Black & White Movies

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Charlie Chaplin in The Vagabond (1916)
4/5 (1)

“The Vagabond” is a silent film written, directed, produced by and starring Charlie Chaplin. The movie was released in 1916 and tells the story of a wandering musician who falls in love with a beautiful gypsy woman.

In the film, Chaplin plays the role of a street musician who performs for a living. One day, he comes across a group of gypsies who have been injured in a fight with a rival group. He helps them and is rewarded with a meal and a chance to perform for them.

While performing, the musician sees a beautiful young gypsy woman, played by Edna Purviance. He falls in love with her and decides to stay with the gypsy caravan, leaving his old life behind. However, he soon discovers that the gypsies are being mistreated by a cruel and abusive leader, played by Eric Campbell.

Determined to help the gypsies, Chaplin’s character comes up with a plan to free them from the tyrannical leader. In a dramatic and suspenseful sequence, he fights Campbell’s character and saves the gypsy woman.

The film ends with the musician and the gypsy woman leaving together, while the rest of the gypsies celebrate their freedom. “The Vagabond” was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of Chaplin’s most important early films.

Directors:
Charles Chaplin

Writer:
Charles Chaplin, Vincent Bryan, Maverick Terrell

Stars:
Charles Chaplin, Edna Purviance, Eric Campbell

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Boy! What a Girl! (1946)
3/5 (1)

“Boy! What a Girl!” is a 1946 musical comedy film directed by Arthur Dreifuss. The film stars Tim Moore as a porter named Sam, and former chorus girl, Lucille Ball, as a dancer named Terry. The film also features The Peters Sisters, a singing and dancing trio, and various other performers.

The plot of the film revolves around Sam’s attempts to help Terry achieve her dream of becoming a Broadway star. Terry is working as a taxi dancer at a local nightclub, but she dreams of bigger and better things. Sam, who is also an aspiring songwriter, sees potential in Terry and decides to help her by writing a song for her and getting her an audition with a Broadway producer.

Despite various setbacks and misunderstandings, including a case of mistaken identity that results in Sam being taken for a gangster, Sam and Terry eventually succeed in their mission. Terry impresses the Broadway producer with her singing and dancing skills, and Sam’s song is picked up for the show.

The film features several musical numbers, including a lively tap dance routine by Ball, and several performances by The Peters Sisters. The film is a light-hearted and entertaining romp that showcases the talents of its stars and provides a glimpse into the world of 1940s show business.

Directors:
Arthur H. Leonard

Writer:
Vincent Valentini

Stars:
Tim Moore, Elwood Smith, Duke Williams

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Pygmalion (1938)
4/5 (1)

“Pygmalion” is a 1938 film adaptation of George Bernard Shaw’s play of the same name. The movie was directed by Anthony Asquith and Leslie Howard and stars Leslie Howard as Professor Henry Higgins and Wendy Hiller as Eliza Doolittle.

The film follows the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who is taken under the wing of Professor Henry Higgins, a phonetics expert. Higgins makes a bet with his friend Colonel Pickering that he can transform Eliza’s speech and manners and pass her off as a refined lady in high society.

Over the course of several months, Higgins and Pickering work tirelessly with Eliza, teaching her proper diction and behavior. Eliza’s transformation is successful, and she is able to pass as a member of high society at a ball. However, Eliza is also frustrated with Higgins’ rude and condescending behavior towards her, and she decides to leave him and strike out on her own.

In the end, Eliza returns to Higgins, but on her own terms. She has gained a sense of self-confidence and independence, and she no longer needs Higgins’ help. The movie ends with Eliza telling Higgins that she is leaving to marry Freddie, a young man who has fallen in love with her.

Overall, “Pygmalion” is a witty and charming movie that explores themes of class, language, and independence. It has become a classic of British cinema and a timeless story of self-discovery and transformation.

Directors:
Anthony Asquith, Leslie Howard

Writer:
George Bernard Shaw, W.P. Lipscomb, Cecil Lewis

Stars:
Leslie Howard, Wendy Hiller, Wilfrid Lawson

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Topper Returns (1941)
4/5 (1)

“Topper Returns” is a supernatural comedy film released in 1941, directed by Roy Del Ruth and starring Joan Blondell, Roland Young, and Carole Landis. The film is the third and final installment in the “Topper” film series, based on the characters created by Thorne Smith in his 1930 novel “Topper.”

The film tells the story of Gail Richards (Landis), a beautiful young woman who is murdered while staying at a remote country mansion. Her ghost returns to earth to seek revenge on her killer, and enlists the help of Cosmo Topper (Young), a stuffy banker who has the ability to see and communicate with ghosts. Together, they must solve the mystery of Gail’s murder before the killer strikes again.

As they investigate, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, including a suspicious butler (played by Eddie “Rochester” Anderson), a flirtatious French maid (Blondell), and a bumbling detective (Billie Burke). Along the way, they uncover a complex plot involving inheritance, blackmail, and hidden identities.

“Topper Returns” was well-received by audiences and critics for its clever script, zany characters, and impressive special effects. It is often regarded as the best film in the “Topper” series and has since become a cult classic in the genre of supernatural comedies.

Directors:
Roy Del Ruth

Writer:
Thorne Smith, Jonathan Latimer, Gordon Douglas

Stars:
Joan Blondell, Roland Young, Carole Landis

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Indiscreet (1931)
3/5 (1)

“Indiscreet” is a romantic comedy film released in 1931, directed by Leo McCarey and starring Gloria Swanson and Ben Lyon. The film tells the story of a famous actress named Geraldine “Gerry” Trent (Swanson) who falls in love with a charming, but married, businessman named Tony Blake (Lyon).

Gerry and Tony meet on a train and immediately hit it off. Despite being aware that Tony is married, Gerry cannot resist his charms and the two begin an affair. However, their relationship becomes complicated when Tony’s wife finds out and threatens to sue for divorce, which would ruin his career.

The film was well-received by critics and audiences, with many praising Swanson’s performance as the witty and glamorous Gerry. It was also notable for its sophisticated dialogue and depiction of a more liberated view of relationships than was typical for the time period.

“Indiscreet” was remade in 1958, with Ingrid Bergman and Cary Grant in the lead roles, and directed by Stanley Donen.

Directors:
Leo McCarey

Writer:
Buddy G. DeSylva, Lew Brown, Ray Henderson

Stars:
Gloria Swanson, Ben Lyon, Monroe Owsley

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Machine Gun Mama (1944)
3/5 (1)

Machine Gun Mama is a musical comedy film released in 1944, directed by Harold Young and starring the comedic duo of Wallace Ford and Mae West. The film was produced by Universal Pictures and is notable for being one of the few films that West made outside of Paramount Pictures.

In the film, Mae West plays a singer named “Tira” who gets mixed up with a group of criminals after she falls in love with a man named “Bob” (played by Roger Pryor). Tira and Bob, along with Tira’s bodyguard “Slick” (played by Ford), travel to Central America where Tira becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the government.

As with many of West’s films, Machine Gun Mama was met with controversy due to its suggestive content and innuendo-laced dialogue. Despite this, the film was a moderate success at the box office and helped to solidify West’s status as one of the most popular actresses of the era.

Today, Machine Gun Mama is primarily remembered as a curiosity in the Mae West filmography, and is notable for its campy humor and over-the-top musical numbers.

Directors:
Harold Young

Writer:
Sam Neuman

Stars:
Armida, El Brendel, Wallace Ford

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Paradise Isle (1937)
3/5 (1)

“Paradise Isle” is a 1937 American romantic adventure film directed by Arthur Greville Collins and starring Movita Castaneda, Warren Hull, and Kenneth MacKenna. The film follows the story of a young woman named Luana (Movita Castaneda) who lives on a South Seas island with her father and her people. One day, a young American pilot named Jim (Warren Hull) crash-lands on the island, and Luana nurses him back to health. The two fall in love, but their relationship is complicated by the fact that Luana is promised to another man, a powerful chief named Tanoa (Kenneth MacKenna).

As Jim and Luana try to navigate their feelings for each other, they are faced with a series of challenges, including a group of pirates who have their eyes on the island’s riches, and Tanoa’s jealousy and anger. Jim must prove his worth to Luana’s people and win Tanoa’s respect if he is to have any chance of staying on the island with Luana.

The film is a classic example of Hollywood’s portrayal of the South Seas as an exotic, romantic paradise, and features a number of musical numbers and dance sequences that showcase the talents of the film’s Polynesian cast. Despite its somewhat clichéd plot and stereotypical portrayals of indigenous peoples, “Paradise Isle” remains an enjoyable and entertaining film that captures the spirit of adventure and romance that was popular in Hollywood films of the 1930s.

Directors:
Arthur Greville Collins

Writer:
Allan Vaughan Elston, Marion Orth

Stars:
Movita, Warren Hull, William B. Davidson

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The New Wizard of Oz (1914)
4/5 (2)

“The New Wizard of Oz” is a silent fantasy film released in 1914 and directed by L. Frank Baum, the author of the original “Wizard of Oz” book. It is based on the second book in Baum’s Oz series, “The Marvelous Land of Oz”.

The film follows the adventures of a young boy named Tip (Violet MacMillan) who runs away from his cruel guardian, the wicked witch Mombi (Mai Wells). Along with his friends Jack Pumpkinhead (Charles Murray) and the Sawhorse (Fred Woodward), Tip sets out to find the Emerald City and seek the help of the great Wizard of Oz (J. Charles Haydon) to defeat Mombi and save the Land of Oz.

However, when they finally reach the Emerald City, they discover that the Wizard is not what he seems and that Mombi has her own plans to take control of Oz.

“The New Wizard of Oz” was one of the earliest adaptations of Baum’s Oz series and helped to establish the popularity of the franchise. The film features impressive special effects for its time, including stop-motion animation and hand-drawn animation, as well as colorful costumes and sets.

Overall, “The New Wizard of Oz” is a charming and imaginative film that captures the spirit of Baum’s original stories. While it may seem dated by modern standards, it remains an important piece of early cinema history and a beloved classic among fans of the Oz series.

Directors:
J. Farrell MacDonald

Writer:
L. Frank Baum

Stars:
Violet Mac, MillanFrank Moore, Pierre Couderc

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Mud and Sand (1922)
3/5 (1)

“Mud and Sand” is a silent comedy film directed by Gilbert Pratt and starring Stan Laurel, who is most famous for his later work with Oliver Hardy. The film was released in 1922 and is a parody of Rudolph Valentino’s hit movie “Blood and Sand” from the same year.

The film tells the story of Rhubarb Vaselino (Stan Laurel), a poor young man who dreams of becoming a bullfighter like his idol, Rudolph Valentino. He is in love with Teresita (Vivien Oakland), the daughter of the local blacksmith, but she is already engaged to another man.

With the help of his best friend, played by James Finlayson, Rhubarb trains to become a bullfighter and impresses a famous matador, who takes him under his wing. Rhubarb soon becomes a sensation in the bullfighting world, but his success comes at a cost.

As Rhubarb’s fame grows, he becomes more and more arrogant and selfish, neglecting his friends and loved ones. He also becomes entangled with a seductive woman who only wants him for his fame and fortune.

In the end, Rhubarb realizes the error of his ways and decides to give up bullfighting and return to his simple life with Teresita.

“Mud and Sand” is a classic example of a silent comedy, with plenty of slapstick humor and exaggerated physical gags. It is also a satire of Hollywood and the movie industry, poking fun at the trend of making glamorous films about exotic locations and lifestyles.

Overall, “Mud and Sand” is a funny and entertaining film that showcases Stan Laurel’s comedic talents and the wit of the filmmakers behind it.

Directors:
Gilbert Pratt

Writer:
Tom Miranda

Stars:
Stan Laurel, Mae Laurel, Julie Leonard

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Mr. Reckless (1948)
3/5 (1)

“Mr. Reckless” is a 1948 film noir directed by Frank McDonald and starring William Eythe, Barbara Britton, and Walter Catlett.

The story follows a young man named Johnny McEvoy (Eythe), who works as a salesman for a jewelry company. One day, he meets a beautiful woman named Linda Vickers (Britton) on a train, and they fall in love. However, Linda is married to a wealthy businessman named Phil Vickers (Richard Gaines), who is abusive and controlling.

Johnny and Linda begin an affair, but their happiness is short-lived when Phil discovers their relationship. Phil sets out to destroy Johnny’s life, first by getting him fired from his job, then by framing him for embezzlement. Johnny is sent to prison, and Linda is forced to testify against him.

However, Johnny’s cellmate, a wise old con named Pop Reilly (Catlett), teaches him some important lessons about life and survival. With Pop’s help, Johnny manages to escape from prison and sets out to clear his name and prove his innocence.

The film builds to a tense and dramatic climax as Johnny confronts Phil and exposes his schemes. In the end, justice is served, and Johnny and Linda are free to be together.

“Mr. Reckless” is a gripping film noir that explores themes of love, betrayal, and redemption. It features strong performances from the lead actors and a well-crafted script that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

Directors:
Frank McDonald

Writer:
Maxwell Shane, Milton Raison

Stars:
William Eythe, Barbara Britton, Walter Catlett

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International Crime (1938)
3/5 (1)

“International Crime” is a 1938 American crime drama film directed by Charles Lamont and starring Rod La Rocque, Astrid Allwyn, and Thomas E. Jackson. The film tells the story of a detective who must infiltrate a criminal organization to bring down their leader and stop their illegal activities.

The film opens with the murder of a wealthy businessman, which is believed to be the work of an international criminal organization led by a mysterious figure known only as “The Voice.” Detective Jack Murphy (La Rocque) is assigned to investigate the case, but he is met with resistance from his superiors who believe that the case is too big for him to handle.

Undeterred, Murphy decides to go undercover to infiltrate the criminal organization and gather evidence against The Voice. He enlists the help of a female reporter, Kay Wallace (Allwyn), who is eager to get a story on the criminal organization. Together, they start to unravel the web of corruption and crime that is plaguing the city.

As Murphy gets closer to The Voice, he discovers that the criminal organization has a far-reaching network that spans across the globe. He also learns that The Voice is planning a major heist that could threaten national security. With time running out, Murphy must race against the clock to stop The Voice and his organization before it’s too late.

Overall, “International Crime” is a thrilling crime drama that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. The film features a strong performance by La Rocque as the determined detective and Allwyn as the fearless reporter. The story is well-crafted and keeps the viewer guessing until the very end.

Directors:
Charles Lamont

Writer:
Theodore A. Tinsley, Jack Natteford, John W. Krafft

Stars:
Rod La Rocque, Astrid Allwyn, Thomas E. Jackson

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Windjammer (1937)
4/5 (2)

“Windjammer” is a 1937 American drama film directed by Edward Sloman and starring George O’Brien and Constance Worth. The story follows Captain Willoby (O’Brien), a tough and experienced sailor who takes command of a windjammer ship and faces numerous challenges as he tries to complete a dangerous voyage.

The film opens with Captain Willoby being assigned to take command of the windjammer ship, “Mary Ann,” which is scheduled to sail from San Francisco to Australia. He meets with the owner of the ship, Mr. Thorpe, and his daughter, Barbara (Worth), who is also on board. Willoby is immediately attracted to Barbara, but she is engaged to another man, a wealthy businessman named Stephen Wayne.

As the ship sets sail, Willoby faces a mutiny attempt by some of the crew members who are unhappy with his leadership. He manages to put down the mutiny and gain the respect of the crew. However, his problems are far from over. The ship encounters a fierce storm, and Willoby must use all his skills and experience to keep the ship afloat. Along the way, he and Barbara grow closer, and she begins to question her engagement to Wayne.

As the ship approaches Australia, Wayne appears on board and demands that Barbara return with him. Willoby intervenes and fights Wayne, eventually throwing him overboard. The ship finally reaches its destination, and Willoby and Barbara profess their love for each other.

Overall, “Windjammer” is an exciting and dramatic film that showcases the dangers and challenges of life at sea, as well as the strength and courage of those who sail on the high seas.

Directors:
Ewing Scott

Writer:
Daniel Jarrett, James Gruen, Roul Haig

Stars:
George O’Brien, Constance Worth, William Hall

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Bulldog Drummond Escapes (1937)
3/5 (1)

“Bulldog Drummond Escapes” is a 1937 American mystery thriller film directed by James P. Hogan and starring Ray Milland as the titular character. The film is based on the popular British detective novel series by H.C. McNeile, featuring the character of Captain Hugh “Bulldog” Drummond, a retired British army officer turned private detective.

In the film, Drummond is hired by a young woman named Phyllis Clavering to investigate the disappearance of her father, a wealthy businessman who has been kidnapped by a criminal gang. Drummond quickly discovers that the kidnapping is part of a larger conspiracy involving corrupt police officers and a crooked lawyer.

As Drummond delves deeper into the case, he is targeted by the criminal gang and must use his wit and physical prowess to stay alive and bring the criminals to justice. Along the way, he enlists the help of his loyal sidekick Algy Longworth (played by Reginald Denny) and a resourceful newspaper reporter named Captain Nielson (played by Porter Hall).

The film features several exciting action sequences, including a thrilling car chase and a tense showdown on a moving train. Ray Milland delivers a charismatic performance as Bulldog Drummond, combining humor and bravery in equal measure. The film was a critical and commercial success, spawning several sequels and cementing Bulldog Drummond as a popular fictional detective in both literature and film.

Directors:
James P. Hogan

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

Stars:
Ray Milland, Guy Standing, Heather Angel

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Danger Lights (1930)
3/5 (1)

“Danger Lights” is a 1930 American drama film directed by George B. Seitz, starring Louis Wolheim and Robert Armstrong. The film is set in a railroad yard, where two veteran railroad workers, Dan and Jim, work and live in a shack. Dan, the older of the two, is respected by his colleagues for his experience and expertise. Jim, on the other hand, is younger and more impulsive, often causing problems and risking his life on the job.

One day, a young woman named Mary arrives in town to visit her father, who works at the railroad. Jim is immediately smitten with Mary and begins to court her, despite her father’s disapproval. Meanwhile, Dan is concerned about a dangerous section of the track known as “Dead Man’s Curve” and tries to convince the railroad management to address the issue before a disaster occurs.

As tensions rise between the two men, a train carrying explosives is diverted onto the deadly track, and Dan and Jim must work together to prevent a catastrophic collision. In the end, Dan sacrifices his own life to save Jim and the town from disaster.

The film was notable for its realistic portrayal of the dangers of working on the railroad and its groundbreaking use of sound effects, including the use of actual railroad sounds recorded on location. “Danger Lights” was also one of the first films to be shot in widescreen, using a process called Magnascope. Despite receiving critical acclaim, the film was not a commercial success and was largely forgotten until it was rediscovered by film historians in the 1970s. Today, it is considered a classic of early sound cinema and a landmark in American film history.

Directors:
George B. Seitz

Writer:
James Ashmore Creelman

Stars:
Louis Wolheim, Jean Arthur, Robert Armstrong

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Jamaica Inn (1939)
3/5 (1)

Jamaica Inn is a 1939 British thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. The film tells the story of Mary Yellan (played by Maureen O’Hara), a young woman who goes to live with her aunt and uncle at their remote and eerie inn on the Cornish coast of England.

Upon arriving at the inn, Mary discovers that her uncle, Joss (played by Leslie Banks), is the leader of a gang of smugglers who use the inn as a base for their illegal activities. She also meets Jem Trehearne (played by Robert Newton), a handsome and mysterious man who is also involved with the smugglers. As Mary becomes increasingly drawn into their world, she must decide whether to keep their secrets or risk everything to expose them.

The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, stunning cinematography, and powerful performances, particularly by O’Hara and Banks. It was a critical and commercial success upon its release, and is still considered one of Hitchcock’s finest early works.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
Daphne Du Maurier, Sidney Gilliat, Joan Harrison

Stars:
Maureen O’Hara, Robert Newton, Charles Laughton

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Black & White Series

Series List A-Z

Top Rated Moveis

1 Great Expectations (1946)
5/5 (2)
2 Too Late for Tears (1949)
5/5 (1)
3 Strike (1925)
5/5 (1)
4 Rebecca (1940)
5/5 (1)
5 His Girl Friday (1940)
5/5 (1)
6 The Phantom Carriage (1921)
5/5 (1)
7 Charade (1953)
5/5 (1)
8 The Intruder (1962)
5/5 (1)
9 The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
5/5 (1)
10 Intolerance (1916)
5/5 (1)