Black & White Movies

Romance

The Mark of Zorro (1920)
4/5 (2)

“The Mark of Zorro” is a silent film released in 1920, directed by Fred Niblo and starring Douglas Fairbanks in the lead role. The film is set in the early 19th century in Spanish California and follows the story of a wealthy young man named Don Diego Vega who returns home from Spain to find his people oppressed by a cruel and corrupt governor.

Disguised as a masked outlaw named Zorro, Diego sets out to right the wrongs committed against his people. He uses his fencing skills, wit, and daring to challenge the governor’s tyranny and protect the weak and innocent.

As Zorro, Diego becomes a hero to the people and a thorn in the governor’s side. However, he must also contend with the governor’s right-hand man, Captain Juan Ramon, who is determined to capture and unmask the elusive Zorro.

The film is filled with thrilling sword fights, daring stunts, and exciting action sequences. It also features a romantic subplot as Diego falls in love with the governor’s beautiful niece, Lolita.

In the end, Zorro triumphs over the governor’s tyranny, and justice is served. The film ends with Diego revealing his true identity to Lolita, and the two live happily ever after.

“The Mark of Zorro” is considered a classic of the silent film era and is credited with popularizing the swashbuckling adventure genre. Douglas Fairbanks’ charismatic performance as Zorro helped make the character an enduring pop culture icon.

Directors:
Fred Niblo

Writer:
Johnston McCulley, Douglas Fairbanks, Eugene Miller

Stars:
Douglas Fairbanks, Marguerite De La Motte, Noah Beery

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The Admiral Was A Lady (1950)
3/5 (1)

“The Admiral Was a Lady” is a 1950 comedy film directed by Albert S. Rogell and starring Edmond O’Brien, Wanda Hendrix, and Rudy Vallee.

The story follows a group of World War II veterans who decide to start their own airline company. However, they are struggling to make ends meet and are in danger of going bankrupt. One of the veterans, now a civilian, is a former Navy admiral named Matt Halliday (played by Edmond O’Brien). To help the struggling airline, Matt poses as a woman and takes a job as a flight attendant. He adopts the persona of “Admiral”, a tough and no-nonsense woman who quickly becomes popular with the passengers.

The plot thickens when Matt’s former Navy buddy, Commander Menard (played by Rudy Vallee), shows up and threatens to expose Matt’s secret. Meanwhile, Matt finds himself falling in love with his fellow flight attendant, Julie Morgan (played by Wanda Hendrix).

As the airline’s financial troubles escalate, Matt must use all his wit and charm to save the company and win Julie’s heart. The film is a light-hearted romantic comedy that touches on themes of gender roles and the challenges of post-war readjustment.

“The Admiral Was a Lady” is notable for its strong performances, particularly from O’Brien, who delivers a hilarious and convincing portrayal of a man pretending to be a woman. The film also features a delightful musical score and some breathtaking shots of the American Southwest. Overall, it is an enjoyable and entertaining film that is sure to please fans of classic Hollywood comedies.

Directors:
Albert S. Rogell

Writer:
John O’Dea, Sidney Salkow

Stars:
Edmond O’Brien, Wanda Hendrix, Rudy Vallee

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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 North Star (1943)
3/5 (1)

“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 Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse (1921)
3/5 (1)

“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)
3/5 (1)

“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 Amazing Adventure (1936)
3/5 (1)

“The Amazing Adventure” is a 1936 British comedy film directed by Alfred Zeisler and starring Cary Grant, Mary Brian, and Peter Gawthorne.

Grant plays Ernest Bliss, a wealthy young man who is bored with his life and decides to wager his entire fortune that he can live for a year without any of his current luxuries or money. His solicitor (played by Gawthorne) accepts the bet, and Bliss sets off to live a life of poverty.

He soon discovers that life without money is much harder than he anticipated, but he manages to find work as a dishwasher and befriends a struggling actress named Peggy (played by Brian). The two fall in love, but Bliss refuses to tell Peggy about his true identity or his bet.

As the year draws to a close, Bliss must decide whether to reveal his true identity and win the bet or to continue living a life of poverty with Peggy. In the end, he chooses love over money and gives up his fortune to be with Peggy.

The film was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of Cary Grant’s early breakthrough roles. It is also noted for its comedic and satirical commentary on wealth and class.

Directors:
Alfred Zeisler

Writer:
E. Phillips Oppenheim, John L. Balderston

Stars:
Cary Grant, Mary Brian, Peter Gawthorne

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The Navigator (1924)
4/5 (1)

“The Navigator” is a silent comedy film released in 1924 and directed by Donald Crisp and Buster Keaton. The movie stars Buster Keaton as Rollo Treadway, a wealthy young man who sets out to impress his love interest Betsy O’Brien, played by Kathryn McGuire.

The movie begins with Rollo discovering that Betsy has rejected his marriage proposal. Determined to win her heart, Rollo decides to embark on a trip around the world, but instead of traveling by ship with a large crew, he sets out with just himself and his trusty servant, played by Frederick Vroom.

After a series of mishaps and misadventures, Rollo and his servant end up stranded on a deserted ship, the Navigator. They soon realize that the ship has been taken over by a group of anarchists who plan to use it to attack New York City.

With no experience at sea, Rollo and his servant must figure out how to operate the ship and stop the anarchists from carrying out their plan. Along the way, they encounter a number of obstacles and challenges, including a stormy sea, a giant octopus, and a malfunctioning diving suit.

In the end, Rollo and his servant are able to stop the anarchists and bring the ship safely back to port. Rollo also finally wins Betsy’s heart, and they decide to get married. The movie ends with Rollo and Betsy sailing off into the sunset on the Navigator.

Directors:
Donald Crisp, Buster Keaton

Writer:
Clyde Bruckman, Joseph A. Mitchell, Jean C. Havez

Stars:
Buster Keaton, Kathryn McGuire, Frederick Vroom

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The Sheik (1921)
3/5 (1)

“The Sheik” is a 1921 silent romantic drama film directed by George Melford and starring Rudolph Valentino, Agnes Ayres, and Adolphe Menjou. It is based on the 1919 novel of the same name by Edith Maude Hull.

The film is set in the North African desert, where an independent and spirited Englishwoman named Lady Diana Mayo (Agnes Ayres) is vacationing with her brother. One day, while out riding alone, she is kidnapped by a group of Arab men and taken to the tent of Ahmed Ben Hassan (Rudolph Valentino), a wealthy and powerful Sheik. Ahmed initially plans to ransom Diana back to her brother, but soon finds himself drawn to her beauty and spirit.

Diana initially resists Ahmed’s advances and tries to escape, but gradually begins to fall in love with him. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Ahmed is already betrothed to another woman, and by the cultural differences between them. Eventually, Diana is rescued by her brother and taken back to England.

Despite its controversial themes and portrayal of Arab culture, “The Sheik” was a massive commercial success, making Rudolph Valentino a major Hollywood star and sparking a craze for desert romance films. The film was followed by a sequel, “The Son of the Sheik,” in 1926, which was Valentino’s final film before his untimely death at the age of 31.

Directors:
George Melford

Writer:
Edith Maude Hull, Monte M. Katterjohn

Stars:
Rudolph Valentino, Agnes Ayres, Ruth Miller

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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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Reign of Terror (1949)
4/5 (1)

“Reign of Terror” is a 1949 American film directed by Anthony Mann and starring Robert Cummings, Richard Basehart, and Arlene Dahl. The movie is set during the French Revolution and follows the story of a man named Charles D’Aubigny (Robert Cummings) who is sent to France to retrieve a list of counter-revolutionaries.

The film opens with Maximilien Robespierre (Richard Basehart), the leader of the Committee of Public Safety, executing a fellow revolutionary for being a counter-revolutionary. D’Aubigny, who is working for the French government, arrives in Paris and meets with his contact, Madelon (Arlene Dahl). She reveals to him that the list of counter-revolutionaries has been stolen and is now in the possession of Citizen Fouquet (Arnold Moss).

D’Aubigny sets out to find Fouquet and retrieve the list, but he soon discovers that Robespierre and his allies are using the list to eliminate anyone they suspect of opposing the Revolution. D’Aubigny is forced to go into hiding, but he continues to work with Madelon and other members of the underground resistance to bring down Robespierre.

As the Reign of Terror intensifies, D’Aubigny and his allies must navigate a dangerous web of intrigue and betrayal. They are aided by the enigmatic Madelon, who has her own reasons for opposing Robespierre. Eventually, D’Aubigny is able to obtain the list and use it to bring down Robespierre and his allies.

The film ends with D’Aubigny and Madelon watching as Robespierre is led to the guillotine. They realize that the Revolution has descended into tyranny, but they also know that their work is not yet done. The film closes with a quote from Robespierre: “Terror is only justice prompt, severe and inflexible; it is then an emanation of virtue; it is less a distinct principle than a natural consequence of the general principle of democracy, applied to the most pressing wants of the country.”

Directors:
Anthony Mann

Writer:
Philip Yordan, Æneas MacKenzie

Stars:
Robert Cummings, Richard Basehart, Richard Hart

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Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel (1937)
3/5 (1)

“The Return of the Scarlet Pimpernel” is a 1937 British film directed by Hanns Schwarz and starring Barry K. Barnes, Sophie Stewart, and Margaretta Scott. The movie is a sequel to the 1934 film “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” based on the novel by Baroness Orczy.

The film is set in the aftermath of the French Revolution, and it follows the story of Sir Percy Blakeney (Barry K. Barnes), a British aristocrat who secretly operates as the Scarlet Pimpernel, a heroic figure who rescues French aristocrats from execution. Sir Percy’s wife, Marguerite (Sophie Stewart), is unaware of his secret identity.

When a group of French revolutionaries arrive in England seeking to extradite the exiled Duke of Orleans (James Mason), Sir Percy becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of political intrigue. The revolutionaries are led by Chauvelin (Francis Lister), a former adversary of Sir Percy who is determined to capture him and bring him to justice.

As Sir Percy attempts to thwart Chauvelin’s plans and save the Duke of Orleans, Marguerite becomes suspicious of her husband’s activities and begins to investigate. Meanwhile, Sir Percy’s loyal band of followers, known as the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, aid him in his mission to protect the Duke and defeat Chauvelin.

In the end, Sir Percy is able to outmaneuver Chauvelin and rescue the Duke, but not before Marguerite discovers his secret identity. The film ends with Sir Percy revealing the truth to his wife and pledging to continue his work as the Scarlet Pimpernel.

Directors:
Hanns Schwarz

Writer:
Baroness Emmuska Orczy, Lajos Biró, Arthur Wimperis

Stars:
Barry K. Barnes, Sophie Stewart, Margaretta Scott

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Pride and Prejudice (1940)
3/5 (1)

“Pride and Prejudice” is a 1940 romantic drama film directed by Robert Z. Leonard and starring Greer Garson and Laurence Olivier. The film is based on Jane Austen’s classic novel of the same name, published in 1813.

The story is set in rural England during the late 18th century and follows the five Bennett sisters, who are of marriageable age and come from a respectable family, but lack a sizable inheritance. Mrs. Bennett, their mother, is eager to see them all married to wealthy suitors, especially the eldest daughter, Jane.

The story revolves around the romantic relationship between Elizabeth Bennett, the second eldest daughter, and Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and proud gentleman. Despite their initial dislike for each other, they are drawn together as they become more aware of each other’s true character.

Along the way, there are numerous misunderstandings and obstacles to their relationship, including the intervention of Mr. Darcy’s snobbish aunt, Lady Catherine de Bourgh, who disapproves of the match.

The film also features the comedic antics of the Bennett’s eccentric cousin, Mr. Collins, who is intent on marrying one of the Bennett sisters and securing his future inheritance.

In the end, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy overcome their pride and prejudice to declare their love for each other and embark on a happy future together.

The film was well-received upon its release, with particular praise for Garson’s portrayal of Elizabeth Bennett. It was nominated for four Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won the Oscar for Best Art Direction.

Directors:
Robert Z. Leonard

Writer:
Aldous Huxley, Jane Murfin, Jane Austen

Stars:
Greer Garson, Laurence Olivier, Mary Boland

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Outside The Law (1921)
3/5 (1)

“Outside the Law” is a silent film released in 1921, directed by Tod Browning, and starring Priscilla Dean, Lon Chaney, and Wheeler Oakman. The film tells the story of a gangster named “Black” Mike Sylva (played by Oakman) and his efforts to recruit a young thief named “Fingers” (played by Dean) to join his criminal organization.

Fingers’ father was a notorious criminal who was killed in a shootout with the police, and she has been raised by her uncle, who is also a thief. When her uncle is caught and sent to prison, Fingers is left alone and vulnerable. Black Mike sees her potential as a skilled pickpocket and offers her a job, but Fingers is initially hesitant to join his gang.

Meanwhile, a police detective named “Silent” Madden (played by Chaney) is hot on Black Mike’s trail and becomes suspicious of Fingers’ involvement with the gang. He befriends her and tries to convince her to help him catch Black Mike and his associates.

As Fingers becomes more involved with the gang, she begins to develop feelings for Black Mike’s right-hand man, “Dapper” Bill Ballard (played by Ralph Lewis). When she discovers that Black Mike plans to double-cross and kill Bill, she decides to help Silent Madden and the police take down the gang.

The film climaxes with a thrilling chase and shootout between the police and the gang, with Fingers and Bill caught in the middle. In the end, justice is served, and Fingers is given a second chance at life, thanks to Silent Madden’s compassion and understanding.

“Outside the Law” was a critical and commercial success upon its release, cementing Lon Chaney’s reputation as a master of character acting and Tod Browning’s status as a skilled director of crime dramas.

Directors:
Tod Browning

Writer:
Gardner Bradford, Tod Browning, Lucien Hubbard

Stars:
Priscilla Dean, Wheeler Oakman, Lon Chaney

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Neighbors (1920)
4/5 (1)

“Neighbors” is a short story by American author and humorist, Robert Benchley. It was first published in the New Yorker magazine in 1920.

The story is about a man who is trying to get some work done in his apartment, but he is constantly interrupted by the noise coming from his neighbor’s apartment next door. The neighbor is a violinist who practices for hours on end every day, and the noise is driving the man insane.

The man tries various tactics to get his neighbor to stop playing the violin, but nothing seems to work. He tries talking to him, banging on the walls, and even playing his own gramophone at full volume to drown out the sound of the violin.

Finally, the man decides to take drastic action and calls the police to report the noise. When the police arrive, they find that the neighbor has been dead for several days, and the violin has been playing on a phonograph that was left on repeat.

In the end, the man realizes that he was the only one who could hear the noise, and that he had been driven to the brink of insanity by his own imagination. The story is a humorous take on the concept of “the grass is always greener on the other side,” and the idea that we often complain about things that we don’t fully understand.

Directors:
Edward F. Cline, Buster Keaton

Writer:

Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline

Stars:
Buster Keaton, Edward F. Cline, Jack Duffy

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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)