Feeling Locked Down? Bad case of Cabin Fever? Wanna go out but don't wanna die? Have I got a cure for what ails you. Classic Movies!*
@21st Century Man can you believe we haven't had this topic since Tootsy Wootsy launched one? And seems like they both went down in flames together. I'm a serious fan but really haven't watched any for awhile. Last three days I watched a Classic I hadn't seen before. Really brightened up my days. Even the dark ones because they are so delicious
If you're new to black and white or even silent movies I'd like to introduce you to a few of my favorites. You are in for a treat. If you know them, remember how good these are?
Here's an easy Top Five. All worth multiple viewings. But I suggest don't binge Classics. Savor them
Casablanca 1943 My Numero Uno all time favorite movie of any time. Humphrey Bogart, maybe the first anti-hero before that term even existed. Possibly the best supporting cast ever assembled. Every scene is a gem. Every line of dialogue quotable. Making this list it dawned on me this is the only one never re-made. No one would ever dare
Out of the Past 1947 This is my favorite Film Noir. One of the first and one of the best. Robert Mitchum and Kirk Douglas. Like watching Dark and Light in a test of wills. Jane Greer the icy femme fatale. Remade a million times including 1984 Against All Odds. Starring Jeff Bridges' abs. A movie well worth watching
The Thing From Another World 1951 Sci-fi and Horror. Tight script. Snappy dialogue. Great fun and a few real chills
Philadelphia Story 1940 Sophisticated comedy perfection. Katherine Hepburn (the clothes!), Cary Grant and James Stewart (who won an Oscar for this because he got shafted on Mr. Smith Goes to Washington)
Scarface 1932 Forget the big budget bloated remake with Al Pacino. This is stripped down pre-code gangster movie making. Paul Muni is a revelation of animalistic charisma with no redeeming qualities. So why do we root for him?
*My informal designation of Classic Films is through the 50s