Black & White Movies

Adventure

The Mark of Zorro (1920)
4/5 (2)

“The Mark of Zorro” is a silent film released in 1920, directed by Fred Niblo and starring Douglas Fairbanks in the lead role. The film is set in the early 19th century in Spanish California and follows the story of a wealthy young man named Don Diego Vega who returns home from Spain to find his people oppressed by a cruel and corrupt governor.

Disguised as a masked outlaw named Zorro, Diego sets out to right the wrongs committed against his people. He uses his fencing skills, wit, and daring to challenge the governor’s tyranny and protect the weak and innocent.

As Zorro, Diego becomes a hero to the people and a thorn in the governor’s side. However, he must also contend with the governor’s right-hand man, Captain Juan Ramon, who is determined to capture and unmask the elusive Zorro.

The film is filled with thrilling sword fights, daring stunts, and exciting action sequences. It also features a romantic subplot as Diego falls in love with the governor’s beautiful niece, Lolita.

In the end, Zorro triumphs over the governor’s tyranny, and justice is served. The film ends with Diego revealing his true identity to Lolita, and the two live happily ever after.

“The Mark of Zorro” is considered a classic of the silent film era and is credited with popularizing the swashbuckling adventure genre. Douglas Fairbanks’ charismatic performance as Zorro helped make the character an enduring pop culture icon.

Directors:
Fred Niblo

Writer:
Johnston McCulley, Douglas Fairbanks, Eugene Miller

Stars:
Douglas Fairbanks, Marguerite De La Motte, Noah Beery

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The Green Glove (1952)
3/5 (1)

“The Green Glove” is a 1952 adventure film directed by Rudolph Maté and starring Glenn Ford and Geraldine Brooks. The film follows the story of a World War II veteran named Michael Blake, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous treasure hunt in post-war France.

Blake (played by Ford) is searching for a legendary glove made of emeralds, which is said to have been hidden during the war. His search leads him to a small town in France, where he meets a mysterious woman named Christelle (played by Brooks) who claims to have knowledge of the glove’s whereabouts.

As Blake and Christelle embark on their quest, they encounter a variety of dangerous characters, including a band of thieves who are also searching for the glove. Along the way, they are pursued by the police, who suspect them of being involved in a recent robbery.

As the plot thickens, Blake and Christelle must use all their wits and resources to outsmart their enemies and uncover the truth about the glove’s location. The film builds to a thrilling climax as the characters race to find the treasure before it falls into the wrong hands.

“The Green Glove” is a suspenseful and exciting adventure film that features stunning French locations and a talented cast. Ford is charismatic as the film’s hero, and Brooks brings a touch of mystery and intrigue to her role. The film’s fast-paced action and intricate plot twists make it a must-see for fans of classic adventure movies.

Directors:
Rudolph Maté

Writer:
Charles Bennett

Stars:
Glenn Ford, Geraldine Brooks, Cedric Hardwicke

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The general (1926)
4/5 (1)

“The General” is a silent comedy film released in 1926 and directed by Buster Keaton and Clyde Bruckman. The film tells the story of a train engineer named Johnnie Gray, who sets out to recover his beloved locomotive, “The General,” after it is stolen by Union spies during the Civil War.

The film is known for its intricate and dangerous stunts, as well as its innovative use of trains and locomotives. It received mixed reviews upon its initial release but has since been recognized as one of the greatest silent comedies ever made.

“The General” is also notable for its historical context, as it is set during the Civil War and portrays both Union and Confederate soldiers in a sympathetic light. The film has been praised for its humanizing portrayal of soldiers on both sides of the conflict.

Overall, “The General” remains a beloved classic of the silent film era and a testament to the comedic genius of Buster Keaton.

Directors:
Clyde Bruckman, Buster Keaton

Writer:
Buster Keaton, Clyde Bruckman, Al Boasberg

Stars:
Buster Keaton, Marion Mack, Glen Cavender

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The Scarlet Pimpernel (1934) summary
4/5 (1)

“The Scarlet Pimpernel” is a 1934 film based on the novel by Baroness Emmuska Orczy. The movie is set during the Reign of Terror in France in the late 18th century.

The story revolves around Sir Percy Blakeney, an English aristocrat who leads a secret double life as the Scarlet Pimpernel, a daring and elusive hero who rescues French aristocrats from the guillotine. His wife, Marguerite St. Just, is a French actress who becomes embroiled in political intrigue when she is blackmailed into discovering the identity of the Scarlet Pimpernel.

As Marguerite carries out her mission, she comes to realize that the Scarlet Pimpernel is none other than her own husband. She tries to warn him of danger, but he is already on his way to rescue the latest group of aristocrats. Marguerite follows him to France and helps him to carry out his mission.

The movie culminates in a thrilling escape as the Scarlet Pimpernel and his rescued aristocrats flee from their pursuers. Marguerite reveals her knowledge of her husband’s secret identity, and they are reconciled.

“The Scarlet Pimpernel” is a classic tale of adventure, romance, and heroism, and the 1934 movie version is a beloved adaptation of the novel. The film was directed by Harold Young and starred Leslie Howard as Sir Percy Blakeney and Merle Oberon as Marguerite St. Just.

Directors:
Harold Young

Writer:
Baroness Emmuska Orczy, Alexander Korda, Montagu Barstow

Stars:
Leslie Howard, Merle Oberon, Raymond Massey

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The Sheik (1921)
3/5 (1)

“The Sheik” is a 1921 silent romantic drama film directed by George Melford and starring Rudolph Valentino, Agnes Ayres, and Adolphe Menjou. It is based on the 1919 novel of the same name by Edith Maude Hull.

The film is set in the North African desert, where an independent and spirited Englishwoman named Lady Diana Mayo (Agnes Ayres) is vacationing with her brother. One day, while out riding alone, she is kidnapped by a group of Arab men and taken to the tent of Ahmed Ben Hassan (Rudolph Valentino), a wealthy and powerful Sheik. Ahmed initially plans to ransom Diana back to her brother, but soon finds himself drawn to her beauty and spirit.

Diana initially resists Ahmed’s advances and tries to escape, but gradually begins to fall in love with him. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Ahmed is already betrothed to another woman, and by the cultural differences between them. Eventually, Diana is rescued by her brother and taken back to England.

Despite its controversial themes and portrayal of Arab culture, “The Sheik” was a massive commercial success, making Rudolph Valentino a major Hollywood star and sparking a craze for desert romance films. The film was followed by a sequel, “The Son of the Sheik,” in 1926, which was Valentino’s final film before his untimely death at the age of 31.

Directors:
George Melford

Writer:
Edith Maude Hull, Monte M. Katterjohn

Stars:
Rudolph Valentino, Agnes Ayres, Ruth Miller

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Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1943)
3/5 (1)

“Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon” is a classic mystery film released in 1943, starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. John Watson. The movie is based on the story “The Dancing Men” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The film is set in World War II, with Holmes and Watson working to protect a new secret weapon being developed by the British military. However, the weapon’s inventor, Dr. Franz Tobel, has been kidnapped by the Nazis and taken to Germany.

Holmes and Watson are contacted by Tobel’s assistant, Charlotte Eberli, who seeks their help in rescuing Tobel and preventing the Nazis from obtaining the secret weapon. Together, the three embark on a dangerous mission to Germany, where they must outwit Nazi agents and rescue Tobel.

Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, including a Nazi assassin named Heinrich von Bork, who is determined to stop them at any cost. But with Holmes’ sharp wit and deductive reasoning, and Watson’s loyal support, they manage to uncover the secrets behind Tobel’s invention and thwart the Nazis’ plans.

The film features excellent performances by Rathbone and Bruce, who bring the iconic characters of Holmes and Watson to life. The story is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Overall, “Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon” is a thrilling and entertaining movie that combines classic mystery with wartime espionage, and is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Directors:
Roy William Neill

Writer:
Edward T. Lowe Jr., Scott Darling, Edmund L. Hartmann

Stars:
Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Lionel Atwill

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The Spy In White (1936)
3/5 (1)

“The Spy in White” is a British spy thriller film released in 1936. The movie is set in China in the 1920s, during the time of political upheaval and conflict between various factions and foreign powers. The story revolves around a British naval officer, Cmdr. Carey, who is sent to Shanghai to investigate the disappearance of a fellow officer, Captain Thorndyke.

Upon arriving in Shanghai, Carey finds himself embroiled in a dangerous game of espionage and counter-espionage, as various factions and foreign powers compete for influence and control. He meets a beautiful Russian spy, Sonya, who becomes his ally and helps him in his investigation.

Carey discovers that Thorndyke has been kidnapped by a Chinese warlord, General Yang, who is seeking to obtain a secret treaty between Britain and China. With the help of Sonya and his Chinese friend, Dr. Shen, Carey manages to infiltrate Yang’s stronghold and rescue Thorndyke.

However, the mission is not without its cost. Carey is forced to confront his own moral code and make difficult decisions, including sacrificing his own safety and the safety of his comrades to achieve his objectives.

The movie features impressive cinematography, with stunning shots of Shanghai and the surrounding countryside. The performances by the cast, including Leslie Banks as Cmdr. Carey and Madeleine Carroll as Sonya, are also notable. The film is a gripping thriller that provides a glimpse into the complex political landscape of pre-war China.

Directors:
Andrew Marton

Writer:
Dennis Wheatley, George A. Hill, Richard Wainwright

Stars:
Valerie Hobson, James Mason, Frank Vosper

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Rocky Jones, Space Ranger – Crash of the Moons (1954)
3/5 (1)

“Crash of the Moons” is a 1954 American science fiction film directed by Hollingsworth Morse and starring Richard Crane, Sally Mansfield, and Robert Lyden. The movie is a feature-length version of the TV series “Rocky Jones, Space Ranger.”

The film opens with Rocky Jones (Richard Crane) and his team traveling to the planet Posedon to help a group of settlers who are experiencing a severe drought. On the way, they encounter a moon named Icena, which is on a collision course with Posedon. The only way to prevent a disaster is to tow Icena away from the planet.

Meanwhile, on Icena, two rival factions are engaged in a power struggle. One group, led by Cleolanta (Patsy Parsons), wants to evacuate the moon and move to Posedon, while the other group, led by Bavarro (Robert Lyden), wants to stay on Icena and exploit its resources. Cleolanta and Bavarro both believe that Rocky Jones and his team are there to help them, and they each try to win Rocky’s support.

As Rocky and his team work to save Posedon from the impending collision, they also become embroiled in the conflict on Icena. Ultimately, Rocky must use his wits and his courage to bring the two factions together and convince them to work toward a common goal.

In the end, Rocky is successful in his mission to tow Icena away from Posedon, and the two factions on Icena join forces to create a new society on the moon. Rocky and his team return home, confident in the knowledge that they have saved countless lives and brought peace to a troubled world.

Directors:
Hollingsworth Morse

Writer:
Warren Wilson

Stars:
Richard Crane, Scotty Beckett, Sally Mansfield

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Nabonga (1944)
3/5 (1)

“Nabonga” is a 1944 adventure film directed by Sam Newfield. The movie stars Buster Crabbe as a pilot named Jim “Nevada” Bradford, who crashes his plane in the jungle while carrying a load of diamonds. He is rescued by a girl named Doreen (Julie London) who is the daughter of a missionary. Doreen’s fiancé Bob (Barton MacLane) becomes jealous of Jim and steals the diamonds, framing Jim for the theft. Jim is forced to flee into the jungle, where he befriends a gorilla named Nabonga.

Jim and Nabonga team up to survive in the jungle and also to clear Jim’s name. Along the way, they meet a group of hunters who are after Nabonga, and Jim must fight to protect his new friend. In the end, Jim and Nabonga are able to prove Jim’s innocence and return the stolen diamonds to their rightful owners. Jim also wins the heart of Doreen, who realizes that he is the man for her instead of Bob.

Overall, “Nabonga” is an exciting adventure movie with a unique twist of a man and his gorilla friend as the heroes of the story. It features some impressive jungle scenery and exciting action scenes, making it a fun movie to watch for fans of adventure films.

Directors:
Sam Newfield

Writer:
Fred Myton

Stars:
Buster Crabbe, Fifi D’Orsay, Barton MacLane

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L’Inferno (1911)
3/5 (1)

“L’Inferno” is a silent Italian film, released in 1911 and directed by Francesco Bertolini, Adolfo Padovan, and Giuseppe de Liguoro. It is based on the first part of Dante Alighieri’s “Divine Comedy,” which describes the journey of Dante through the nine circles of Hell.

The film is divided into 34 segments, each corresponding to one of the cantos of the “Inferno.” It begins with Dante being led by the poet Virgil into the dark forest, where he encounters the three beasts of pride, envy, and avarice. Unable to pass, Dante is guided by Virgil through the gates of Hell, where he witnesses the torments of sinners in the first circle of Limbo.

As Dante and Virgil descend further, they encounter the souls of the damned in each of the circles of Hell. These include the lustful, the gluttonous, the wrathful, the heretics, the violent, the fraudulent, and the treacherous. Dante also encounters some of the historical figures and mythological characters who are punished in Hell, including Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, and Ulysses.

The film is notable for its special effects and innovative techniques, including the use of miniatures and hand-painted backdrops to create the various circles of Hell. It also features impressive costumes and makeup to depict the grotesque and terrifying creatures that Dante encounters in Hell.

Overall, “L’Inferno” is a pioneering film that brought one of the most famous literary works of all time to the screen in a stunning and captivating way. It remains a classic of silent cinema and a testament to the power of Dante’s vision of Hell.

Directors:
Francesco Bertolini, Adolfo Padovan, Giuseppe de Liguoro

Writer:
Dante Alighieri

Stars:
Salvatore Papa, Arturo Pirovano, Giuseppe de Liguoro

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Jungle Man (1941)
3/5 (1)

“Jungle Man” is an adventure film released in 1941, directed by Harry L. Fraser. The film stars Buster Crabbe as Jungle Jim, a fearless guide and adventurer in the African jungle.

The story begins with a group of ivory hunters who are searching for a rare and valuable white elephant. Jungle Jim comes to the aid of the hunters when they are attacked by a tribe of hostile natives. Along the way, Jim encounters the beautiful Joan Redmond (played by Julie London), whose father has been kidnapped by a rival tribe.

Jim agrees to help rescue Redmond’s father and embarks on a dangerous journey deep into the jungle. The group encounters a variety of dangers including wild animals, treacherous terrain, and hostile tribes. As they progress, they discover a plot to exploit the native population and are forced to take action to stop it.

The film is filled with exciting action sequences and showcases Crabbe’s athleticism and bravery. It also features themes of colonialism, exploitation, and the importance of respecting indigenous cultures. Overall, “Jungle Man” is a thrilling adventure film that transports the audience to the exotic and dangerous world of the African jungle.

Directors:
Harry L. Fraser

Writer:
Rita Douglas

Stars:
Buster Crabbe, Charles Middleton, Sheila Darcy

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Downhill (1927)
3/5 (1)

“Downhill” is a 1927 silent drama film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring Ivor Novello, Isabel Jeans, and Robin Irvine.

The film follows the story of Roddy Berwick, a popular and wealthy young man who is falsely accused of fathering a child by a young woman. His reputation is ruined and his friends and family turn against him, leading him to leave school and set out on a downward spiral.

As he struggles to survive in the harsh realities of life, Roddy meets a series of characters who take advantage of him and lead him further down the path of despair. He becomes involved with a dance hall girl, loses his job, and is forced to sleep on the streets.

In the end, Roddy is rescued by his former schoolmaster, who helps him clear his name and rebuild his life. He reconciles with his family and friends, but the experiences he has gone through have left their mark on him.

“Downhill” is a poignant and powerful drama that explores the themes of social class, reputation, and the harsh realities of life. Hitchcock’s skillful direction and Novello’s powerful performance make the film a classic of the silent era, and a must-see for fans of the director and the genre.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
Constance Collier, Ivor Novello, Eliot Stannard

Stars:
Ivor Novello, Ben Webster, Norman McKinnel

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Danger Flight (1939)
3/5 (1)

“Danger Flight” is a 1939 adventure film directed by Howard Bretherton and starring John Trent, Marjorie Reynolds, and Ward Bond.

The film follows the story of pilot Jim Carmichael, who is hired to fly a plane carrying a valuable cargo across the Pacific Ocean. As he sets out on his journey, he discovers that his co-pilot has been replaced with a criminal who plans to steal the cargo and sabotage the flight.

Jim and his passengers, including a young woman named Joan, must work together to overcome the dangerous obstacles that they face during their flight, including bad weather and mechanical problems with the plane. They are also pursued by the criminal co-pilot, who is determined to carry out his plan to steal the cargo and escape.

As the flight progresses, tensions rise and the danger intensifies, leading to a thrilling climax as Jim and his passengers fight to keep the plane in the air and defeat the criminal co-pilot.

“Danger Flight” is a classic adventure film filled with action, suspense, and excitement, and is a must-see for fans of the genre. The film also showcases the pioneering era of aviation, with stunning aerial shots and thrilling flying sequences that capture the spirit of early aviation.

Directors:
Howard Bretherton

Writer:
Byron Morgan, Edwin C. Parsons, Hal Forrest

Stars:
John Trent, Marjorie Reynolds, Milburn Stone

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Danger Ahead (1935)
3/5 (1)

“Danger Ahead” is a 1935 adventure film directed by Albert Herman and starring Dick Foran, Ann Doran, and Gordon Westcott.

The film follows the story of Bob Martin, a young engineer who is hired by a construction company to oversee the building of a new railroad. As he works on the project, he discovers that a rival company is trying to sabotage the construction in order to secure the rights to build the railroad themselves.

Bob and his team must face many challenges and dangers as they try to complete the railroad on time, including floods, rockslides, and attacks from the rival company’s hired thugs. Along the way, Bob falls in love with the daughter of the owner of the construction company, but their romance is threatened by the sabotage and danger around them.

As the deadline for completion of the railroad approaches, Bob and his team must work tirelessly to overcome the obstacles in their way and finish the project on time. In the end, they are successful, and the new railroad is built, bringing prosperity to the area and thwarting the plans of the rival company.

“Danger Ahead” is a classic adventure film filled with action, romance, and suspense, and is a must-see for fans of the genre.

Directors:
Albert Herman

Writer:
Peter B. Kyne, Al Martin

Stars:
Lawrence Gray, Sheila Bromley, J. Farrell MacDonald

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Death in the Air (1936)
3/5 (1)

“Death in the Air” is a novel by Agatha Christie, first published in 1935 under the title “Death in the Clouds.” The novel features Christie’s famous detective, Hercule Poirot, and is set in a passenger plane traveling from Paris to Croydon.

The story begins with Poirot traveling on the same plane as a group of passengers, including a French moneylender named Madame Giselle, a famous actress named Jane Grey, a young doctor named Bryant, and a wealthy businessman named Hastings. During the flight, Madame Giselle suddenly dies from a poisoned dart, and it becomes clear that one of the other passengers on the plane must be the murderer.

Poirot sets out to investigate the murder and soon discovers a number of clues and suspects. Among them are a suspicious-looking woman who was seen leaving Madame Giselle’s seat just before the murder, a shady businessman who had borrowed money from the victim, and a young woman who had been acting strangely throughout the flight.

As Poirot delves deeper into the case, he begins to uncover a web of lies and deceit among the passengers, as well as a connection between Madame Giselle and a notorious criminal gang. With the help of his friend Hastings and the young doctor Bryant, Poirot ultimately identifies the murderer and brings them to justice.

“Death in the Air” is a classic Christie mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and features her trademark attention to detail and clever plotting. It is also notable for its unique setting on a passenger plane, which adds an extra layer of tension and claustrophobia to the story.

Directors:
Elmer Clifton

Writer:
Bernard McConville, Charles R. Condon

Stars:
Lona Andre, John Carroll, Leon Ames

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Black & White Series

Series List A-Z

Top Rated Moveis

1 Rebecca (1940)
5/5 (2)
2 Great Expectations (1946)
5/5 (2)
3 The Phantom Carriage (1921)
5/5 (1)
4 Charade (1953)
5/5 (1)
5 Intolerance (1916)
5/5 (1)
6 Arizona Gunfighter (1937)
5/5 (1)
7 Too Late for Tears (1949)
5/5 (1)
8 His Girl Friday (1940)
5/5 (1)
9 The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
5/5 (1)
10 Strike (1925)
5/5 (1)