Black & White Movies

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The Iron Mask (1929)
4/5 (1)

“The Iron Mask” is a 1929 American silent film directed by Allan Dwan and produced and released by United Artists. It is a loose adaptation of the Alexandre Dumas novel “The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later” and tells the story of the Three Musketeers and their efforts to save the life of the rightful king of France, who has been imprisoned in a castle and forced to wear an iron mask to conceal his identity.

The film begins with the aging musketeers, Athos (Leon Barry), Porthos (Tiny Sandford), and Aramis (William Bakewell), reminiscing about their glory days as they prepare to attend the coronation of King Louis XIV (also played by Leon Barry). However, they soon discover that the real Louis has been imprisoned and replaced by his twin brother, the cruel and corrupt Philippe (also played by Barry), who has taken the throne for himself.

D’Artagnan (Douglas Fairbanks), the former fourth musketeer and now captain of the King’s Musketeers, joins forces with his old comrades to free the real Louis and restore him to the throne. They hatch a plan to replace Philippe with Louis and help him escape from the castle by substituting him for one of Philippe’s loyal followers, who is killed in his place.

In the end, Louis is restored to the throne, Philippe is killed in a duel with D’Artagnan, and the musketeers are hailed as heroes. The film ends with the musketeers walking off into the sunset, ready for new adventures.

The film was notable for its lavish production values, including impressive sets and costumes, and for its use of sound effects and synchronized music, which were still relatively new techniques in 1929. It was also a commercial success, grossing over $2 million at the box office and cementing Douglas Fairbanks’ status as one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.

Directors:
Allan Dwan

Writer:
Lotta Woods, Douglas Fairbanks, Alexandre Dumas

Stars:
Douglas Fairbanks, Belle Bennett, Marguerite De La Motte

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The Last of the Mohicans (1920)
4/5 (1)

“The Last of the Mohicans” is a silent film adaptation of James Fenimore Cooper’s novel of the same name, released in 1920. The film was directed by Maurice Tourneur and starred Wallace Beery, Barbara Bedford, and Albert Roscoe.

The story is set during the French and Indian War in 1757 and follows the journey of the Mohican chief Chingachgook (Albert Roscoe), his son Uncas (Tote Du Crow), and the white trapper Hawkeye (Harry Lorraine) as they escort the British colonel Munro’s daughters, Cora (Barbara Bedford) and Alice (Lillian Hall), to safety through the dangerous wilderness of upstate New York.

Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including an ambush by French soldiers and their Huron allies, and the betrayal of the treacherous Indian Magua (Wallace Beery), who seeks revenge against Munro’s family. In the end, Chingachgook and Uncas give their lives to save Cora and Alice, while Hawkeye avenges their deaths by killing Magua.

The film was notable for its stunning cinematography, which captured the beauty and grandeur of the American wilderness, as well as its portrayal of Native American characters as complex and nuanced individuals, rather than one-dimensional stereotypes. It was also one of the earliest examples of a feature-length film with a synchronized music score, which added to the emotional impact of the story.

Overall, “The Last of the Mohicans” remains a classic of early American cinema and a testament to the enduring appeal of Cooper’s novel.

Directors:
Clarence Brown, Maurice Tourneur

Writer:
James Fenimore Cooper, Robert Dillon

Stars:
Wallace Beery, Barbara Bedford, Alan Roscoe

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Robin Hood (1922)
4/5 (1)

“Robin Hood” is a silent film directed by Allan Dwan and released in 1922. The film tells the story of the legendary outlaw Robin Hood, who steals from the rich and gives to the poor in medieval England.

The movie begins with a brief introduction to the historical context, with King Richard the Lionheart off fighting in the Crusades and his brother Prince John taking advantage of the situation to oppress the people of England with the help of his minions, Sir Guy of Gisbourne and the Sheriff of Nottingham.

Robin Hood, played by Douglas Fairbanks, is introduced as a wealthy nobleman who is discontent with the corruption and tyranny of Prince John’s regime. He decides to take matters into his own hands and becomes an outlaw, gathering a group of like-minded men in Sherwood Forest.

With his band of Merry Men, Robin Hood sets out to rob from the rich and give to the poor. He becomes a popular hero among the oppressed people of England, and his legend spreads far and wide. However, his activities don’t go unnoticed, and Prince John and his henchmen are determined to capture Robin Hood and put an end to his rebellion.

The film features several action-packed scenes, including a thrilling chase through the forest and a spectacular sword fight between Robin Hood and Sir Guy of Gisbourne. The movie also includes a love story between Robin Hood and Lady Marian Fitzwalter, played by Enid Bennett.

In the end, Robin Hood and his men are able to defeat Prince John and his army and restore King Richard to the throne. Robin and Marian are united, and the people of England are once again free from tyranny.

“Robin Hood” was a commercial and critical success and helped establish Douglas Fairbanks as one of the biggest stars of the silent era. The film’s popularity has endured over the years, and it remains one of the most iconic adaptations of the Robin Hood legend.

Directors:
Allan Dwan

Writer:
Douglas Fairbanks, Kenneth Davenport, Allan Dwan

Stars:
Douglas Fairbanks, Wallace Beery, Sam De Grasse

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The Most Dangerous Game (1932)
4/5 (1)

“The Most Dangerous Game” is a 1932 pre-Code film directed by Irving Pichel and Ernest B. Schoedsack, based on the 1924 short story of the same name by Richard Connell. The film follows big game hunter Bob Rainsford (played by Joel McCrea) who becomes shipwrecked on a remote island in the Caribbean. He soon discovers that the island is home to another hunter, General Zaroff (played by Leslie Banks), who has grown bored with hunting animals and has taken to hunting humans for sport.

Zaroff invites Rainsford to stay as a guest, but soon reveals his true intentions and forces Rainsford to participate in a deadly game of hunting. Rainsford must evade Zaroff and his hounds for three days, and if he survives, he will be allowed to leave the island. The rest of the film follows Rainsford as he tries to outwit Zaroff and stay alive.

The film explores themes of survival, the morality of hunting, and the dangers of man’s primal instincts. It was praised for its suspenseful plot, atmospheric setting, and strong performances by the cast. Despite being made over 90 years ago, “The Most Dangerous Game” remains a classic thriller and has influenced countless films and TV shows that followed.

Directors:
Irving Pichel, Ernest B. Schoedsack

Writer:
James Ashmore Creelman, Richard Connell

Stars:
Joel McCrea, Fay Wray, Leslie Banks

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When Worlds Collide (1951)
4.5/5 (4)

“When Worlds Collide” is a science-fiction movie released in 1951, directed by Rudolph Maté, based on a novel of the same name written by Philip Wylie and Edwin Balmer. The movie follows the story of two planets, Bellus and Zyra, that are on a collision course with Earth. Scientists predict that the collision will result in the destruction of Earth and the extinction of all life on the planet.

Dr. Cole Hendron (played by Larry Keating), a scientist, and his assistant, Dr. Tony Drake (played by Richard Derr), are part of a team that is trying to build a spaceship to transport a small group of people to Zyra, the other planet that is on a collision course with Earth. They plan to evacuate as many people as they can to save them from the impending disaster.

After a lot of hard work, the spaceship is finally built, and the team selects a group of people who will be taken to Zyra. The group includes Hendron, Drake, Hendron’s daughter Joyce (played by Barbara Rush), millionaire Sidney Stanton (played by John Hoyt), and his secretary, among others.

The spaceship takes off just as the collision between the planets begins. They face several challenges during the journey, including a malfunction that causes a loss of oxygen and a difficult landing on Zyra. However, they finally manage to land safely on the new planet and start building a new civilization.

The movie ends with a sense of hope, as the survivors look forward to rebuilding their lives on Zyra and starting a new era for humankind.

“When Worlds Collide” was considered a groundbreaking film at the time of its release, as it was one of the first movies to explore the possibility of space travel and the colonization of other planets. It remains a classic of the science-fiction genre to this day.

Directors:
Rudolph Maté

Writer:
Sydney Boehm, Edwin Balmer, Philip Wylie

Stars:
Richard Derr, Barbara Rush, Peter Hansen

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This Island Earth (1955)
4/5 (2)

“This Island Earth” is a science-fiction film released in 1955, directed by Joseph M. Newman and produced by William Alland. The film follows the story of Dr. Cal Meacham (Rex Reason), a brilliant scientist who is recruited by a mysterious organization called “Electronic Service Associates” to work on a top-secret project.

Dr. Meacham and his colleagues, including fellow scientist Dr. Ruth Adams (Faith Domergue), are transported to a remote laboratory where they are tasked with building a device that can generate unlimited energy. However, as they work on the project, they begin to realize that their employers may not be who they seem, and that there is more to the project than they were led to believe.

Dr. Meacham is contacted by a mysterious alien named Exeter (Jeff Morrow), who reveals that he and his people are in a desperate struggle for survival against an alien race known as the “Metalunans”. Exeter recruits Dr. Meacham and Dr. Adams to help him save his people by providing them with the technology to defeat the Metalunans.

The three of them embark on a dangerous journey to the alien planet, where they face a series of challenges and obstacles as they try to help Exeter and his people. They must use their scientific knowledge and expertise to outsmart the Metalunans and find a way to save themselves and Exeter’s people from certain doom.

“This Island Earth” is a classic sci-fi film that explores the themes of technology, intergalactic travel, and the struggle for survival against a hostile and technologically advanced enemy. The film’s special effects, including the alien technology and the futuristic sets, were groundbreaking for their time and have influenced many films in the genre that followed.

Directors:
Joseph M. Newman, Jack Arnold

Writer:
Raymond F. Jones, Franklin Coen, George Callahan

Stars:
Jeff Morrow, Faith Domergue, Rex Reason

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Earth vs the Flying Saucers (1956)
4/5 (1)

“Earth vs the Flying Saucers” is a science-fiction film released in 1956, directed by Fred F. Sears and produced by Charles H. Schneer. The film follows the story of Dr. Russell Marvin (Hugh Marlowe), a scientist who is working on a new project involving satellites in space.

However, one day, a flying saucer crashes into the headquarters of the project, and Dr. Marvin and his team are shocked to discover that the alien spacecraft is controlled by extraterrestrial beings who have come to Earth with hostile intentions.

As the aliens begin to attack major cities around the world, Dr. Marvin and his wife Carol (Joan Taylor), who is also a scientist, work together to figure out a way to stop them. They discover that the aliens are vulnerable to sound waves and develop a weapon to counter their attacks.

The film follows the epic battle between Earth’s forces and the alien invaders as they clash in a series of intense battles. Dr. Marvin and his team use their knowledge and ingenuity to come up with new strategies and tactics to defeat the aliens and save humanity from destruction.

“Earth vs the Flying Saucers” is a classic sci-fi film that explores the fear and paranoia of an alien invasion and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming odds. The film’s special effects, including the flying saucers and the destruction they cause, were groundbreaking at the time of its release and have inspired many films in the genre that followed.

Directors:
Fred F. Sears

Writer:
Bernard Gordon, George Worthing Yates, Curt Siodmak

Stars:
Hugh Marlowe, Joan Taylor, Donald Curtis

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Unknown World (1951)
3/5 (1)

“Unknown World” is a science-fiction adventure film released in 1951, directed by Terry O. Morse, and produced by Edward L. Alperson. The story follows a team of scientists and experts who embark on a dangerous expedition to the Earth’s core to find a new energy source that could save humanity from an impending energy crisis.

The team includes Dr. Jeremiah Morley (Victor Kilian), a geologist; Professor Etienne Roget (Bruce Kellogg), a nuclear physicist; Dr. Max A. Bauer (Otto Waldis), a medical doctor; and Wright Thompson (Tom Handley), a businessman who is funding the mission.

The group drills a tunnel deep into the Earth’s crust using a new, experimental technology that allows them to withstand the extreme heat and pressure. After encountering various obstacles and setbacks, they finally reach the Earth’s core and discover a vast, underground world filled with strange creatures and glowing minerals.

As they explore this unknown world, they discover that the energy source they were looking for is not viable, but they stumble upon another discovery that could change the course of human history. However, they soon realize that they are not alone in this strange world, and they must fight for their survival against the dangerous creatures and forces that inhabit it.

The team faces various challenges and dangers during their expedition, and they must work together to overcome them and find a way back to the surface. “Unknown World” is an exciting adventure film that explores the limits of human knowledge and the dangers of exploration into the unknown.

Directors:
Terry O. Morse

Writer:
Millard Kaufman, Dalton Trumbo

Stars:
Bruce Kellogg, Otto Waldis, Jim Bannon

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The Man in the White Suit (1951)
4/5 (1)

“The Man in the White Suit” is a British satirical comedy film released in 1951. The movie tells the story of Sidney Stratton, a brilliant but eccentric scientist who creates a revolutionary new fabric that never gets dirty or wears out.

At first, Sidney’s invention is hailed as a miracle, and he becomes a celebrity. However, he soon discovers that his invention threatens the economic interests of the textile industry, and he is targeted by both the management and the labor unions.

Despite their efforts to stop him, Sidney remains committed to his invention, believing that it will bring great benefits to society. He is eventually forced to go into hiding, but he is rescued by a sympathetic factory owner who sees the potential in his invention.

In the end, Sidney’s invention is hailed as a success, but he is left disillusioned by the greed and corruption he encountered in the industry.

“The Man in the White Suit” is notable for its satirical take on capitalism and the tensions between innovation and vested interests. It also features strong performances by its cast, including Alec Guinness as Sidney Stratton, and has become a classic of British cinema.

Directors:
Alexander Mackendrick

Writer:
Roger MacDougall, John Dighton, Alexander Mackendrick

Stars:
Alec Guinness, Joan Greenwood, Cecil Parker

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The Giant Claw (1957)
3/5 (1)

“The Giant Claw” is a science fiction film released in 1957. The movie tells the story of a giant, prehistoric bird-like creature that terrorizes North America.

The creature, which is said to be from an anti-matter galaxy, attacks planes and causes widespread destruction. A group of scientists, including the protagonist Dr. Karol Noymann and his love interest Sally Caldwell, work to find a way to stop the creature before it destroys humanity.

Through their research, the scientists discover that the creature is impervious to conventional weapons and can only be defeated with a special anti-matter weapon. They also learn that the creature is being controlled by a force from another dimension.

The scientists manage to build the anti-matter weapon and use it to destroy the creature, which is revealed to be a giant bird with a metal beak. The force controlling the bird is also destroyed, and humanity is saved from further destruction.

“The Giant Claw” is known for its comically unrealistic special effects, particularly in its depiction of the giant bird creature. Despite this, it has become a cult classic among fans of the genre and is noted for its unintentional humor.

Directors:
Fred F. Sears

Writer:
Samuel Newman, Paul Gangelin

Stars:
Jeff Morrow, Mara Corday, Morris Ankrum

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The Flying Saucer (1950)
3/5 (1)

“The Flying Saucer” is a science fiction film released in 1950. The movie tells the story of a group of people who witness the crash landing of a flying saucer in the wilderness of Montana.

As news of the crash spreads, various groups become interested in the saucer, including the military, foreign spies, and a group of scientists. The protagonist, a news reporter named Martin, becomes embroiled in the investigation and sets out to uncover the truth behind the mysterious craft.

Through his investigation, Martin learns that the flying saucer is actually a Soviet secret weapon, developed by a rogue scientist who plans to use it to attack the United States. With the help of a group of patriotic Americans, Martin is able to stop the scientist and prevent the attack.

“The Flying Saucer” was one of the first science fiction films to depict an alien invasion of Earth, and it was also notable for its political subtext. At the time of its release, tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union were high, and the movie played on fears of communist infiltration and espionage.

While the film’s special effects and production values are somewhat dated by modern standards, it remains an interesting historical artifact of the early science fiction genre.

Directors:
Mikel Conrad

Writer:
Mikel Conrad, Howard Irving Young

Stars:
Mikel Conrad, Pat Garrison, Hantz von Teuffen

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Destination Moon (1950)
4/5 (1)

“Destination Moon” is a science fiction film released in 1950. The movie tells the story of a group of scientists and engineers who build and launch the first rocket to the moon.

The mission faces a number of challenges, including a shortage of funds, technical difficulties, and government interference. However, the team perseveres, and they eventually manage to build and launch their rocket.

The crew, led by Dr. Charles Cargraves, includes his assistant Jim Barnes, engineer Joe Sweeney, and millionaire entrepreneur Jim Barnes. Once they reach the moon, they face further challenges, such as a malfunctioning airlock and a lack of oxygen.

Despite these obstacles, the team is able to explore the moon’s surface and make important scientific discoveries. They also manage to return safely to Earth, where they are celebrated as heroes.

“Destination Moon” was notable for its realistic depiction of space travel, and it was one of the first science fiction films to take a serious approach to the subject. It also tackled themes such as the importance of scientific exploration and the potential benefits of space travel.

The film’s success paved the way for other science fiction movies and TV shows, and it remains a classic of the genre.

Directors:
Irving Pichel

Writer:
Alford Van Ronke, Robert A. Heinlein, James O’Hanlon

Stars:
John Archer, Warner Anderson, Tom Powers

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Rocketship X-M (1950)
3/5 (1)

“Rocketship X-M” is a science fiction film released in 1950. The movie follows the journey of four astronauts – Col. Floyd Graham, Dr. Lisa Van Horn, Maj. William Corrigan, and Harry Chamberlain – as they embark on a mission to explore the planet Mars.

The mission is not without its challenges, as the rocketship encounters unexpected obstacles along the way, including a magnetic storm that causes them to lose communication with Earth. They also find themselves on an unintended course and crash land on what they believe to be Mars, but soon discover is actually a post-apocalyptic Earth.

As they explore the ruins of the civilization that once existed on the planet, the astronauts come to realize the devastating consequences of a nuclear war. They also discover that the survivors have regressed to a primitive society and are struggling to rebuild.

The crew eventually decides to return to Earth, but they face another obstacle – they do not have enough fuel to make it back. As they contemplate their fate, they come to the realization that their sacrifice could be a lesson for humanity, a warning of the dangers of war and nuclear weapons.

“Rocketship X-M” is a classic science fiction film that explores the themes of exploration, survival, and the consequences of nuclear war. It was notable for its realistic depiction of space travel, and its influence can be seen in later science fiction films and television shows.

Directors:
Kurt Neumann

Writer:
Orville H. Hampton, Kurt Neumann, Dalton Trumbo

Stars:
Lloyd Bridges, Osa Massen, John Emery

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Red Planet Mars (1952)
3/5 (1)

“Red Planet Mars” is a science fiction film released in 1952. The movie begins with news that a team of scientists has detected strange radio signals emanating from the planet Mars. The signals seem to indicate that Martians have discovered God, and they have become a more peaceful and advanced society as a result.

Dr. Jim Barker, a scientist played by Peter Graves, becomes obsessed with deciphering the Martian signals. He and his wife, played by Andrea King, work tirelessly to decode the messages, even as they face opposition from the government and religious leaders who fear the implications of the Martians’ apparent discovery of God.

As the movie progresses, it becomes clear that the Martian signals are actually a hoax, perpetrated by a Soviet scientist who has been broadcasting the signals from a secret base in the Arctic. The Soviet scientist is eventually captured by American agents, and the truth behind the signals is revealed.

In the end, the movie raises questions about the nature of faith and the dangers of blind belief. It suggests that while belief in God can be a positive force, it can also be used to manipulate and control people. Overall, “Red Planet Mars” is a thought-provoking and entertaining science fiction film that continues to be popular with fans of the genre.

Directors:
Harry Horner

Writer:
John L. Balderston, Anthony Veiller, John Hoare

Stars:
Peter Graves, Andrea King, Herbert Berghof

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Phantom Cowboy (1935)
3/5 (1)

“Phantom Cowboy” is a 1935 Western film directed by George Sherman and starring Harry Carey, Hoot Gibson, and Tom Tyler. The film follows a cowboy named Tom, who is falsely accused of a crime he did not commit and is chased by the law. Tom takes refuge in a cave and discovers a hidden underground city that is inhabited by a group of outlaws.

The outlaws have been using the underground city as a base for their criminal activities, and they offer Tom a deal: he can join their gang and become rich, or they will turn him over to the authorities. Tom reluctantly agrees to join the gang and soon finds himself embroiled in their schemes.

However, Tom’s conscience begins to weigh on him, and he decides to turn against the gang and help the law bring them to justice. He teams up with a group of cowboys and together they take on the outlaws in a thrilling showdown.

In the end, justice prevails, and Tom is exonerated of the false accusations against him. He rides off into the sunset, leaving the underground city behind and returning to a life of honest work as a cowboy.

Directors:
Robert J. Horner

Writer:
Carl Krusada

Stars:
Ted Wells, Doris Brook, George Chesebro

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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)