Black & White Movies

Drama

Thunder in the City (1937)
3/5 (1)

“Thunder in the City” is a 1937 British film directed by Marion Gering and starring Edward G. Robinson and Nigel Bruce. The film follows the story of Dan Armstrong (Robinson), an American businessman who travels to Britain to convince the locals to invest in his new venture – a project to build a new type of aircraft.

Upon arriving in Britain, Armstrong is met with skepticism from the locals, who are wary of his brash American ways. However, he manages to win over some influential people, including Sir Christopher Strong (Bruce), a wealthy aristocrat with a passion for aviation. Together, they work to promote Armstrong’s new aircraft to the British public, but they face stiff competition from a rival company.

As Armstrong and Sir Christopher battle to win over investors, they also find themselves competing for the affections of Lady Edwina Esketh (Constance Bennett), a glamorous socialite who is torn between her love for Sir Christopher and her attraction to Armstrong.

The film explores themes of ambition, competition, and romance, and features some stunning aerial footage of early aviation. Although it received mixed reviews upon its release, “Thunder in the City” is now considered a classic example of British cinema from the 1930s, and it remains a popular choice for fans of vintage movies.

Directors:
Marion Gering

Writer:
Robert E. Sherwood, Aben Kandel, Ákos Tolnay

Stars:
Edward G. Robinson, Nigel Bruce, Constance Collier

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Pygmalion (1938)
4.5/5 (2)

“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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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)
3/5 (1)

“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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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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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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The Silver Fleet (1943)
3/5 (1)

The Silver Fleet is a British World War II film released in 1943, directed by Vernon Sewell and Gordon Wellesley. The film tells the story of Jaap van Leyden (Ralph Richardson), a Dutch businessman who decides to use his yacht-building skills to aid the British war effort.

Jaap’s plan is to build a secret submarine base for the British in occupied Holland. With the help of his loyal employees, he converts his shipyard into a front for the resistance movement. They use the cover of building luxury yachts for the Germans to secretly construct a fleet of submarines for the British.

However, the Gestapo begins to suspect Jaap’s activities, and he is arrested and interrogated. But even under torture, Jaap refuses to reveal the truth about his work. Meanwhile, his wife Helene (Googie Withers) and his employees carry on his mission, risking their lives to complete the construction of the submarines and get them safely to the waiting British Navy.

In the end, the submarines are launched successfully and destroy a German battleship, earning Jaap and his team the gratitude of the British Admiralty. The film ends with Jaap receiving a knighthood for his bravery and ingenuity in the face of danger.

Directors:
Vernon Sewell, Gordon Wellesley

Writer:
Vernon Sewell, Gordon Wellesley, Emeric Pressburger

Stars:
Ralph Richardson, Googie Withers, Esmond Knight

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Small Back Room (1949)
3/5 (1)

“The Small Back Room” is a British war drama film released in 1949, directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger. The story follows the struggles of a bomb disposal expert named Sammy Rice (played by David Farrar) during World War II.

Rice is a skilled engineer and has been tasked with diffusing unexploded bombs across London. However, he is also dealing with a painful injury sustained during the war, which has left him addicted to painkillers and alcohol. His addiction, combined with the pressure of his job, leads to tension in his relationship with his girlfriend Susan (played by Kathleen Byron).

As the war intensifies and the German bombings become more frequent, Rice is tasked with diffusing a new type of bomb that has never been encountered before. With the clock ticking, Rice and his team race against time to find a solution and prevent a disaster.

Throughout the film, Rice must confront his personal demons and find a way to overcome his addiction in order to complete his mission. Meanwhile, Susan struggles to support Rice and cope with the stress of living in a war-torn city.

Overall, “The Small Back Room” is a gripping and intense drama that explores the psychological toll of war and the challenges faced by those on the front lines. The film is notable for its realistic portrayal of bomb disposal techniques and its nuanced depiction of the characters’ emotions and relationships.

Directors:
Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger

Writer:
Nigel Balchin, Michael Powell, Emeric Pressburger

Stars:
David Farrar, Jack Hawkins, Kathleen Byron

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Captain Scarface (1953)
4/5 (2)

“Captain Scarface” is a crime drama film released in 1953. The story revolves around a gangster named Steve Morgan, aka “Captain Scarface” (played by Barton MacLane), who is the head of a smuggling ring. Morgan, who is known for his ruthless ways, is constantly evading the law and is wanted by the police.

One day, Morgan meets a young woman named Terry (played by Virginia Grey) and falls in love with her. However, Terry is unaware of Morgan’s criminal activities and believes that he is a legitimate businessman. When Terry finds out the truth about Morgan’s criminal past, she is shocked and tries to convince him to leave his life of crime.

Meanwhile, the police are hot on Morgan’s trail and are determined to bring him to justice. Morgan realizes that his time is running out and decides to take one last risk. He plans a huge smuggling operation that could make him a fortune but also puts him in grave danger.

As the operation unfolds, the police close in on Morgan and his gang, and a tense shootout ensues. In the end, Morgan is shot and killed, and Terry is left to mourn the loss of the man she loved.

Overall, “Captain Scarface” is a classic crime drama that explores themes of love, betrayal, and the consequences of a life of crime.

Directors:
Paul Guilfoyle

Writer:
Charles Lang

Stars:
Barton MacLane, Virginia Grey, Leif Erickson

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The Trail Beyond (1934)
3/5 (1)

“The Trail Beyond” is a Western novel by American author Max Brand, first published in 1934. The story follows the adventures of a young man named Rod Drew, who travels to the wilds of Canada in search of his missing brother.

Rod Drew arrives in the town of Twin Mills, where he meets a beautiful young woman named Felicity, who is also searching for her missing brother. The two team up to find their siblings and embark on a perilous journey through the rugged Canadian wilderness.

Along the way, they encounter a band of ruthless outlaws, led by a man named Blackie. Rod and Felicity are forced to fight for their lives against the vicious gang, using their wits and skills to outsmart their enemies and evade capture.

As they journey deeper into the wilderness, Rod and Felicity uncover a sinister plot involving a mysterious mine and a valuable gold vein. With the help of a wise old trapper named Frenchy, they must navigate treacherous terrain and overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles to unravel the truth and bring the outlaws to justice.

“The Trail Beyond” is a classic Western adventure tale, filled with action, suspense, and memorable characters. It captures the rugged spirit of the American frontier, and offers a thrilling glimpse into the lives of those who dared to explore the unknown reaches of the wild west.

Directors:
Robert N. Bradbury

Writer:
James Oliver Curwood, Lindsley Parsons

Stars:
John Wayne, Noah Beery, Verna Hillie

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Hurricane at Pilgrim Hill (1950)
3/5 (1)

“Hurricane at Pilgrim Hill” is a 1950 drama film directed by Ralph Murphy. The story follows a small town in New England that is hit by a devastating hurricane.

The film centers around a family living on Pilgrim Hill, including father Ben Warren (John McIntire), mother Helen Warren (Linda Darnell), and their teenage daughter, Nancy (Shirley Temple). As the hurricane approaches, the family prepares for the worst, but they are soon separated by the storm.

Ben and Helen become trapped in their home, which is quickly flooding, while Nancy is swept away by the floodwaters. The family must fight to survive the storm and find each other amidst the chaos.

As they struggle to survive, they encounter other residents of the town who are also fighting for their lives. These include the town doctor, who is trying to reach a patient in need, and a group of stranded travelers who seek refuge in the town.

Despite the danger and destruction around them, the residents of Pilgrim Hill come together to help each other through the storm. They work to rebuild their homes and their lives in the aftermath of the hurricane, and the experience brings them closer together as a community.

Overall, “Hurricane at Pilgrim Hill” is a gripping drama that showcases the power of human resilience and the strength of community in the face of disaster.

Directors:
Richard L. Bare

Writer:
James Charles Lynch

Stars:
Clem Bevans, Cecil Kellaway, David Bruce

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Isle of Forgotten Sins (Monsoon) (1943)
3/5 (1)

Isle of Forgotten Sins (also known as Monsoon) is a 1943 adventure film directed by Edgar G. Ulmer and starring John Carradine, Gale Sondergaard, and Sidney Toler. The film is set in the South Pacific and follows a group of adventurers as they search for treasure on a remote island.

The film opens with the crew of a fishing boat led by Captain “Skipper” Larsen (Carradine) picking up a stranded woman named “Rusty” (Sondergaard) and her husband (Frank Fenton) from a life raft. Rusty and her husband reveal that they were on a yacht that was attacked by pirates and sunk. They were the only survivors and managed to escape with a map that leads to a treasure on a remote island.

Skipper and his crew, including a Chinese cook (Toler), set out with Rusty and her husband to find the treasure. Along the way, they encounter a violent storm and the treacherous waters of the South Pacific. They also encounter a group of criminals led by a man named “Blackie” (Veda Ann Borg), who are also after the treasure.

As they explore the island, Skipper and his crew face many obstacles and dangers, including traps set by the previous inhabitants of the island. Rusty and her husband also prove to be unreliable and untrustworthy, and Skipper must keep a watchful eye on them.

In the end, Skipper and his crew manage to find the treasure, but not before facing off against Blackie and her gang in a final showdown. The film ends with Skipper and Rusty sailing off into the sunset, with Rusty’s true motives still in question.

Isle of Forgotten Sins is a classic adventure film with plenty of action, suspense, and intrigue. The beautiful and exotic South Pacific setting adds to the film’s appeal, and the talented cast delivers strong performances throughout.

Directors:
Edgar G. Ulmer

Writer:
Edgar G. Ulmer, Raymond L. Schrock

Stars:
John Carradine, Gale Sondergaard, Sidney Toler

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Sky Patrol (1939)
3/5 (1)

Sky Patrol is a 1939 film directed by Howard Bretherton and starring Lloyd Nolan, Robert Armstrong, and Ann Doran. The film tells the story of two aviators who team up to fight a gang of air pirates who are terrorizing the skies.

The film opens with two pilots, Tex Clark (Nolan) and Jim King (Armstrong), flying for the Sky Patrol, a private organization that provides air security for commercial airlines. They are on a routine flight when they receive a distress signal from a plane that has been hijacked by a gang of air pirates led by “The Black Ace.” Tex and Jim manage to rescue the passengers and bring the hijackers to justice.

But the Black Ace is not deterred and continues to terrorize the skies. He and his gang manage to steal a new invention, a remote-controlled bomber, from the military and plan to use it for their own nefarious purposes. Tex and Jim team up again, this time with the help of a female reporter (Doran), to track down the Black Ace and stop his plans before it’s too late.

The film features exciting aerial stunts and thrilling action sequences, as well as a touch of romance between Tex and the reporter. In the end, Tex and Jim manage to thwart the Black Ace’s plans and bring him to justice, ensuring that the skies are safe once again.

Directors:
Howard Bretherton

Writer:
George Waggner, Norton S. Parker, Hal Forrest

Stars:
John Trent, Marjorie Reynolds, Milburn Stone

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Black & White Series

Series List A-Z

Top Rated Moveis

1 Great Expectations (1946)
5/5 (3)
2 The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928)
5/5 (2)
3 His Girl Friday (1940)
5/5 (1)
4 Too Late for Tears (1949)
5/5 (1)
5 The Intruder (1962)
5/5 (1)
6 Arizona Gunfighter (1937)
5/5 (1)
7 Intolerance (1916)
5/5 (1)
8 The Phantom Carriage (1921)
5/5 (1)
9 Charade (1953)
5/5 (1)
10 Strike (1925)
5/5 (1)