my life and how I view movies. It isn't just the "boy meets girl" formula that enchanted me, but the film utilized comedy to induce deep pathos. The story follows the famous Tramp who falls in love with a young blind woman that desperately needs money before being evicted from her home. In this film, we watch the Tramp go on a series of journeys to woo the woman he loves and possibly help her restore her eyesight.

ANXIOUS

The Night of the Hunter (1955) dir. Charles Laughton

The deep anxiety one feels during a really great thriller like Us or Parasite can be matched with that of a great Hollywood classic film: The Night of the Hunter. Upon viewing the film, you might feel a deafening frisson crawl through your spine; it's daunting, horrific, and a deeply interesting study on religion. The first feature film of Charles Laughton, an iconic Hollywood actor, follows the formidable Rev. Powell who is released from prison at the start of the film. He is a ruthless religion fanatic and a serial killer who lures and kills women that use their sexuality to attract men. But after being released from prison, he goes on a search for stolen money by targeting a mother and her two tough children.

CHOKED-UP

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) dir. Frank Capra

Currently streaming: Amazon Prime

There are some films that make you cry. And then, there are others that make you bawl. The scope of films that can do this is endless; it could be a sad, heartbreaking, or feel-good film like Life is Beautiful, Good Will Hunting, or the The Intouchables. If films like these make you choke-up upon viewing them, then It's a Wonderful Life is the film for you. This great film starring James Stewart and Donna Reed has comforted me on many occasions (just read here). It has challenged my emotionality and uplifted my spirit. But most of all, I cry every time it plays. It's fairly famous, and it is often something you'd find playing on TV at Christmas despite it not being a Christmas film. The story follows George Bailey's life. Bailey is an adventurous individual looking to move on from his small town of Bedford Falls. But his deeply kind spirit hinders his goals. With each passing problem throughout the years, he finds himself more cynical than normal. That is, until he finally decides to end it all, but then something ethereal changes his perspective on life.

YOUNG AGAIN

The Adventures of Prince Achmed (1926) dir. Carl Koch/Lotte Reiniger

It's movies like The Goonies or Aladdin that make you feel like a kid again. It might be the adventure that connects you to your younger-self. But mostly, it's that floating feeling that bloats your spirit when you see kids finding themselves in the great and scary world. With adventure, a group of friends, and difficult challenges, you can feel like a kid again. These elements are reflected in The Adventures of Prince Achmed. The various vignettes in this film are based on the stories from The Arabian Nights. Beyond the incredible storytelling technique, this film also happens to be the oldest surviving feature animated film. The story follows Prince Achmed who is tricked into riding a magical horse by a wicked sorcerer. While traveling, the prince falls in love with a beautiful princess and must defeat an army of demons to win her over. While beautifully crafted with a silhouette technique, The Adventures of Prince Achmed is guaranteed to make you feel like a kid waiting to go on an adventure again.

TERROR

Cat People (1942) dir. Jacques Tourneur

There is a lingering feeling of fear, terror, and anxiousness when watching horror films like Midsommar, The Shining, or Jaws. With scary creatures, daunting images of death, and a stilted environment, horror films are beautiful products of art. And if beautiful horror films are your thing, then Cat People is the Classic Hollywood film you need to see. You'll be sure to feel the horror from the composed frames in this film. With dark alleys, shadows in hallways, and a mysterious big feline wandering the city, terror will creep up on you. In the iconic film by Tourneur, a Serbian fashion designer named Irene and an American marine engineer named Oliver fall in love. After a brief courtship, the couple marry, but Irene is reluctant to consummate the marriage, claiming that she will turn into a panther if she decides to do it. If horror films that center around sexual repression or mythology piques your interest, then Cat People is the daunting tale that might just push you over the edge.

JOY

Funny Face (1957) dir. Stanley Donen

Currently streaming: Amazon Prime

There is an endless list of films that can bring joy to a number of people. With joyful films, elements of love, music, and style are exlusively introduced. These elements are seen in films like The Princess Bride and La La Land. Does your heart swell upon seeing a couple dance and sing together? Is it the love story that pulls you in? If so, Funny Face is the perfect film for you. It isn't just the music and beautiful photography that will swell your heart with joy. But the story is led by an endearing actress who falls into this character perfectly. Basically, her joy will ensure your own. Audrey Hepburn stars as a shy but lovable book clerk who is discovered by a fashion photographer. Soon after their meeting, she is whisked off to Paris where she reluctantly becomes a model. If dance numbers, music, or love doesn't do it for you, watch this film for the beautiful images of Paris in technicolor.

ADVENTUROUS

Jason and the Argonauts (1963) dir. Don Chaffey

We can find adventure in many films that have heroes, sidekicks, scary challenges, and long treks. If you like the adventure in Moonrise Kingdom that has long treks with beautiful scenery and a villainous enemy, or if you enjoy Troy and the deadly enemies that are hindered by heroic actions, then you'd also find adventure in Jason and the Argonaunts. The tale of Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece is incredibly iconic and well-known. But this story dives deep into the aspect of adventure like no other by using advanced technology (for its time) and a beautifully written three-act structure. This story will not only enchant you with its heroic and iconic characters, but the story falls deeply on my heart as one of pure imagination and adventure.

THOUGHTFUL

12 Angry Men (1957) dir. Sidney Lumet

Currently streaming: Tubi (No subscription required; you can view this film for free!)

Classic Hollywood films can offer a plethora of great pieces that elicit pensiveness in the viewer. While most films in this era reflect on the psychology of characters more than social themes, there are some that highlight societal issues. Like A Few Good Men, the viewer is indulging in a thoughtful piece about some larger theme. These type of films are not only dialogue-driven, but they also contain characters that force you to think about your own life and decisions. Henry Fonda stars in the iconic Sidney Lumet film about a group of jurors deciding on the verdict of a young man who has been accused of murder. Although it begins as an open-and-shut case, one juror challenges the others prejudices and preconceived notions about the trial and the accused boy, resulting in a long night of drama and intrigue. If you're in the mood to be thoughtful, watch 12 Angry Men!

EMPOWERED

The Heiress (1949) dir. William Wyler

Currently Streaming: WatchTCM (Turner Classic Movies)

Calling all women: if you're in the mood to feel empowered, there is a surprising surplus of films about complex women in the arsenal of the Classic Hollywood era (you just have to search really hard). Whether you feel empowered by watching films like Legally Blonde, Clueless, Erin Brockovich, or A League of Their Own, you can find equally stimulating and three-dimensional female characters in the deep archives of Hollywood. Despite Hollywood classically and historically categorizing all women as wives, maids, or arm-candy, you can find a great and empowering gem in The Heiress which turns this trope on its head. Directed by one of the greats, William Wyler, this film follows the life of a dull and plain woman named Catherine who lives with her emotionally distant father in 1840's New York. While she spends most of her time needlepointing, she soon finds herself entranced by a dashing social climber who is out to absorb her inheritance. But Catherine is not stupid, and her peers, father, and lover soon find that they've messed with the wrong heiress, but she must overcome her own personal fears first.

THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT THE MOVIES

The magical world of Classic Hollywood films is endless. And with an endless list of glamorous films, you might find something that could positively change your life. You might find a perspective that you have not understood or studied before. Or you might find yourself deeply moved by someone else's life. Cinema is one the greatest communication tools artists have been given since the printing press was made (since movies can reach a wide audience). And when artists share their stories with it, the world as you know it might not be as small as you believe. So watch good movies. Watch movies in a genre and era that you might not like to explore. Watch weird movies or movies that provoke you. Watch movies made by women and people of color. But definitely watch movies from the Classic Hollywood film era; it might just make your world a little bigger.

Check out more of my movie suggestions :)

If you like what you saw here, feel free to check out my instagram page that suggests more films to watch: @nostromofilmclub. Happy viewing <3