Black & White Movies

Mystery

The Girl Was Young (Young and Innocent) (1937)
3/5 (1)

“The Girl Was Young” (also known as “Young and Innocent”) is a 1937 British thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on the novel “A Shilling for Candles” by Josephine Tey. The film follows the story of Robert Tisdall, a man wrongly accused of murder, and Erica Burgoyne, a young girl who helps him clear his name.

The film opens with the murder of famous actress Christine Clay in a seaside town. Robert Tisdall (played by Nova Pilbeam) is the last person seen with her and is quickly suspected of the crime. While running from the police, Robert meets Erica Burgoyne (played by Pilbeam as well), a young girl who believes in his innocence and helps him evade the authorities.

Together, they set out to prove Robert’s innocence and uncover the true killer. As they investigate, they encounter a variety of suspects, including a jealous ex-husband, a mysterious woman in black, and a wealthy businessman with a dark secret. Along the way, they must navigate a series of perilous situations, including a daring escape from a crowded courtroom and a dramatic chase through the woods.

Ultimately, Robert and Erica are able to identify the real killer and clear Robert’s name. The film ends with the two of them walking off into the distance, happy and relieved to have put the ordeal behind them. “The Girl Was Young” is a suspenseful and engaging thriller that showcases Hitchcock’s trademark style and storytelling abilities.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
Josephine Tey, Charles Bennett, Edwin Greenwood

Stars:
Nova Pilbeam, Derrick De Marney, Percy Marmont

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The 39 Steps (1935)
4.5/5 (2)

“The 39 Steps” is a 1935 British thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on the novel of the same name by John Buchan. The movie follows the story of Richard Hannay, a man who becomes embroiled in a web of espionage and murder after a chance encounter with a spy.

The plot centers around Hannay, played by Robert Donat, who is falsely accused of the murder of a spy he met at a music hall. Hannay goes on the run and becomes involved in a dangerous conspiracy involving a secret organization called “The 39 Steps.” Along the way, he meets a woman named Pamela, played by Madeleine Carroll, who becomes his reluctant ally in his quest to clear his name and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy.

The film is notable for its innovative use of suspense and tension, as well as its clever and intricate plot. Hitchcock employs his signature techniques, including elaborate camera work and masterful editing, to create a thrilling and entertaining cinematic experience.

“The 39 Steps” has become a classic of the thriller genre and is widely regarded as one of Hitchcock’s best films. It has been remade several times, but the original remains a favorite among film buffs and Hitchcock fans.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
John Buchan, Charles Bennett, Ian Hay

Stars:
Robert Donat, Madeleine Carroll, Lucie Mannheim

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The Cat and the Canary (1927)
4/5 (1)

“The Cat and the Canary” is a 1927 horror comedy film directed by Paul Leni and based on the play of the same name by John Willard. The movie takes place in a creepy old mansion where a group of people have gathered for the reading of a will.

The plot revolves around the character of Annabelle West, who has inherited a large fortune from her eccentric uncle. However, there is a catch – Annabelle must spend the night in the mansion along with a group of relatives who may also be in line for the inheritance. If anything happens to Annabelle, the inheritance goes to her other relatives.

As the night progresses, strange things begin to happen, and the guests become increasingly paranoid and suspicious of one another. They are also stalked by a mysterious figure known as “the Cat,” who may or may not be a real person.

The film is notable for its use of atmospheric lighting and camera work, which help to create a sense of dread and unease throughout the movie. The cast is also strong, with Laura La Plante delivering a standout performance as Annabelle West.

Overall, “The Cat and the Canary” is a classic example of early horror cinema and remains a beloved film among fans of the genre.

Directors:
Paul Leni

Writer:
John Willard, Robert F. Hill, Alfred A. Coh

Stars:
Laura La Plante, Creighton Hale, Forrest Stanley

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The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920)
4/5 (1)

“The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” is a silent German expressionist film, directed by Robert Wiene and released in 1920. The film tells the story of a young man named Francis who recounts his experience with a sinister hypnotist named Dr. Caligari.

In the film, Francis and his friend Alan visit a fair where Dr. Caligari is exhibiting his somnambulist, Cesare, who has been asleep for twenty-three years. Caligari claims that Cesare can predict the future, and when Alan asks how long he has to live, Cesare predicts that he will be dead by dawn.

Later that night, Alan is found dead, and Francis becomes obsessed with finding the murderer. He suspects that Caligari and Cesare are responsible and starts investigating them. His investigations lead him to discover that Caligari is actually the director of a mental institution and that Cesare is one of his patients.

Francis eventually discovers that Caligari has been using Cesare to commit a series of murders in the town. He confronts Caligari, who reveals that he is insane and that he has been using Cesare as a tool to carry out his evil deeds. In the end, the police catch Caligari and Cesare dies.

The film is known for its use of expressionist visuals, such as distorted and stylized sets, and the use of lighting to create mood and atmosphere. It is considered a classic of German expressionist cinema and a landmark in the history of horror films.

Directors:
Robert Wiene

Writer:
Carl Mayer, Hans Janowitz

Stars:
Werner Krauss, Conrad Veidt, Friedrich Feher

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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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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 Ace of Hearts (1921)
3/5 (1)

“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)
4/5 (1)

“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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Secret Police (1939)
3/5 (1)

“Secret Police” is a crime drama film released in 1939, directed by Edmond T. Gréville. The movie is set in Paris, during the interwar period, and follows the story of Inspector Clément Bonnet, a detective working for the French Secret Police.

The film opens with the assassination of a political figure, which sets off a chain of events that leads Bonnet on a dangerous investigation. As he delves deeper into the case, Bonnet discovers a conspiracy involving a group of international spies, who are plotting to overthrow the French government and install a puppet regime.

With the help of his loyal assistant, Max, Bonnet embarks on a thrilling cat-and-mouse game with the spies, using all of his skills and resources to uncover their plans and bring them to justice.

The film is notable for its atmospheric portrayal of Paris, with stunning shots of the city’s streets, cafes, and landmarks. The performances by the cast, including Jules Berry as Bonnet and Suzy Prim as Max, are also noteworthy, with Berry bringing a charismatic and suave presence to the role of the detective.

Overall, “Secret Police” is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of international espionage and political intrigue. It is a classic of the crime drama genre and remains a favorite among film enthusiasts to this day.

Directors:
James P. Hogan

Writer:
Garnett Weston, Herman C. McNeile

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

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Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon (1943)
3/5 (1)

“Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon” is a classic mystery film released in 1943, starring Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes and Nigel Bruce as Dr. John Watson. The movie is based on the story “The Dancing Men” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The film is set in World War II, with Holmes and Watson working to protect a new secret weapon being developed by the British military. However, the weapon’s inventor, Dr. Franz Tobel, has been kidnapped by the Nazis and taken to Germany.

Holmes and Watson are contacted by Tobel’s assistant, Charlotte Eberli, who seeks their help in rescuing Tobel and preventing the Nazis from obtaining the secret weapon. Together, the three embark on a dangerous mission to Germany, where they must outwit Nazi agents and rescue Tobel.

Along the way, they encounter various obstacles and challenges, including a Nazi assassin named Heinrich von Bork, who is determined to stop them at any cost. But with Holmes’ sharp wit and deductive reasoning, and Watson’s loyal support, they manage to uncover the secrets behind Tobel’s invention and thwart the Nazis’ plans.

The film features excellent performances by Rathbone and Bruce, who bring the iconic characters of Holmes and Watson to life. The story is fast-paced and full of twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Overall, “Sherlock Holmes and the Secret Weapon” is a thrilling and entertaining movie that combines classic mystery with wartime espionage, and is a must-watch for fans of the genre.

Directors:
Roy William Neill

Writer:
Edward T. Lowe Jr., Scott Darling, Edmund L. Hartmann

Stars:
Basil Rathbone, Nigel Bruce, Lionel Atwill

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Secret Agent (1936)
3/5 (1)

“Secret Agent” is a spy thriller film from 1936, directed by Alfred Hitchcock and starring John Gielgud, Madeleine Carroll, and Peter Lorre. The story takes place during World War I, and follows the adventures of a British writer named Edgar Brodie (Gielgud), who is recruited by the British Secret Service to go undercover in Switzerland and track down and eliminate a German spy known only as “The General.”

Posing as a writer of historical novels, Brodie meets and falls in love with Elsa Carrington (Carroll), a fellow British agent who is posing as his wife. They team up with a hitman named “The Hairless Mexican” (Lorre) to carry out their mission. Along the way, they encounter a variety of dangerous and colorful characters, including a sinister Russian agent and a group of German spies.

As the mission progresses, Brodie begins to question the morality of his assignment and whether killing “The General” is truly justified. Meanwhile, Elsa’s loyalties are called into question when it is revealed that her brother is actually “The General.”

The film features a number of classic Hitchcockian themes, including mistaken identity, double agents, and morally ambiguous characters. It is also notable for its dark and suspenseful tone, as well as its innovative use of sound and camera techniques. Overall, “Secret Agent” is a gripping and thrilling spy film that showcases Hitchcock’s mastery of the genre.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
Campbell Dixon, W. Somerset Maugham, Charles Bennett

Stars:
John Gielgud, Madeleine Carroll, Robert Young

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M (1931)
4/5 (1)

“M” is a German thriller film released in 1931, directed by Fritz Lang and starring Peter Lorre, Ellen Widmann, and Inge Landgut. The film tells the story of a child murderer who terrorizes the city of Berlin, and the efforts of both the police and the criminal underworld to capture him.

The film opens with the murder of a young girl, and we see the impact that the crime has on the city as panic and fear spread throughout the community. The police launch an intensive investigation, but their efforts are hampered by the murderer’s cunning and elusive nature.

Meanwhile, the criminal underworld also takes notice of the killings, and a group of gangsters form their own search party to find the murderer and bring him to justice. When the murderer is eventually caught, he is put on trial, and we see the conflict between the desire for justice and the need for compassion and mercy.

Peter Lorre delivers a chilling and unforgettable performance as the child murderer, portraying him as a disturbed and tortured individual who is unable to control his own impulses. Fritz Lang’s masterful direction creates a dark and suspenseful atmosphere that captures the anxiety and paranoia of a city in crisis.

The film explores themes of crime and punishment, justice and mercy, and the uneasy relationship between the law and the criminal underworld. “M” is widely regarded as a classic of German cinema and a landmark in the history of thriller films.

Directors:
Fritz Lang

Writer:
Thea von Harbou, Fritz Lang, Egon Jacobsohn

Stars:
Peter Lorre, Ellen Widmann, Inge Landgut

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Money Madness (1948)
3/5 (1)

“Money Madness” is a crime drama film released in 1948, directed by Sam Newfield and produced by Sigmund Neufeld. The film stars Hugh Beaumont, Frances Rafferty, Harlan Warde, and Robert Clarke.

The story follows a successful businessman named David Carroll (played by Hugh Beaumont) who becomes obsessed with making more money. His obsession drives him to neglect his wife, Julie (played by Frances Rafferty), and his young son, Tommy (played by Tommy Ivo). David begins to engage in risky investments, putting his family’s future at risk.

Things take a turn for the worse when David’s business partner, Phil Vernon (played by Harlan Warde), embezzles a large sum of money and frames David for the crime. David is arrested and faces a lengthy prison sentence.

With her husband behind bars, Julie struggles to support herself and their son. She eventually learns the truth about Phil’s deception and works to clear David’s name. In the end, David is exonerated and reunited with his family.

The film highlights the dangers of greed and the importance of family and honesty.

Directors:
Sam Newfield

Writer:
Al Martin

Stars:
Hugh Beaumont, Frances Rafferty, Harlan Warde

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My Favorite Brunette (1947)
3/5 (1)

“My Favorite Brunette” is a 1947 American comedy film directed by Elliott Nugent and starring Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour. The film tells the story of Ronnie Jackson (Bob Hope), a baby photographer, who dreams of becoming a detective like his idol, Sam McCloud (Alan Ladd).

One day, a beautiful woman named Carlotta Montay (Dorothy Lamour) enters his studio and asks for his help. She wants him to deliver a roll of film to her boyfriend, who is a private investigator, but Ronnie accidentally gets the wrong film and finds himself in the middle of a murder plot.

Ronnie is mistaken for the private investigator and is kidnapped by a group of criminals who want him to find a valuable item hidden in the mansion of the wealthy Baron Montay (Reginald Denny). With the help of Carlotta, Ronnie tries to uncover the truth and save his own life.

Throughout the film, Ronnie imagines himself as a hard-boiled detective, with Lamour playing the role of his femme fatale. The movie is filled with comedic moments and witty one-liners from Bob Hope, making it a classic example of a film noir spoof. In the end, Ronnie manages to save the day and gets the girl, but not before enduring a series of comical misadventures.

Directors:
Elliott Nugent

Writer:
Edmund Beloin, Jack Rose, Bob Hope

Stars:
Bob Hope, Dorothy Lamour, Peter Lorre

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Fog Island (1945)
4/5 (2)

“Fog Island” is a 1945 mystery-thriller film directed by Terry O. Morse and starring George Zucco, Lionel Atwill, and Jerome Cowan. The plot centers around a group of people who are invited to a remote island by eccentric millionaire, Geoffrey Bishop, who they believe wants to discuss a business proposition with them. However, they soon realize that Bishop has other, more sinister plans.

As the group arrives on the fog-shrouded island, they discover that they are cut off from the mainland due to a storm. Strange occurrences begin to happen, and tension rises as each guest realizes that they are being targeted by an unknown assailant. The group soon learns that Bishop has invited them to the island to exact revenge on those he believes are responsible for his imprisonment and financial ruin.

As the story unfolds, the guests attempt to figure out who is behind the attacks and what Bishop’s true motives are. In the end, they discover that Bishop is not who he appears to be and that his twisted plan involves framing one of the guests for his crimes.

The film is notable for its moody atmosphere, eerie setting, and use of suspenseful music to heighten tension. It is considered a classic example of the “old dark house” genre of thriller films that were popular in the 1930s and 1940s.

Directors:
Terry O. Morse

Writer:
Pierre Gendron, Bernadine Angus

Stars:
George Zucc, oLionel Atwill, Jerome Cowan

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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)