Black & White Movies

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The Lady Confesses (1945)
3/5 (1)

“The Lady Confesses” is a 1945 film noir directed by Sam Newfield and produced by Sigmund Neufeld. The film follows the story of the wealthy socialite Vera Stanley (played by Mary Beth Hughes) who is accused of murdering her husband.

Vera’s husband is found dead in their home, and the police quickly focus their investigation on her. Despite her protests of innocence, the evidence seems to be stacked against her, and she is arrested and put on trial. However, as the trial proceeds, a number of people come forward with information that casts doubt on Vera’s guilt.

Among those who come forward is the detective assigned to the case, Lieutenant Joe Morgan (played by Hugh Beaumont), who begins to suspect that Vera may be innocent after all. Together, Vera and Joe work to uncover the truth and identify the real killer.

As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of lies and deceit that leads them to a surprising conclusion. The film features several twists and turns, and the audience is kept in suspense until the very end.

“The Lady Confesses” was well-received by audiences and critics alike for its engaging plot and strong performances, particularly by Mary Beth Hughes in the lead role. It is considered a classic example of film noir and is still enjoyed by fans of the genre today.

Directors:
Sam Newfield

Writer:
Irwin Franklyn, Helen Martin

Stars:
Mary Beth Hughes, Hugh Beaumont, Edmund MacDonald

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The North Star (1943)
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“The North Star” is a 1943 war film directed by Lewis Milestone and produced by Samuel Goldwyn. The film is set during World War II and tells the story of a small Ukrainian village called Bryansk, which is invaded by Nazi troops. The villagers, led by the doctor Yuri Pavlov (played by Walter Huston), the schoolteacher Marina Pavlova (played by Anne Baxter), and the farmer Kolya Simonov (played by Farley Granger), resist the German occupation and fight back against their oppressors.

The film follows the lives of the villagers as they struggle to survive under Nazi rule. They endure atrocities committed by the Germans, including the execution of innocent civilians and the burning of their homes. Despite the danger, the villagers organize a resistance movement and launch a series of attacks against the German troops.

As the war progresses, the Germans become increasingly brutal, and the villagers suffer more and more. But they refuse to give up, and they continue to resist the occupation. Eventually, the Red Army arrives and liberates the village from the Germans.

The film was praised for its portrayal of the bravery and resilience of the Ukrainian people during World War II. It was also criticized by some for its portrayal of the Soviet Union, as the film was made during a time when the US and USSR were allies but had ideological differences. Nevertheless, “The North Star” was a box office success and received seven Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture.

Directors:
Lewis Milestone

Writer:
Lillian Hellman, Burt Beck

Stars:
Anne Baxter, Dana Andrews, Walter Huston

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The Curse of the Cat People (1944)
3/5 (1)

“The Curse of the Cat People” is a 1944 American horror film directed by Gunther von Fritsch and Robert Wise. It is a sequel to the 1942 film “Cat People” and is known for its unusual combination of horror and fantasy elements.

The film follows the story of Amy Reed, a young girl who is the daughter of Alice and Oliver Reed, the couple who were at the center of the events in the first film. Amy is a dreamy and imaginative child who has difficulty making friends with other children her age. She becomes fascinated with a photograph of her father’s first wife, Irena, who was believed to be a cat person and died shortly after the events of the first film.

Amy begins to have vivid and increasingly realistic daydreams in which she imagines herself playing with Irena, who appears to her as a friendly and protective imaginary friend. Amy’s parents become concerned about her behavior and seek the help of Julia Farren, a local psychologist, who tries to convince Amy that her imaginary friend is not real.

Meanwhile, Amy befriends an elderly neighbor named Mrs. Farren, who tells her stories of fairies and other magical creatures. Amy’s daydreams become more frequent and intense, and she begins to believe that Irena is trying to communicate with her from beyond the grave.

The film builds to a dramatic conclusion in which Amy’s parents must confront their own fears and accept the reality of the supernatural world that their daughter has discovered.

Overall, “The Curse of the Cat People” is a haunting and atmospheric film that explores themes of childhood imagination, the supernatural, and the power of belief.

Directors:
Gunther von Fritsch, Robert Wise

Writer:
DeWitt Bodeen

Stars:
Simone Simon, Kent Smith, Jane Randolph

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Three Came Home (1950)
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“Three Came Home” is a 1950 American war film directed by Jean Negulesco, based on the book of the same name by Agnes Newton Keith, which tells the true story of her and her family’s experiences during the Japanese occupation of Borneo in World War II.

The film stars Claudette Colbert as Agnes Newton Keith, a writer who lived with her husband and young son in Borneo before the war. When the Japanese invade the island, they are all taken prisoner, and separated into different camps.

Agnes is sent to a women’s camp, where she struggles to survive under brutal conditions. She befriends two other women, the compassionate Dutch missionary Mrs. Van Der Poel (Patricia Medina) and the tough Australian nurse Betty Sommers (Sessue Hayakawa). Together, they try to keep their spirits up and help each other through the hardships of the camp.

Meanwhile, Agnes’ husband Harry (Wendell Corey) is held in a men’s camp, where he is subjected to torture and forced labor. Their son, George (Johnny Sands), is taken away from them and placed in a separate children’s camp.

As the war draws to a close, the prisoners are finally liberated, and the Keith family is reunited. However, they are all deeply scarred by their experiences, and struggle to readjust to civilian life.

Overall, “Three Came Home” is a powerful and moving portrayal of the strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable adversity. It explores the themes of survival, resilience, and the impact of war on individuals and families.

Directors:
Jean Negulesco

Writer:
Nunnally Johnso, Agnes Newton Keith

Stars:
Claudette Colber, Patric Knowles, Florence Desmond

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The Birth of a Nation (1915)
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“The Birth of a Nation” is a silent drama film from 1915, directed by D.W. Griffith. The movie is based on the novel “The Clansman” by Thomas Dixon Jr. and is considered a landmark in American cinema, despite its controversial subject matter.

The film follows the story of two families, the Stonemans from the North and the Camerons from the South, during the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The movie portrays the Southern whites as the heroic defenders of their homes against Northern aggression and the newly freed African Americans as a dangerous and inferior race.

The film is notorious for its portrayal of African Americans as grotesque caricatures and for its glorification of the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan is depicted as a heroic force that helps to restore order and protect white women from the supposedly uncontrollable lust of black men.

“The Birth of a Nation” was met with controversy upon its release, with some groups protesting against its racism and portrayal of African Americans. However, it was also a commercial success and was praised by some for its technical innovations and cinematic techniques, including the use of close-ups, cross-cutting, and camera movement.

Despite its historical significance, “The Birth of a Nation” is now widely criticized for its racist content and has been the subject of much debate about the role of art in perpetuating harmful stereotypes and promoting white supremacy.

Directors:
D.W. Griffith

Writer:
Thomas Dixon Jr., D.W. Griffith, Frank E. Woods

Stars:
Lillian Gish, Mae Marsh, Henry B. Walthall

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The Phantom of the Opera (1925)
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“The Phantom of the Opera” is a silent horror film from 1925, based on the novel by Gaston Leroux. The movie was directed by Rupert Julian and starred Lon Chaney as the Phantom.

The film is set in the Paris Opera House, which is said to be haunted by a mysterious figure known as the Phantom. The Phantom, who lives in the catacombs beneath the opera house, becomes obsessed with Christine Daaé (played by Mary Philbin), a young soprano who is just beginning to make a name for herself in the opera world.

The Phantom begins to coach Christine in secret, using his influence to ensure that she gets the lead roles in the productions. He also begins to send her letters and gifts, leading her to believe that they are from an angel sent by her deceased father.

However, when Christine falls in love with Raoul (played by Norman Kerry), a handsome young nobleman, the Phantom becomes jealous and decides to take revenge. He kidnaps Christine and takes her to his lair in the catacombs, where he reveals his face to her for the first time, terrifying her with his grotesque appearance.

Meanwhile, Raoul, with the help of a group of police officers, sets out to rescue Christine and capture the Phantom. In a dramatic finale, the Phantom is pursued through the opera house, leading to a confrontation with Raoul and the police on the roof. The Phantom ultimately meets a tragic end, falling to his death from the roof of the opera house.

“The Phantom of the Opera” is considered a classic of the horror genre and is particularly notable for Lon Chaney’s incredible performance as the Phantom, which required him to wear a painful and elaborate makeup and prosthetic devices.

Directors:
Rupert Julian, Lon Chaney, Ernst Laemmle

Writer:
Gaston Leroux, Walter Anthony, Elliott J. Clawson

Stars:
Lon Chaney, Mary Philbin, Norman Kerry

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The Man Who Cheated Himself (1951)
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“The Man Who Cheated Himself” is a 1951 film noir directed by Felix E. Feist. The movie stars Lee J. Cobb as Lt. Ed Cullen, a police detective in San Francisco who falls in love with a wealthy socialite named Lois Frazer (Jane Wyatt) while investigating her husband’s murder.

Lois confesses to Ed that she killed her husband in self-defense after he tried to attack her, but Ed decides to cover up the crime and make it look like a robbery gone wrong. He believes that Lois is innocent and wants to protect her from the scandal that would follow if the truth came out.

However, Ed’s younger brother Andy (John Dall), who is also a police detective, becomes suspicious of Ed’s behavior and starts to investigate the case himself. Andy uncovers evidence that implicates Lois in the murder and confronts Ed about it. Ed eventually confesses to his involvement in the cover-up, but it’s too late to save Lois. She’s already fled the city and committed suicide in despair over her husband’s death and the guilt of her actions.

The film ends with Ed and Andy reconciling and Ed accepting the consequences of his actions, which include losing his job and facing criminal charges.

Directors:
Felix E. Feist

Writer:
Seton I. MillerPhilip MacDonald

Stars:
Lee J. Cobb, Jane Wyatt, John Dall

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The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog (1927)
4/5 (1)

“The Lodger: A Story of the London Fog” is a silent film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1927. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Marie Belloc Lowndes and tells the story of a mysterious lodger who may be a serial killer.

The film is set in London during a period of time when a serial killer known as “The Avenger” is on the loose, targeting young blonde women. When a new lodger (Ivor Novello) arrives at a boarding house run by Mr. and Mrs. Bunting, he seems to fit the description of the killer, and Mrs. Bunting becomes increasingly suspicious of him.

As the lodger’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, Mrs. Bunting becomes convinced that he is the Avenger and enlists the help of her policeman fiance to track him down. However, as they close in on the lodger, they begin to uncover evidence that suggests he may not be the killer after all.

The film is notable for its use of innovative camera techniques and its exploration of themes such as guilt, suspicion, and the dangers of mob mentality. It was one of Hitchcock’s earliest successes and helped establish him as a master of suspense. The film also marks the first of many collaborations between Hitchcock and actress Alma Reville, who would later become his wife and a key creative collaborator.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
Marie Belloc Lowndes, Eliot Stannard, Alfred Hitchcock

Stars:
June Tripp, Ivor Novello, Marie Ault

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The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921)
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“The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” is a silent film directed by Rex Ingram and released in 1921. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Vicente Blasco Ibáñez and is set during World War I.

The story follows the wealthy Argentinian family of Julio Madariaga, who is a staunch supporter of Germany. However, when his grandson Julio Desnoyers falls in love with the Frenchwoman Marguerite Laurier, the family becomes divided by the war.

As the conflict intensifies, Julio Desnoyers and Marguerite are caught up in the chaos of battle, with Julio fighting for the Germans and Marguerite aiding the French resistance. The four horsemen of the apocalypse – Conquest, War, Famine, and Death – serve as a metaphor for the devastation wrought by the war and its impact on the characters.

The film was a major commercial success and helped launch the career of its lead actor, Rudolph Valentino. It also marked a significant milestone in the history of cinema, as one of the first films to portray the war in a realistic and nuanced manner. Despite its age, it remains a powerful and thought-provoking examination of the human cost of war.

Directors:
Rex Ingram

Writer:
Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, June Mathis

Stars:
Rudolph Valentino,Alice Terry, Pomeroy Cannon

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The Ring (1927)
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“The Ring” is a silent film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and released in 1927. The film is about a love triangle that develops between two boxers and the woman they both desire.

The main character, Jack “One Round” Sander, is a successful boxer who is in love with a woman named Mabel. Mabel works at a carnival where Jack performs, and she is also courted by a younger boxer named Bob. Despite Jack’s efforts to win Mabel’s heart, she is more interested in Bob.

As the two boxers compete in the ring, their rivalry intensifies. Bob wins a match against Jack and becomes the new champion, but Jack refuses to accept defeat and challenges Bob to a rematch. Meanwhile, Mabel begins to see the darker side of Bob’s personality and becomes afraid of him.

In the climactic fight scene, Jack and Bob face off in the ring once again. As the fight reaches its conclusion, Mabel realizes that she loves Jack and not Bob. Jack ultimately emerges as the victor, and he and Mabel reconcile.

The film is notable for its innovative use of camera angles and techniques, as well as its exploration of themes such as jealousy and competition. It was one of Hitchcock’s earliest successes and helped establish his reputation as a master filmmaker.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
Alfred Hitchcock, Alma Reville

Stars:
Carl Brisson, Lillian Hall-Davis, Ian Hunter

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The Ace of Hearts (1921)
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“The Ace of Hearts” is a silent film released in 1921, directed by Wallace Worsley. The movie follows the story of a secret society that seeks to eliminate people they believe are unworthy of life.

The movie is set in San Francisco, and Lilith (played by Leatrice Joy) is the daughter of a wealthy man. She falls in love with one of the members of the secret society, Forrest (played by John Bowers). Lilith is soon initiated into the society, and Forrest reveals to her that their next target is a man named Farallone (played by Lon Chaney).

Lilith discovers that the society uses a deck of cards to determine who their next victim will be. Forrest is the Ace of Hearts, and he chooses the targets. Lilith draws the King of Hearts and is given the task of carrying out the assassination of Farallone.

However, Lilith starts to have doubts about the morality of the society’s actions. She meets Farallone and discovers that he is a kind man who does not deserve to die. She decides to warn him about the society’s plans and risks her own life in the process.

In the end, the society’s plan is foiled, and Forrest is killed in the process. Lilith and Farallone end up together, and Lilith is relieved to have put an end to the society’s ruthless actions.

“The Ace of Hearts” is notable for its striking visual style, use of shadow and dramatic lighting, and exploration of themes such as morality, love, and loyalty. It was well-received upon its release and is considered a classic of the silent era.

Directors:
Wallace Worsley

Writer:
Gouverneur Morris, Ruth Wightman

Stars:
Leatrice Joy, John Bowers, Lon Chaney

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The Lady Vanishes (1938)
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“The Lady Vanishes” is a 1938 British thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. The film is based on the 1936 novel “The Wheel Spins” by Ethel Lina White.

The movie takes place in the fictional European country of Bandrika, where a group of passengers are stranded at a remote hotel due to an avalanche blocking the train tracks. Among them is Iris Henderson (Margaret Lockwood), a young socialite who befriends Miss Froy (Dame May Whitty), an elderly governess who is also a passenger on the train.

When the train finally resumes its journey, Miss Froy disappears, and no one on the train seems to remember seeing her. With the help of Gilbert (Michael Redgrave), a musician, Iris sets out to find Miss Froy and uncover the truth about her disappearance.

As they investigate, Iris and Gilbert become caught up in a web of intrigue and conspiracy involving Bandrikan politics and a group of spies who are determined to prevent Miss Froy from returning to England with her valuable information.

“The Lady Vanishes” is regarded as one of Hitchcock’s greatest films, with its blend of suspense, humor, and romance. The movie is notable for its strong performances, particularly from Lockwood and Redgrave, as well as its inventive use of the confined space of a train. The film’s themes of deception, identity, and memory have also been the subject of critical analysis and interpretation over the years.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
Ethel Lina White, Sidney Gilliat, Frank Launder

Stars:
Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, Paul Lukas

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The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933)
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“The Private Life of Henry VIII” is a 1933 British film that explores the life of King Henry VIII. The movie is directed by Alexander Korda and stars Charles Laughton as Henry VIII, along with a talented cast that includes Elsa Lanchester, Merle Oberon, and Binnie Barnes.

The movie is set in the 16th century and follows Henry VIII as he navigates through his six marriages, the birth of his son Edward VI, and his eventual break from the Roman Catholic Church. The film also touches on the political turmoil and religious conflicts that marked Henry’s reign, as well as his personal struggles and passions.

Throughout the movie, we see Henry VIII’s private life, including his relationships with his wives, his courtiers, and his advisers. We witness his volatile temperament, his love of pageantry and excess, and his desire for a male heir. We also see the consequences of his decisions, including his dissolution of the monasteries and his ruthless treatment of those who opposed him.

Despite its historical setting, the movie is not a completely accurate representation of Henry VIII’s life. It takes some liberties with the facts, and many of the characters are portrayed in a highly fictionalized manner. However, the film remains a popular and enduring depiction of Henry VIII, and Laughton’s performance as the monarch is widely regarded as one of his best.

Directors:
Alexander Korda

Writer:
Lajos Biró, Arthur Wimperis

Stars:
Charles Laughton, Robert Donat, Franklin Dyall

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Two Weeks to Live (1943)
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“Two Weeks to Live” (1943), directed by Malcolm St. Clair and starring Chester Lauck and Norris Goff as the characters Abner and Lum, respectively. In the film, Abner is mistakenly diagnosed with a rare disease and given only two weeks to live. His partner Lum sees an opportunity to make money by staging a series of dangerous stunts featuring Abner, with the intention of cashing in on the publicity and media attention. However, as the two weeks draw to a close, they realize the error in their ways and the importance of valuing their friendship above money and fame. The film is a comedy and is part of the long-running “Lum and Abner” series.

Directors:
Malcolm St. Clair

Writer:
Michael L. Simmons, Roswell Rogers

Stars:
Chester Lauck, Norris Goff, Franklin Pangborn

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The Man Who Walked Alone (1945)
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“The Man Who Walked Alone” is a 1945 American film noir directed by Christy Cabanne and starring Dave O’Brien, Kay Aldridge, and Walter Catlett.

O’Brien plays Eddie Taylor, a down-on-his-luck war veteran who arrives in a small town in search of a job. He soon finds work at a local gas station, but his past catches up with him when a former army buddy shows up and tries to involve him in a robbery.

Meanwhile, Eddie becomes romantically involved with Joan Wright (played by Aldridge), a young woman whose father is the wealthy owner of the local oil refinery. But when Joan’s father is murdered, Eddie becomes the prime suspect.

As he tries to clear his name, Eddie uncovers a web of deceit and corruption in the town and must risk his own life to expose the true killer and bring justice to the community.

“The Man Who Walked Alone” is a classic example of film noir, with its dark themes of crime, betrayal, and corruption. It also features strong performances from its cast, particularly O’Brien in the lead role. The film is noted for its atmospheric cinematography and moody score, and is considered a cult classic among fans of the genre.

Directors:
Christy Cabanne

Writer:
Christy Cabanne, Robert Lee Johnson

Stars:
Dave O’Brien, Kay Aldridge, Walter Catlett

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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 The Intruder (1962)
5/5 (1)
8 The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
5/5 (1)
9 Charade (1953)
5/5 (1)
10 Intolerance (1916)
5/5 (1)