Black & White Movies

Adventure

Captain Kidd (1945)
4/5 (1)

“Captain Kidd” is a 1945 adventure film directed by Rowland V. Lee and starring Charles Laughton, Randolph Scott, and Barbara Britton. The film is loosely based on the historical figure of Captain William Kidd, a notorious pirate who was eventually captured and executed for his crimes.

In the film, Captain Kidd (Laughton) is commissioned by the British government to sail to Madagascar and attack a French vessel carrying treasure. Kidd recruits a crew of pirates and sets out on his mission, but soon finds himself at odds with his crew and his own conscience.

As Kidd and his crew continue their voyage, they face a variety of obstacles and dangers, including storms, mutiny, and attacks by rival pirates. Kidd also becomes romantically involved with a woman named Lady Ann Falconer (Britton), who is traveling to Madagascar to marry the governor of the island.

The film culminates in a thrilling showdown between Kidd and the British navy, as he attempts to evade capture and escape with the treasure. “Captain Kidd” is known for its swashbuckling action sequences, as well as Charles Laughton’s dynamic performance as the charismatic but conflicted pirate. While the film takes many liberties with the historical facts, it remains a popular and entertaining adventure story.

Directors:
Rowland V. Lee

Writer:
Norman Reilly Raine, Robert N. Lee

Stars:
Charles Laughton, Randolph Scott, Barbara Britton

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Bride of the Gorilla (1951)
3/5 (1)

“Bride of the Gorilla” is a 1951 horror film directed by Curt Siodmak and starring Barbara Payton, Lon Chaney Jr., and Raymond Burr. The film tells the story of a plantation owner named Barney Chavez (Burr) who is cursed by a local witch doctor and transforms into a gorilla at night.

Chavez is married to the beautiful Dina Van Gelder (Payton), who becomes suspicious of her husband’s strange behavior and begins to investigate the rumors of the curse. As she uncovers more about the curse and its origins, she becomes increasingly fearful for her own safety.

Meanwhile, the local police captain (Chaney Jr.) begins to investigate a string of murders that have been occurring in the area, which he suspects may be related to Chavez’s curse. As the investigation deepens and the truth is revealed, Dina must confront the terrifying reality of her husband’s transformation and the dark forces that have cursed their lives.

” Bride of the Gorilla” is known for its atmospheric setting and suspenseful plot, as well as the memorable performances of its cast. The film is considered a classic of the “jungle horror” subgenre, which was popular in the 1950s and often featured exotic settings, supernatural elements, and creatures of the jungle.

Directors:
Curt Siodmak

Writer:
Curt Siodmak

Stars:
Barbara Payton, Lon Chaney Jr., Raymond Burr

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Bulldog Drummond’s Revenge (1937)
3/5 (1)

“Bulldog Drummond’s Revenge” is a 1937 mystery film directed by Louis King and starring John Barrymore, John Howard, and Louise Campbell. The film is part of a series of movies based on the popular British detective character Bulldog Drummond, created by H.C. McNeile.

In this installment, Drummond (Howard) is called upon to investigate a series of burglaries and murders that appear to be connected to a criminal mastermind known only as “The Voice.” As he delves deeper into the case, Drummond discovers that The Voice has a personal vendetta against him and is determined to destroy him.

With the help of his faithful friend Algy (Reginald Denny), Drummond sets out to catch The Voice and clear his own name. Along the way, they encounter a variety of obstacles and challenges, including corrupt police officers and dangerous criminal associates.

“Bulldog Drummond’s Revenge” is known for its suspenseful atmosphere and intricate plot, as well as the dynamic performances of its cast. The film was one of several in the Bulldog Drummond series, which was popular during the 1930s and 1940s for its fast-paced action and charismatic leading man.

Directors:
Louis King

Writer:
Edward T. Lowe Jr., Herman C. McNeile

Stars:
John Barrymore, John Howard, Louise Campbell

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Bulldog Drummond in Africa (1938)
4/5 (1)

“Bulldog Drummond in Africa” is a 1938 adventure film directed by Louis King and starring John Howard, Heather Angel, and H.B. Warner. The film is part of a series of movies based on the popular British detective character Bulldog Drummond, created by H.C. McNeile.

In this installment, Drummond (Howard) and his fiancee Phyllis (Angel) travel to Africa to investigate the disappearance of an archeologist. Once they arrive, they discover that a mysterious and dangerous cult is responsible for the kidnapping, and that they are plotting to use the archeologist’s discovery to gain control of the region.

As they pursue the cult, Drummond and Phyllis face a variety of challenges and obstacles, including deadly animals and treacherous terrain. With the help of their African guide, they must navigate the dangers of the wilderness and outsmart the cult’s leaders in order to rescue the archeologist and stop their evil plans.

“Bulldog Drummond in Africa” is known for its thrilling action sequences and exotic setting, and was one of several films in the Bulldog Drummond series. The films were popular during the 1930s and 1940s and were known for their fast-paced action, suspense, and charismatic leading man.

Directors:
Louis King

Writer:
Garnett Weston, Herman C. McNeile

Stars:
John Howard, Heather Angel, H.B. Warner

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Bulldog Drummond’s Peril (1938)
4/5 (1)

“Bulldog Drummond’s Peril” is a 1938 adventure film directed by James P. Hogan and starring John Barrymore, John Howard, and Louise Campbell. The film is part of a series of movies based on the popular British detective character Bulldog Drummond, created by H.C. McNeile.

The plot of the film revolves around Drummond (Howard) and his friend Algy (Reginald Denny) who travel to Morocco to rescue a kidnapped millionaire, who has been taken by a gang of ruthless criminals led by the evil Mikhail Valdin (Barrymore). Along the way, they encounter various dangers and obstacles, including treacherous terrain and hostile locals.

As they pursue the kidnappers, Drummond and his companions must use all their wits and skills to outsmart the criminals and save the millionaire. The film features several action-packed set pieces, including a thrilling car chase and a dramatic showdown in a desert fortress.

“Bulldog Drummond’s Peril” was one of several films in the Bulldog Drummond series, which was popular during the 1930s and 1940s. The films were known for their fast-paced action and suspense, as well as their charismatic leading man.

Directors:
James P. Hogan

Writer:
Stuart Palmer, Herman C. McNeile

Stars:
John Barrymore, John Howard, Louise Campbell

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Bird of Paradise (1932)
4/5 (1)

“Bird of Paradise” is a romantic adventure film released in 1932, directed by King Vidor and starring Dolores del Rio and Joel McCrea. The story is set on a remote island in the South Pacific, where a young American named Johnny falls in love with a Polynesian princess named Luana.

Johnny is traveling with his friend, Bill, to get away from his troubles in the United States. They end up on the island where they meet Luana, who is betrothed to a tribal prince. Despite the cultural differences and warnings from the locals, Johnny and Luana fall deeply in love.

However, their love is threatened by the arrival of a volcanic eruption, which the natives believe is a sign of displeasure from the gods. To appease the gods, the tribal prince demands that Luana be sacrificed. Johnny and Luana flee into the jungle, pursued by the prince and his warriors.

As they journey through the dangerous terrain, Johnny and Luana must overcome their differences and work together to survive. They eventually find refuge in a cave, where they profess their love for each other. However, they are soon discovered by the prince, and a final confrontation ensues.

In the end, Johnny and Luana choose to face their fate together rather than be separated. They stand hand in hand as the volcano erupts, symbolizing the power of their love and the forces of nature that brought them together.

The film is notable for its stunning cinematography and use of on-location filming in Hawaii, as well as its portrayal of a romantic relationship between a white man and a non-white woman, which was controversial for its time.

Directors:
King Vidor

Writer:
Richard Walton Tully, Wells Root, Wanda Tuchock

Stars:
Dolores del Rio, Joel McCrea, John Halliday

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A Romance of the Redwoods (1917)
3/5 (1)

“A Romance of the Redwoods” is a silent romantic drama film released in 1917, directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Mary Pickford as the lead character, Jenny Lawrence.

The movie is set in California during the Gold Rush era and follows the story of Jenny, a young woman who has been raised in a wealthy family in the city. Jenny falls in love with a handsome prospector named David Applegate, who comes to town seeking his fortune. Despite the objections of her family, Jenny decides to run away with David and start a new life in the rugged and untamed Redwood forest.

Once in the forest, Jenny and David face numerous challenges, including the harsh environment, dangerous animals, and hostile Native American tribes. However, they persevere and build a successful homestead together. Along the way, they also encounter a group of criminals who are attempting to smuggle stolen goods through the forest. Jenny and David work together to thwart the criminals and protect their home.

As Jenny and David settle into their new life together, they must also confront the prejudices and social conventions that threaten to tear them apart. Despite the challenges, they remain committed to each other and to their life in the Redwoods.

“A Romance of the Redwoods” was a popular film in its time, and it helped to establish Mary Pickford as a major star in Hollywood. The movie’s themes of adventure, romance, and overcoming obstacles in a rugged wilderness setting continue to resonate with audiences today.

Directors:
Cecil B. DeMille

Writer:

Cecil B. DeMille, Jeanie Macpherson

Stars:
Mary Pickford, Elliott Dexter, Tully Marshall

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Africa Screams (1949)
4/5 (1)

“Africa Screams” is a comedy film released in 1949 and directed by Charles Barton. The film stars the comedy duo of Bud Abbott and Lou Costello, as well as Clyde Beatty, Frank Buck, and Max and Buddy Baer.

The plot follows Bud and Lou as they work in a bookstore and dream of adventure and riches. They are approached by a shady businessman who convinces them to join an expedition to Africa in search of a lost diamond mine. Unbeknownst to them, the businessman plans to steal the diamonds for himself.

Once in Africa, Bud and Lou encounter a series of mishaps and comedic situations, as they try to navigate the dangerous terrain and avoid wild animals. They also meet up with real-life wild animal trainers Clyde Beatty and Frank Buck, who help them out of several sticky situations.

As the expedition continues, Bud and Lou become suspicious of their employer’s motives and begin to unravel his plan. They ultimately thwart his scheme and return to America with a valuable diamond, but not before encountering one final hilarious obstacle.

The film is a classic example of Abbott and Costello’s trademark humor, featuring their comedic banter, physical gags, and funny reactions to the dangerous situations they find themselves in. The inclusion of real-life animal trainers and exotic African settings adds to the film’s appeal and creates a unique blend of comedy and adventure.

Directors:
Charles Barton

Writer:
Earl Baldwin, Martin Ragaway, Leonard Stern

Stars:
Bud Abbott, Lou Costello, Clyde Beatty

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20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (1916)
4/5 (2)

“20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” is a classic science fiction novel written by Jules Verne in 1870. The novel has been adapted into various movies and TV series. The 1916 silent film version of the novel was directed by Stuart Paton and stars Allen Holubar as Captain Nemo.

The film follows the adventures of Professor Pierre Aronnax, his assistant Conseil, and the harpooner Ned Land, as they embark on a journey to search for a sea monster that has been terrorizing ships in the ocean. They soon discover that the creature is actually a submarine, the Nautilus, captained by the mysterious and enigmatic Captain Nemo.

The professor and his companions are taken aboard the Nautilus and shown the wonders of the undersea world. They witness exotic creatures, underwater volcanoes, and explore shipwrecks. However, they also witness the darker side of Nemo’s personality, as he ruthlessly attacks ships and refuses to show mercy to his enemies.

As they spend more time aboard the Nautilus, Aronnax and his companions begin to question Nemo’s motives and seek a way to escape. Eventually, they are able to overpower the crew and sabotage the Nautilus, forcing Nemo to flee.

The film ends with the professor and his companions being rescued, while Nemo is seen going down with his beloved submarine, taking his secrets and mysteries to the depths of the ocean.

Directors:
Stuart Paton

Writer:
Jules Verne, Stuart Paton

Stars:
Allen Holubar, Dan Hanlon, Edna Pendleton

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Black & White Series

Series List A-Z

Top Rated Moveis

1 The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
5/5 (1)
2 Scarlet Street (1945)
5/5 (1)
3 The Intruder (1962)
5/5 (1)
4 His Girl Friday (1940)
5/5 (1)
5 Charade (1953)
5/5 (1)
6 The Phantom Carriage (1921)
5/5 (1)
7 Rebecca (1940)
5/5 (1)
8 Strike (1925)
5/5 (1)
9 Great Expectations (1946)
5/5 (1)
10 Too Late for Tears (1949)
5/5 (1)