Most of us have all seen at least one old Hollywood film. Whether it was Mary Poppins or The Wizard of Oz, it’s safe to say that they have shaped our watch history in some capacity. I can recall watching The Sound of Music on VHS. But it was during middle school that I really got invested in this film era and the stars behind them. Some of my favorites include B-rated “pictures” that nobody seems to know of, and some of my least favorites include some of the most critically acclaimed ones. In the spirit of remembering a time frame that shaped American history, here’s a short list of films that everyone should take a look at.
- Some Like It Hot (1959)
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Set in 1929 during Prohibition, two musicians named Joe and Jerry witness the Saint Valentine’s Day Massacre. The two men are determined to escape town now that the murderers are after their only witnesses. How do they do it? They join an all-girls traveling band disguised as two women named Daphne and Josephine.
Some Like It Hot is, in my opinion, one of the funniest movies of all time. Jack Lemmon, who plays Jerry/Daphne, had me laughing from start to finish and was probably my favorite part of the film. Marilyn Monroe and Tony Curtis also star, delivering stellar performances. This film also entertains the idea of gay marriage without condemning it, which was quite daring for the time of its release. Its final line is also one of the most iconic in movie history.
- Love Finds Andy Hardy (1938)
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Andy Hardy is struggling to save up for a down payment on a used car to go to the Christmas Eve dance with his girlfriend. In order to get this car in time for the dance, Andy makes a hasty deal that eventually leads him to become involved with another girl named Cynthia, which places his relationship at risk. In addition to that, his neighbor’s visiting relative, Betsy Booth, has a huge crush on him.
Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, who play Andy Hardy and Betsy Booth, have such strong chemistry together. Judy is also one of the most incredible singers I’ve ever heard. MGM took a good share of opportunities here to show off her vocal talent. In general, though, this is a cute rom-com that doesn’t take itself too seriously and serves as a simple fun watch, which we all need sometimes out of a movie.
- The Fuller Brush Girl (1950)
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A mishap at Sally Elliot’s workplace causes her to lose her job, which prompts her to start selling cosmetics as a door-to-door saleswoman. Knocking on strangers’ doors isn’t easy. She gets tied up by two kids, and her first cosmetic demonstration results in bald customers. Next thing she knows, she and her fiancé are on the run from the police after being falsely accused of a double murder!
This movie is like Tom and Jerry but with real people. The stunts are so cartoon-like and hilarious. Slapstick comedy isn’t for everyone, but this is a must for anyone who finds humor in exaggerated stunts. Lucille Ball, one of my biggest inspirations, stars as Sally, and it’s so interesting to see how similar this film’s formula is to the television classic I Love Lucy, which began airing a year later.
- Move Over, Darling (1963)
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After five years of his wife being missing at sea and presumed dead, Nicholas Arden decides to get married again to a woman named Bianca, right after he has his first wife, Ellen, legally declared dead in court. That same morning, Ellen, who’s actually alive, is rescued from an island she had been on all this time. So now, Nicholas has two wives, and Ellen is pushing him to get rid of the new bride.
Doris Day (Ellen) and James Garner (Nicholas) are delightful in this film. Their characters’ love for one another radiates through the cameras after they are reunited. The storyline comes straight out of a soap opera, but the actors did a great job of keeping it grounded in reality. I feel like the film lost its fast pace towards the end, but overall it was entertaining and heartwarming.
- It Happened One Night (1934)
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Ellen Andrews is a rich heiress who elopes with King Westley, much to the dismay of her father who wants to annul the marriage after finding out. Ellen runs away and starts journeying to New York City via bus to reunite with her husband. A reporter named Peter Warne recognizes her and agrees to help her get to NYC if she gives him an exclusive on her story.
I watched this movie one random day completely unplanned on TCM. I’d never heard of it before. But I was glued to the TV — and that never happens to me and my short attention span. I later found out it was revered as an iconic piece of work from Hollywood’s Golden Age. It’s listed on AFI’s 100 Greatest Movies of All Time list, and it won all five of its Academy Award nominations in 1935. No wonder I loved it so much; so did everyone else!
If it wasn’t obvious, lighthearted romantic and comedy movies are the types of films I enjoy the most. But there’s a great movie for everyone; what people need is some direction for where to look to find ones that best suit their interests. Our entertainment industry wouldn’t be the way it is today if it wasn’t for these classics. Some of these movies, and many others, have hints of outdated ideas and terms. However, I think it’s always interesting to compare and contrast the past and present. It only makes us wonder what the future’s going to look like.
