Here are my twenty favourite films released before 1960. I am not going to attempt to list them in anything other than date order. Those mentioned are films I have either seen or revisited in the past few years or are otherwise deeply etched in my memory.
It Happened One Night Dir. Frank Capra (USA, 1934)
That rare beast, a romantic comedy that is genuinely funny. There’s good chemistry between the two stars, Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, and the venerable age of the film serves to increase the charm factor.
His Girl Friday Dir. Howard Hawks (USA, 1940)
Probably my favourite screwball comedy. Fast-paced, terrific dialogue and two engaging stars, Cary Grant and Rosalind Russell.
Citizen Kane Dir. Orson Welles (USA, 1941)
Widely regarded as the best film ever made, it is undoubtedly a cinema classic. This study on the corrupting influence of power was years ahead of its time.
Sullivan’s Travels Dir. Preston Sturges (USA, 1941)
A social comedy that takes a serious turn. This is, I think, the only film by the satirical film-maker, Preston Sturges, that I have seen. It is an omission that I hope to rectify.
Brief Encounter Dir. David Lean (UK, 1945)
Cut-glass accents, stiff upper lips, terribly British and Rachmaninoff’s 2nd Piano Concerto. It is so easy to mock but, if one gives one’s cynicism a rest, this is actually a desperately romantic and moving film.
It’s A Wonderful Life Dir. Frank Capra (USA, 1946)
A classic film, starring the great James Stewart, that is frequently shown on TV at Christmas. Although it is sentimental and whimsical, it is also a film of depth that explores the issue of one’s significance in the world.
Bicycle Thieves Dir. Vittoria De Sica (Italy, 1947)
This masterpiece from the Italian neo-realism movement provides an enormous contrast with the last movie. It is a simple film, using non-professional actors and shot in the streets of Rome, about a father, accompanied by his young son searching for the thief who stole his bicycle, without which he is unable to work in the poverty-stricken city. Possibly my favourite film. See it and weep.
The Third Man Dir. Carol Reed (UK, 1949)
A brilliantly made film noir with a screenplay by Graham Greene and starring the two principal actors from Citizen Kane, Joseph Cotten and Orson Welles.
Sunset Boulevard Dir. Billy Wilder (USA, 1950)
A bitter satire on Hollywood, directed by the brilliant Billy Wilder, who also co-wrote the sharply witty dialogue. With memorable performances by Gloria Swanson and William Holden, this film deserves its high reputation.
High Noon Dir. Fred Zinnemann (USA, 1952)
One of the best westerns ever made, it transcends the genre. Gary Cooper is magnificent in the role of the sheriff, albeit a bit old for the part.
Click on film titles for Amazon product links.
To be continued
Leave a Reply