The 21st century has seen a lot of standout films. But the ‘Golden Age’ of Hollywood should not be swept under the rug. With iconic performers including Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn, as well as an undeniable charm, these movies are not to be missed out on. Since the Golden Age had so many genres, from romance to murder mysteries, there is something for everyone.
Minor spoilers ahead!
The Golden Age paved the way for sexuality in movies
One example of this is Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho, which is incredibly progressive for 1960. It contains a now incredibly famous scene. Marion Crane (Janet Leigh) is stabbed to death whilst taking a shower. The shower scene contained 70 camera set ups, and was coupled with the screeching sound of string instruments which has become a very well known composition. This murder scene shocked audiences due to the vulnerability of the victim. Not only this, but the use of the camera makes it a frenzied attack.
The presentation of sexuality and violence in the same scene was unheard of before this film. It doesn’t stop there. Towards the end of the film, we discover who the killer is, and it is not what the audience could have predicted. The killer has taken the form of his mother, and wears her clothes whilst carrying out his crimes. This was pretty unheard of in cinema.
Psycho is described as Hitchcock’s “most famous and influential work.” Not only is it progressive, but it also has an iconic and impressive soundtrack, as well as a great acting performance from Anthony Perkins.
The direction from Hitchcock really emphasises how creepy and isolated the Bates Motel is. It is definitely an eerie place, and chills really do go up your spine watching this. It is so meticulous, and definitely one to watch, especially in the lead up to Halloween!
Feminism also features in Golden Age classics
Another Old Hollywood film that also commends feminism and female sexuality, and a complete contrast to Psycho, is Howard Hawks’ Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, starring Jane Russell and Marilyn Monroe as best friends and showgirls Dorothy Shaw and Lorelai Lee who travel to Paris on a ship.
This dynamic duo are the real highlight of the film; they really standout and shine. While the male characters fade into the background, these two women are so effortlessly captivating. Their friendship is the driving force of the film, with Monroe’s character warm and genuine, albeit smarter than she looks, and Russell’s character quick-witted and a maker of snappy remarks making this a truly enjoyable film.
Modern critics have praised the friendship between the female leads in the film, as although they might have different views on men – Lorelai values wealth whereas Dorothy admires looks – they still support each other and there is no jealousy or animosity between the pair.
The songs
Gentlemen Prefer Blondes contains dazzling musical numbers such as ‘Ain’t There Anyone Here For Love’ which is an expression of female sexuality. Dorothy has her eyes set on fellow passengers – the US Olympic team. However, it is Monroe’s ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’ that steals the show, and has remained an iconic piece of cinema.
This is a film that makes you laugh. There is great dialogue, and the dynamic of Russell and Monroe is a testament to female friendships and femininity, and the movie shows that women have desires too.
Golden Age’s theme of finding romance in a time of political unrest
One of Old Hollywood’s most famous films is Casablanca. Starring the beautiful Ingrid Bergman and suave Humphrey Bogart, Casablanca received three Academy Awards, including Outstanding Motion Picture. Casablanca is a historic feature film that as filmed and set during the Second World War. Since its release in 1942, it has become a world-wide sensation.
With memorable dialogue and a romance for the ages, this film rightly deserves its notoriety. The love story between the romantic leads is the driving force behind the film, but the politics in the film are also fascinating to watch.
Casablanca was a temporary home for those desperate to flee to America during the war, and married couple Ilsa Lund (Bergman) and Victor Lazlo (Paul Henreid) are desperate to escape due to Lazlo being a leader of the Czechoslovak Resistance. In a twist of fate, Ilsa’s ex-lover Rick Blaine (Bogart) owns the popular nightclub in Casablanca, and the two rekindle. This film showcases the importance of sacrifice, freedom, and morality. Don’t miss this one!
Doctor Zhivago
Another film that is set in a tumultuous political atmosphere is Doctor Zhivago. But at its core, it is a love story. Starring Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, and Geraldine Chaplin, David Lean’s 1965 film has it all. A gorgeous snow-swept landscape, a spellbinding score. As of 2024, it is the 9th highest grossing film (adjusted for inflation), accumulating $2,680,000,000.
This Epic film won five Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay. Set in Russia during its civil war, we follow Doctor Yuri Zhivago throughout his life. From losing his mother as a child, the uprising of the Bolsheviks, serving as a war doctor, and falling in love. It is a very long film, with a run time of over three hours, but the historical aspects are really interesting.
West Side Story
One of the most famous Romeo and Juliet adaptations, West Side Story follows Tony (Richard Beymer) and Maria (Natalie Wood), two teenagers caught amid two gangs – the Caucasian ‘Jets’ and the Puerto Rican ‘Sharks’. The two meet at a dance, and keep their forbidden romance a secret from the leaders of the two gangs: Maria’s brother, Bernardo (George Chakris) and Tony’s best friend Riff (Russ Tamblyn) so not to cause further conflict.
As well as being a story of romance, West Side Story also gives attention to racial discrimination, immigration, and knife crime. The main conflict is between the two gangs. Some of the language and attitudes are dated and stereotypical against Puerto Ricans, and it is important to recognise this when watching the 1961 musical.
The film received 12 Academy Award nominations, and won 10, including Best Motion Picture and Best Supporting Actress for Rina Moreno. She also appeared in Stephen Spielberg’s 2021 adaptation of West Side Story.
With captivating dance numbers such as the immortalised ‘America’, West Side Story is definitely one of the most-loved musicals of all time. The leads may be a bit wishy-washy, but the drama between the rival gangs elevate it. Make sure to add this to your catalogue.
The Golden Age was full of great comedies
Many actors starred in comedies, including the genius Charlie Chaplin. One of the most famed comedy actors was Cary Grant. In Bringing Up Baby, he stars alongside Katharine Hepburn. The two go on a journey of misadventure with a leopard called Baby. They delayed filming due to constant laughter, and that is felt in the film.
Filmed in 1938, this film is an impressive piece of cinema. It’s so funny. The actors’ performances make the characters believable. With quick and snappy dialogue, it is sure to warm your heart.
Another iconic comedy that was ahead of its time is Some Like It Hot, starring Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, and Marilyn Monroe. A delightfully silly story of two musicians who flee to Florida with an all-female jazz band, disguised as women, after witnessing a mob hit during the prohibition era.
Outrageously funny, the duo of Curtis and Lemmon bounce of each other. The friendly chemistry they both have with Monroe is effortless. Some Like It Hot has received outstanding reviews since its release in 1959. The film is very progressive, with the other characters not batting an eye at the guys’ deceitful costumes. Audiences have been laughing out loud for over 65 years. It was rated the best comedy of all time in 2017.
Mysteries and noir films
As I mentioned, Alfred Hitchcock was a revolutionary director and filmmaker. His movies have gained worldwide notoriety, and he set the standard for suspense-filled and noir-style films. Most famously, Rear Window, The 39 Steps, and Dial M for Murder. Hitchcock’s films have starred some incredibly famous movie-stars, including James Stewart, Gregory Peck, and Grace Kelly.
Hitchcock is not the only director known for darker films. Billy Wilder was an acclaimed director and also was influential in the noir genre. His films Double Indemnity and Witness for the Prosecution both feature murder, a ‘femme fatale’ character, and a man that we shouldn’t trust. Both films are shot in black & white, which ramps up the suspense. They received high praise. Rob Fraser described Double Indemnity as “Film noir at its finest, a template of the genre.”
Witness for the Prosecution is an adaptation Agatha Christie’s play. She “herself considered it the finest film derived from one of her stories.” The Queen of Crime approves of the film, so you should not miss it!
Iconic musicals
Finally, you can’t talk about the Golden Age of Hollywood without talking about the incredible musicals. The Wizard of Oz revolutionized the use of colour in films. Despite the questionable filming methods, it is a magical piece of cinema. It is a joy for all ages. With Wicked Part II coming out in November, there isn’t a better time to go back to where the story all began!
Another musical that has stood the test of time and has become a much-beloved classic is Singin’ in the Rain. Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor, and Debbie Reynolds are powerhouses individually, but as a trio, they are remarkable. With showstopping dancing, and wonderfully written comedy, you absolutely should see this. This musical is a satirical take on Hollywood era. It’s a magnificent piece of film.
Finally, The Sound of Music is, in my opinion, one of the most heart-warming musicals there is. Julie Andrews is, as ever, flawless. Her character Maria is so lovable, and the relationships she builds with the children of Captain Von Trapp (Christopher Plummer) is divine. With songs such as Do-Re-Mi, which is guaranteed to get stuck in your head, Robert Wise’s 1965 film is a delight. 60 years later, it still remains one of the highest grossing films, and for good reason. You truly get whisked away into the hills of Salzburg, Austria. It never gets old.
The Golden Age produced some golden movies
To conclude, the Golden Age of Hollywood does have some great films that are worth watching. Definitely take the time to watch those.
However, some do have concerning attitudes towards women and race. For example, the portrayal of Puerto Ricans in West Side Story is particularly stereotypical. Other films such as Gone With the Wind are problematic due to their treatment of people of color. This shouldn’t go unmentioned.
So yes, there are some undeniably great movies. But it is important to remember while watching that the Golden Age wasn’t golden for everyone.
