Branch out and discover what the Golden Age of Hollywood has to offer! The recommendations below are perfect when you want to be immersed in music or romance, when you’re looking for something funny or scary. There’s a little something for everyone. Pick one you’re in the mood for, and discover how great film was “back in the day.”
Guys and Dolls: With both Marlon Brando and Frank Sinatra singing and dancing musical numbers in suits, you should definitely check this movie out if you’re into romantic comedies or musicals. It has two storylines (with a guy and a “doll”) that will keep you interested until the final scene.
Singin’ in the Rain: This light-hearted musical-comedy will make you happy even on the rainiest of days. With impressive dance numbers from Gene Kelly and Debbie Reynolds, you will not be disappointed in this film about three friends trying to save a disastrous movie from failure before it’s too late.
West Side Story: A musical lightly based on Romeo and Juliet, this Golden Age movie will be sure to entertain you with its captivating choreography and elaborate musical numbers as a forbidden romance blooms in the middle of a battle between the Sharks and Jets.
Meet Me in St. Louis: In honor of Washington University’s hometown, check out this musical starring Judy Garland (Dorothy from Wizard of Oz), as she experiences the 1904 World’s Fair in St. Louis and navigates her relationship with the boy next door.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s: In this movie based on Truman Capote’s novella, Audrey Hepburn delivers an enchanting performance as Holly Golightly, one of her most famous roles. With the famous song, “Moon River,” and non-stop laughs, this classic is sure to delight romantic comedy fans.
The Philadelphia Story: One of my favorite classics, this Academy Award-winning film is absolutely hilarious, with a drunken rendez-vous between Katharine Hepburn and James Stewart, a snarky Cary Grant, and the persisting question of “Who will Ms. Tracy Lord marry?”.
Roman Holiday: This touching romantic comedy starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck will pull your heartstrings as a princess turns pauper in Rome and goes on an adventure with a dashing newspaper reporter.
High Society: A musical version of The Philadelphia Story, this star-filled movie is hilarious and even more entertaining than the original. With Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and songs by Louis Armstrong, this comedy is filled with all of the suspense of the original plus a little extra fun!
Rear Window: The sole scary movie on this list, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly at their finest, this classic is suspenseful and terrifying. A professional photographer observes his neighbors through his rear window, when he sees something not right about the married couple across the street. Everytime I watch it, I am terrified, even though I know how it ends.
Gone With the Wind: The highest grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation, this Academy Award-winning film details the life of Scarlett O’Hara before, during, and after the Civil War in the South. Miss O’Hara has many marriages, an obsession with her cousin’s husband, and a Rhett Butler, who only gives a damn some of the movie.
I hope you take a chance, and enjoy!
By Brianna Hines