Category: 1950s

Singin’ in the Rain (1952)

In 1927, with the advent of “Talking Pictures”, superstars Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) suddenly have to deal with the fact that Linas’ voice doesn’t match her beautiful, silent, screen persona.  Their studio has already started trying to pump out another picture to cash in on the new fad, so Don and his best friend Cosmo (Donald O’Connor) come up with a plan where the unknown actress Kathy (Debbie Reynolds) will secretly redub all of Lina’s dialogue.

Highlighted with some of the most memorable songs and dances of all time, this musical is easily one of the best movies ever made and continues to influence films today.

1hr. 43min.

The Rabbit Trap (1959)

Reliable and overworked Eddie (Ernest Borgnine) is finally taking a vacation with his wife Abby (Bethel Leslie) and their son Duncan (Kevin Corcoran), when his boss suddenly calls to have him come back to work immediately.  Worried about money, the intimidated Eddie decides to go back.  On their return Duncan realizes that they forgot their rabbit trap (they had planned to catch a rabbit and then release it) and that it is still set.  Despite Duncans’ worries that a rabbit will be trapped and no one will be there to release it, Eddie insists they can’t go back.  The plight of the rabbit makes Eddie realize that there is more at stake with his family and that what he decides next will have an effect on all of their lives.

1hr. 12min.

Scaramouche (1952)

Set in the turbulent times leading to the French Revolution, Andre (Stewart Granger) isn’t very interested in politics or the current unrest.  It’s not until his firebrand friend Philippe (Richard Anderson) is taunted into a duel with a master swordsman Noel (Mel Ferrer) and easily killed, that Andre decides to not only take up Philippes’ political mantel but also train in swordsmanship so that he is able to one day challenge Noel and avenge his friend.

The climatic duel set in an opera house is one of the finest in cinematic history.

1hr. 55min.

Dangerous Crossing (1953)

Mere moments after boarding a cruise ship on her honeymoon, Ruth (Jeanne Crain) realizes that not only can she not find her husband John (Carl Betz), but she can’t seem to find anyone who’s seen him at all.  As her sanity begins to come in question she is aided by the kindly ships doctor Dr. Manning (Michael Rennie).  At first just sympathetic to her plight, Manning begins to realize that a far more sinister plot is in motion.

Filmed in an impressive 17 days, the film utilized the set for the 1953 big budget Titanic to double for their cruise ship in this intense thriller.

1hr. 15min.

The African Queen (1951)

Set in Africa right at the beginning of WWI, this story follows salty steamboat captain Charlie (Humphrey Bogart) and prim missionary Rose (Katherine Hepburn). They are thrown together when German officers destroy the village that Rose and her brother were witnessing to (as well as causing the brothers death). Charlie agrees to take Rose down the river to safety, but she has another plan: somehow get down the Ulanga River and destroy a large German ship that is anchored there. Their journey down the river is at times humourous, touching and exciting as they struggle to survive the elements and eachother.

Shot on location, this film captures Hepburn and Bogart at their best.

1hr. 45min.

Prince Valiant (1954)

Valiant is the son of a viking king and queen who have been driven into exile by a traitor. So, Valiant decides to become a knight for King Arthur in order to be able to take back his father’s throne. He finds another villain in Camelot in the person of the mysterious Black Knight. It isnt long before he realizes the culprit is someone from inside the palace, who has a long range plan.  It also isnt long before Valiant has another complication; his falling in love with a beautiful princess (Janet Leigh). Robert Wagner stars as the title character in this exciting adventure film.

1hr. 40min.

Around the World in Eighty Days (1956)

Based on the novel by Jules Verne, this fascinating film takes you around the globe with Philious Fogg (David Niven) a 19th century gentleman who believes that he can circle the globe in the then unheard of amount of time of just eighty days.  Gigantic bets are made all around the world as to whether he’ll make it or not.  His loyal and clever servant Passepartout (Cantinflas) helps him in and out of many scrapes.  Including the rescueing of a young widowed princess (Shirley Maclaine).

Actually filmed all over the world and an amazing amount of cameos from famous stars, are some of the highlights of this captivating film.

3hrs. 2min.

Journey to the Center of the Earth (1959)

This is the classic Jules Verne tale of a group of people who penetrate the core of the earth.  When Professor Lindenbrough (James Mason) finds a 300 year old message from another professor who, in his time, claimed the center of the earth could be reached, it’s only a moment before Lindenbrough is off. Soon though his quest for science quickly becomes one of survival. With him is young Alec (Pat Boone), Carla (Arhlene Dahl) and Hans (former athlete David Thayer).

With groundbreaking special effects this film brings to life the wonders and possibilities that could be “right under our feet”.

2hr. 10min.

Quo Vadis (1951)

The setting; Rome. The time; the reign of Nero. The Christians are being persecuted and Roman centurion Marcuss Viniceus (Robert Taylor) could care less. Then one day, while visiting a friend, he meets Lygia (Deborah Kerr), a beautiful girl who’s a Christian. After the burning of Rome, Nero (Peter Ustinov) decides if the people want someone to blame he’ll make it be the Christians. It is in the midst of the terror and the tragedy of the arena, that Marcuss’ lust for Lygia and his skepticism of christianity begins to change.

2hr. 50min.