By Peter Skrzypczak, Film Critic.
Citizen Kane (1941)
Dir. Orson Welles, Rated PG, 1h 59m
Controversial. Pioneering. Classic. All words that have been used to describe this movie. Whether it’s stuck with you or the mainstream there is no denying the impact this movie had – on the industry and Orson himself.
“A toast, Jedediah: to love on my own terms.”
Casablanca (1942)
Dir. Michael Curtiz, Rated PG, 1h 42m
This is one of the most quoted movies of all time. Chances are you’ve heard one of them before, or at the very least a misquote.
“Of all the gin joints, in all the towns, in all the world, she walks into mine.”
Bambi (1942)
Dir. David Hand, Rated G, 1h 10m
When you look at all of Disney’s animated films, you’ll instantly recognize what decade they were made in, and I think that lends some charm to the cartoons. This, like so many of the others, is a classic.
“Man was in the forest.”
Frankenstein Meets the Wolfman (1943)
Dir. Roy William Neil, Unrated, 1h 14m
BAM! Now they’re in the same frame together – fighting and whatnot! Classic horror monsters are on screen and now they’re meeting up to fight one another. Featuring Bela Lugosi of “Dracula” as the monster and Lon Chaney Jr. reprising his role of the Wolfman.
“He is not insane. He simply wants to die.”
Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)
Dir. Frank Capra, Unrated, 1h 58m
It’s a dark comedy based on the stage play of the same name. The film even has actors from the play reprise their roles for the screen. The plot revolves around two elderly sisters who poison lonely old bachelors as a “very bad habit.”
“Look, I probably should have told you this before but you see… well… insanity runs in my family… it practically gallops.”
Laura (1944)
Dir. Otto Preminger, Unrated, 1h 28m
The film was met with mixed reviews on release. Roger Ebert remarked on it being absurd and improbable but a good noir altogether. The film follows a detective as he falls for the woman whose case he is working.
“I don’t use a pen. I write with a goose quill dipped in venom.”
Spellbound (1945)
Dir. Alfred Hitchcock, Unrated, 1h 51m
This is one of Hitchcock’s earlier films. It’s a noir mystery that follows Ingrid Bergman as Dr. Constance Petersen and Gregory Peck as Dr. Anthony Edwards. There’s even a haunting dream sequence which is designed by Salvador Dali.
“My dear girl, you can not keep bumping your head against reality and saying it is not there.”
Abbott and Costello meet Frankenstein (1948)
Dir. Charles Barton, Rated PG, 1h 23m
BAM–again! This time comedians have joined the monster battle. This shows that the classic horror monsters still had some life with the injection of the prolific comedians, Bud Abbot and Lou Costello.
“Young people making the most of life – while it lasts.”
Cinderella (1950)
Dir. Clyde Geronimi, Rated G, 1h 20m
Disney continues to show itself as a powerhouse of animation. This was during the time when Disney used live action actors and sets as models for animation.
“A dream is a wish your heart makes when you’re fast asleep.”
Annie Get Your Gun (1950)
Dir. George Sidney, Unrated, 1h 47m
It’s a musical comedy loosely based on the iconic sharpshooter, Annie Oakley. Judy Garland was originally meant to play the titular role but was fired for her continuous absence throughout production.
“Anything you can do, I can do better.”
