Black & White Movies

Thriller

Battleship Potemkin (1925)
4/5 (1)

“Battleship Potemkin” is a 1925 silent film directed by Sergei Eisenstein and produced by Mosfilm. The film is a dramatized account of the mutiny that occurred aboard the Russian battleship Potemkin in 1905, during which the crew rebelled against their oppressive officers.

The film is divided into five parts, each depicting a different stage of the mutiny. It opens with the crew’s dissatisfaction with their living conditions, which are portrayed as inhumane and oppressive. When the crew is given maggot-infested meat for their meals, they refuse to eat it, and their leaders are punished.

The situation escalates when the ship’s captain orders the firing squad to execute the mutineers. The crew responds with a mutiny, and the ship’s guns are turned on the officers’ quarters. The mutineers then sail to the port of Odessa, where they are met with support from the citizens, but are subsequently attacked by Tsarist forces. The famous “Odessa Steps” sequence depicts the massacre of innocent civilians by the soldiers.

The film ends with the Potemkin sailing towards the horizon, with the message that the people’s struggle against oppression will continue.

“Battleship Potemkin” is widely regarded as a masterpiece of Soviet cinema, with its use of montage, symbolism, and epic cinematography. The film is often studied for its innovative techniques and its portrayal of revolutionary ideals.

Directors:
Sergei Eisenstein

Writer:
Nina Agadzhanova, Sergei Eisenstein, Grigoriy Aleksandrov

Stars:
Aleksandr Antonov, Vladimir Barskiy, Grigoriy Aleksandrov

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Bulldog Drummond’s Secret Police (1939)
3/5 (1)

“Bulldog Drummond’s Secret Police” is a 1939 crime thriller film that follows the adventures of Captain Hugh “Bulldog” Drummond (played by John Howard) and his fiancée, Phyllis Clavering (played by Heather Angel), as they work to uncover a secret criminal organization.

The film begins with Drummond and his friend, Algy Longworth (played by Reginald Denny), attending a dinner party at the home of a wealthy businessman. When the host is murdered in his own home, Drummond and Longworth are called upon to investigate the crime. As they begin to dig deeper, they discover that the murder is just the tip of the iceberg, and that a much larger criminal conspiracy is at work.

With the help of Phyllis and a team of secret police agents, Drummond and Longworth set out to infiltrate the criminal organization and put an end to their nefarious plans. Along the way, they face numerous obstacles and dangers, including car chases, gunfights, and a kidnapping.

As the investigation progresses, Drummond and his team begin to unravel the complex web of deceit and corruption at the heart of the criminal organization. Ultimately, they are able to bring the criminals to justice and restore order to the community.

Overall, “Bulldog Drummond’s Secret Police” is a fast-paced and entertaining thriller that combines elements of mystery, action, and suspense. It is a classic example of the crime thriller genre and a must-see for fans of classic cinema.

Directors:
James P. Hogan

Writer:
Garnett Weston, Herman C. McNeile

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

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Death From a Distance (1935)
3.5/5 (2)

During a lecture by a distinguished astronomer in a planetarium, a gunshot suddenly echoes through the room, and one of the attendees is discovered dead. As the investigation unfolds, a no-nonsense detective and a bold and outspoken female reporter clash as they each try to uncover the truth behind the murder.

Directors:
Frank R. Strayer

Writer:
John W. Krafft

Stars:
Russell Hopton, Lola Lane, George F. Marion

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Easy Virtue (1928)
3/5 (1)

“Easy Virtue” is a play by Noël Coward, first performed in 1924. It was later adapted into a silent film in 1928, directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

The story follows Larita Filton, a glamorous and free-spirited young woman who marries John Whittaker, a young Englishman, after a whirlwind romance on the French Riviera. However, when they return to England, Larita finds herself ostracized by John’s family and society because of her past as a professional dancer and her divorce from her previous husband.

The play and film explore themes of social class, gender roles, and the tensions between tradition and modernity. It was considered controversial at the time for its frank treatment of divorce and female sexuality.

The film adaptation of “Easy Virtue” was notable for being one of Hitchcock’s earliest successes, showcasing his skill at combining suspense and humor. While it was initially dismissed by critics, it has since gained a reputation as a classic of early British cinema.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
Noël Coward, Eliot Stannard

Stars:
Isabel Jeans, Franklin Dyall, Eric Bransby Williams

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The Great Saint Louis Bank Robbery (1959)
3/5 (1)

“The Great Saint Louis Bank Robbery” is a 1959 crime film directed by Charles Guggenheim and John Stix, and starring Steve McQueen, Crahan Denton, and David Clarke. The movie is based on a real-life bank robbery that occurred in St. Louis, Missouri in 1953.

The film tells the story of a group of criminals who plan and execute a daring heist on a bank in downtown St. Louis. The leader of the gang is George Fowler (played by Crahan Denton), a career criminal who has carefully planned every aspect of the robbery. The other members of the gang include a young getaway driver named Gino (played by Steve McQueen) and a veteran safecracker named John Egan (played by David Clarke).

The robbery goes according to plan, and the gang manages to steal over $1 million in cash and bonds. However, things quickly begin to unravel as the police launch an intense investigation into the crime. Gino becomes paranoid and starts to suspect that the other members of the gang are planning to double-cross him. Egan becomes increasingly unstable and starts to drink heavily, while Fowler tries to keep everything under control.

As the police close in, the gang members turn on each other, leading to a violent and dramatic conclusion. The film ends with a sobering message about the consequences of crime and the dangers of greed.

“The Great Saint Louis Bank Robbery” is a gritty and suspenseful crime drama that explores the motivations and psychology of the criminals involved in the heist. The film features strong performances from the cast, particularly Steve McQueen in one of his early roles. It is also notable for its use of on-location filming in St. Louis, which adds to the authenticity and realism of the movie. Overall, it is a classic crime film that has stood the test of time.

Directors:
Charles Guggenheim, John Stix

Writer:
Richard T. Heffron

Stars:
Steve McQueen, Crahan Denton, David Clarke

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The Fatal Hour (1940)
3/5 (1)

“The Fatal Hour” is a 1940 American crime film directed by William Nigh and starring Boris Karloff, Marjorie Reynolds, and Grant Withers. The film tells the story of a police detective named James Lee Wong (played by Boris Karloff) who is tasked with solving a murder case in San Francisco’s Chinatown.

The murder victim is a wealthy businessman named Gordon McLeod, who is found dead in his office with a Chinese character painted on his chest. The police suspect that the killer is someone from Chinatown, and Wong is brought in to help with the investigation.

Wong is a brilliant detective who is respected by both the police and the Chinese community. He begins to investigate the case, and he quickly realizes that the murder is linked to a smuggling ring operating in Chinatown. He also discovers that McLeod had been secretly working with the smugglers to bring in a valuable jade Buddha statue from China.

As Wong delves deeper into the case, he becomes the target of the smugglers, who are determined to stop him from uncovering their operation. They hire a hitman named Marloff (played by Grant Withers) to kill Wong, but the detective manages to outwit him and gather enough evidence to solve the case.

In the final scenes of the movie, Wong confronts the smugglers and reveals their scheme to the police. He also clears the name of a young Chinese man who had been wrongly accused of the murder. The film ends with Wong being hailed as a hero and a symbol of justice for the Chinese community.

“The Fatal Hour” is a classic crime film that explores themes of race, identity, and cultural conflict. It is notable for its portrayal of a Chinese-American detective as the main character, which was a rarity in Hollywood films of the time. The movie is also remembered for Boris Karloff’s commanding performance as James Lee Wong, which helped establish him as a leading actor in the detective genre.

Directors:
William Nigh

Writer:
Scott Darling, George Waggner, Hugh Wiley

Stars:
Boris Karloff, Marjorie Reynolds, Grant Withers

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The Amazing Mr. X (1948)
4/5 (1)

“The Amazing Mr. X” is a 1948 American film noir directed by Bernard Vorhaus. The film stars Turhan Bey, Lynn Bari, Cathy O’Donnell, and Richard Carlson. The story follows Christine Faber (played by Lynn Bari), a young widow who visits a psychic named Alexis (played by Turhan Bey) to contact her deceased husband. Alexis claims to be able to communicate with the dead, and he tells Christine that her husband is trying to reach her. However, Alexis is not what he seems, and he has a sinister plan for Christine.

Alexis has a reputation as a medium, and many wealthy clients come to him seeking his services. However, Alexis is not a psychic at all. He uses his skills in hypnosis and psychology to read people’s minds and manipulate them. He is also a con artist and a thief, and he uses his abilities to steal from his clients. When Christine comes to him, he sees an opportunity to exploit her vulnerability and take her money.

Alexis begins to visit Christine at her home, and he starts to influence her thoughts and emotions. He convinces her that her deceased husband is still with her and that he wants her to be happy. He also suggests that she invest in the stock market, using his predictions to make a fortune. Christine becomes infatuated with Alexis and trusts him completely.

However, Christine’s sister Janet (played by Cathy O’Donnell) becomes suspicious of Alexis and starts to investigate him. She discovers that he is a fraud and warns Christine, but Christine refuses to believe her. Meanwhile, Alexis continues to manipulate Christine, convincing her to withdraw all her money from the bank and give it to him. He plans to flee the country with the money and leave Christine behind.

In the end, Janet and a police detective confront Alexis at his apartment. Alexis tries to escape, but he falls to his death from the balcony. Christine is left alone, but she realizes the truth about Alexis and decides to move on with her life.

“The Amazing Mr. X” is a classic film noir that explores themes of deception, manipulation, and the dangers of trusting strangers. The film is known for its suspenseful atmosphere, clever plot twists, and strong performances by the cast.

Directors:
Bernard Vorhaus

Writer:
Crane Wilbur, Muriel Roy Bolton, Ian McLellan Hunter

Stars:
Turhan Bey, Lynn Bari, Cathy O’Donnell

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Shock (1946)
4/5 (1)

“Shock” is a film noir thriller directed by Alfred L. Werker and released in 1946. The film follows Dr. Richard Cross, a psychiatrist who is called to the scene of a murder to evaluate the mental state of the suspect, Mrs. Janet Stewart. As Cross tries to get to the bottom of the case, he discovers that Mrs. Stewart is not who she appears to be and that her husband’s death is not as straightforward as it seems.

The film stars Vincent Price as Dr. Cross and Lynn Bari as Mrs. Stewart. The supporting cast includes Frank Latimore as Lt. Paul Stewart, Anabel Shaw as Nurse Charlotte Grant, and Stephen Dunne as Dr. Stevens.

The movie begins with the murder of Mrs. Stewart’s husband, a wealthy businessman. When the police arrive, they find Mrs. Stewart standing over her dead husband with a gun in her hand. She claims to have no memory of what happened and is taken to the hospital for evaluation.

Dr. Cross is called in to examine Mrs. Stewart and determine if she is mentally fit to stand trial. As he begins to interview her, he becomes convinced that she is not the killer. He also learns that Mrs. Stewart is suffering from shock and amnesia, and has no memory of what happened before or after the murder.

Dr. Cross becomes increasingly intrigued by the case and decides to investigate further. He visits the Stewart home and talks to their neighbors, but is unable to find any solid evidence to prove Mrs. Stewart’s innocence.

As the investigation continues, Dr. Cross begins to suspect that there is more to the case than meets the eye. He discovers that Mrs. Stewart is not who she claims to be and that her husband’s death may have been part of a larger conspiracy.

In the end, Dr. Cross is able to uncover the truth behind the murder and clear Mrs. Stewart’s name. The film ends with the revelation of the real killer and a dramatic confrontation between the killer and Dr. Cross.

“Shock” is a suspenseful and well-crafted film noir with strong performances from the lead actors. It is an excellent example of the genre and a must-see for fans of classic thrillers.

Directors:
Alfred L. Werker

Writer:
Eugene Ling, Albert DeMond, Martin Berkeley

Stars:
Vincent Price, Lynn Bari, Frank Latimore

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Too Late for Tears (1949)
5/5 (1)

“Too Late for Tears” is a film noir thriller released in 1949, directed by Byron Haskin and starring Lizabeth Scott and Dan Duryea. The film follows the story of Jane Palmer (Lizabeth Scott), a bored housewife who finds herself in possession of a suitcase full of money. Her husband Alan (Arthur Kennedy) wants to turn the money over to the authorities, but Jane has other plans. She convinces him to keep the money and use it to start a new life.

Their plans are soon complicated when Danny Fuller (Dan Duryea), the man who originally had the money, comes looking for it. Jane and Alan find themselves in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with Danny and his associates. As the tension escalates, Jane becomes increasingly ruthless and manipulative in her efforts to keep the money and avoid detection by the authorities.

As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Jane’s desire for the money is driven not only by her desire for a more exciting life but also by her ambition and need for control. Her actions ultimately lead to a violent confrontation with Danny, and the film ends with a satisfying twist.

Overall, “Too Late for Tears” is a gripping and well-crafted film noir that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. The film’s dark themes and suspenseful plot make it a classic of the genre, and it remains a must-see for fans of noir cinema.

Directors:
Byron Haskin

Writer:
Roy Huggins

Stars:
Lizabeth Scott, Don DeFore, Dan Duryea

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Seven Sinners (1936)
4/5 (1)

In this film, a quick-witted American private investigator embarks on a journey overseas with his romantic interest and trusted sidekick. While on their travels, they stumble upon a lifeless body, but before they can take any action, it vanishes into thin air. Determined to uncover the truth, the P.I. sets out to unravel a complex and malicious criminal organization. Along the way, he must use his intelligence and resourcefulness to outsmart the dangerous individuals behind the sinister plot. The film is filled with suspense, action, and unexpected twists and turns, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Directors:
Albert de Courville

Writer:
Sidney Gilliat, Frank Launder, Austin Melford

Stars:
Edmund Lowe, Constance Cummings, Thomy Bourdelle

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Rebecca (1940)
5/5 (1)

“Rebecca” is a 1940 psychological thriller directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on the novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier. The film tells the story of a young woman who marries a wealthy widower, only to find herself living in the shadow of his first wife, Rebecca, who died under mysterious circumstances.

The film begins with the unnamed narrator, a shy and inexperienced young woman, traveling to Monte Carlo with her employer, Mrs. Van Hopper. While there, she meets Maxim de Winter, a wealthy widower who is still haunted by the death of his first wife, Rebecca. The two quickly fall in love and get married, and the narrator becomes the new mistress of Maxim’s grand estate, Manderley.

However, the narrator soon finds herself struggling to fit in at Manderley, where she is constantly reminded of Rebecca’s presence. The housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers, is particularly hostile towards the new Mrs. de Winter, and seems to go out of her way to make her feel unwelcome. The narrator becomes obsessed with Rebecca and begins to investigate her death, hoping to uncover the truth behind the mystery.

As the story unfolds, the narrator discovers that Maxim’s marriage to Rebecca was not as perfect as it seemed, and that Rebecca had many secrets and affairs. The narrator also begins to suspect that Maxim may have had a hand in Rebecca’s death.

In the climactic scene, the narrator confronts Maxim, who reveals that he did, in fact, kill Rebecca. He explains that Rebecca was cruel and manipulative, and that she was planning to ruin his life. Maxim says that he shot her in a fit of rage and desperation, and that he has been haunted by her memory ever since.

In the end, the truth about Rebecca’s death is revealed, and the narrator and Maxim are able to move on with their lives. “Rebecca” is a masterful psychological thriller, with outstanding performances by Joan Fontaine and Laurence Olivier, and is considered one of Alfred Hitchcock’s greatest films.

Directors:
Alfred Hitchcock

Writer:
Daphne Du Maurier, Robert E. Sherwood, Joan Harrison

Stars:
Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders

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The Ghost Walks (1934)
3.5/5 (2)

“The Ghost Walks” is a 1934 American film directed by Frank R. Strayer. The movie follows the story of a group of strangers who are stranded in a creepy old house during a thunderstorm. The house is said to be haunted by the ghost of a murdered man, and the guests soon begin to experience strange and unexplainable events.

The group includes a playwright named John (played by John Miljan), his leading lady Marcia (played by June Collyer), a producer named Milton (played by Richard Carle), and several other characters. As they try to figure out who among them is behind the strange occurrences, they find themselves locked in the house with no way to escape.

As the night wears on, tensions rise, and suspicions mount. The group begins to suspect each other of being the murderer, but as the bodies start to pile up, they realize that the killer may be one of their own. With the help of a detective who arrives on the scene, they must solve the mystery before it’s too late.

Overall, “The Ghost Walks” is a classic mystery movie with elements of horror and suspense. It is notable for its atmospheric setting and eerie tone, which create a sense of unease throughout the film. The movie features a talented cast of actors who bring their characters to life with humor and wit, making for an entertaining and engaging viewing experience.

Directors:
Frank R. Strayer

Writer:
Charles Belden

Stars:
John Miljan, June Collyer, Richard Carle

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Man with Two Lives (1942)
3/5 (1)

“Man with Two Lives” is a 1942 horror film directed by Phil Rosen. The movie follows Dr. John Meredith, a physician who is conducting experiments on the human brain to try and cure a wealthy patient’s paralysis. However, when the patient dies during the experiment, Meredith decides to transplant his brain into the body of a deceased man to keep the experiment going.

The procedure is successful, but the new body’s previous owner was a notorious criminal, and Meredith soon finds himself plagued by the man’s violent impulses and memories. As he struggles to control his new body and mind, Meredith is forced to confront the consequences of his unethical experiment.

As Meredith’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, his wife and friend begin to suspect that something is wrong. Meanwhile, the criminal’s former accomplices seek out the new body in order to exact revenge.

“Man with Two Lives” is a classic horror film that explores the theme of identity and the consequences of playing god. The movie features strong performances by Edward Norris as Dr. Meredith and Marlo Dwyer as his wife, and is known for its atmospheric cinematography and suspenseful plot.

Directors:
Phil Rosen

Writer:
Joseph Hoffman

Stars:
Edward Norris, Marlo Dwyer, Eleanor Lawson

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Hands Of A Stranger (1962)
3/5 (1)

“Hands of a Stranger” is a 1962 horror-thriller film directed by Newt Arnold. The movie follows a concert pianist named Vernon Paris who loses his hands in a car accident. After being fitted with prosthetic hands, Vernon begins to experience strange sensations and realizes that the hands belonged to a murderer.

As Vernon struggles to come to terms with his new hands and their sinister past, he becomes increasingly paranoid and begins to suspect those around him. His girlfriend, Francie, and his doctor, Dr. Benbow, try to help him through his trauma, but Vernon’s obsession with the hands and the crimes they committed leads him down a path of madness.

As Vernon becomes more unstable, he is eventually confronted by the real killer, who wants his hands back. In a dramatic finale, Vernon must fight for his life and overcome the evil influence of the hands.

“Hands of a Stranger” is a tense and unsettling film, featuring strong performances by Paul Lukather as Vernon Paris and Joan Harvey as Francie. The movie’s exploration of the psychological effects of trauma and the idea of being haunted by one’s own body parts has made it a classic of the horror genre.

Directors:
Newt Arnold

Writer:
Newt Arnold, Maurice Renard

Stars:
Paul Lukather, Joan Harvey, James Noah

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The Testament of Dr. Mabuse (1933)
4/5 (1)

“The Testament of Dr. Mabuse” is a German film directed by Fritz Lang and released in 1933. The movie is a sequel to Lang’s earlier work, “Dr. Mabuse the Gambler,” and it follows the story of a criminal mastermind named Dr. Mabuse who has been institutionalized in an insane asylum.

At the beginning of the film, a group of criminals begins to carry out a series of bizarre crimes that seem to be inspired by Dr. Mabuse’s writings. The police are at a loss to explain the crimes, and it is suggested that Dr. Mabuse may be communicating with the criminals from his asylum.

Meanwhile, a new criminal mastermind, known only as “The Great Unknown,” emerges and begins to carry out his own elaborate schemes. The police begin to suspect that The Great Unknown is somehow connected to Dr. Mabuse and his writings.

As the film progresses, it becomes clear that Dr. Mabuse is indeed communicating with the criminals and that he is behind many of the crimes. He has been using his writings to control and manipulate them from his cell.

In the end, the police manage to capture Dr. Mabuse, but not before he has caused chaos and destruction throughout the city. The film ends with a warning that the forces of evil are still at work and that the struggle between good and evil will continue.

Directors:
Fritz Lang

Writer:
Norbert Jacques, Fritz Lang, René Sti

Stars:
Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Otto Wernicke, Thomy Bourdelle

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Black & White Series

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Top Rated Moveis

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