warning Hi, we've moved to USCANNENBERGMEDIA.COM. Visit us there!

Neon Tommy - Annenberg digital news

4 Best 1950s Movies On Netflix

Helen Carefoot |
November 26, 2014 | 8:41 a.m. PST

Web Producer

Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in "Roman Holiday" (@HWoodRetrospect/Twitter)
Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck in "Roman Holiday" (@HWoodRetrospect/Twitter)

Do you ever feel tired of modern Hollywood’s penchant for only producing sequels and action movies?

Next time you’re feeling nostalgic for Hollywood’s Golden Age, when the studio system was king and movie stars were larger than life, check out these four films available to stream on Netflix. 

ALSO SEE: Best Old-School TV Shows To Watch On Netflix

"Roman Holiday" (1953)

In this classic that won Audrey Hepburn an Oscar, a young princess (Hepburn) eschews her royal duties for a day to see what life is like as a non-royal. Gregory Peck plays an American journalist looking for a scoop and the two spend the day exploring Rome and eventually falling in love. Peck and Hepburn have strong chemistry, which pops alongside the beautiful shots of Rome and fun storyline. Even if you don't know either of these movie legends, appreciate that this is one of the few romantic comedies that is absolutely perfect.

The theatrical release poster for "Anatomy Of A Murder" (Wikimedia Commons).
The theatrical release poster for "Anatomy Of A Murder" (Wikimedia Commons).
"Anatomy of a Murder" (1959)

In a film based on Robert Traver's novel of the same name, Hollywood legend James Stewart plays a lawyer who comes out of semi-retirement to defend army lieutenant (Ben Gazzara) who murders an inkeeper after his wife (Lee Remick) claimed that he raped her. Much of the film involves a riveting trial where Stewart's character spars with the district attory (Brooks West) and a new to town prosecutor (George C. Scott).

Stewart and Scott turn in fantastic performances in this tense and thought-provoking movie, which was one of the first films to acknowledge murder and rape in graphic and detailed terms, and is deservedly thought to be one of the best courtroom dramas captured on film.

Lancaster and Kerr in the famous beach scene (@FSolomonRR/Twitter).
Lancaster and Kerr in the famous beach scene (@FSolomonRR/Twitter).

"From Here To Eternity" (1953)

Part war movie, part romance, “From Here To Eternity” tells the story of three soldiers played by legendary stars Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift and Frank Sinatra, stationed in Hawaii in the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor.

The film took home eight Oscars, including statuettes for Frank Sinatra and Donna Reed in the supporting categories and best picture. Romantic and sad, this film is also known for the iconic kissing scene in the waves between Lancaster and Deborah Kerr, which is maybe one of the most romantic scenes in all of film.

Bette Davis and Garry Merrill in "All About Eve" (Wikimedia Commons).
Bette Davis and Garry Merrill in "All About Eve" (Wikimedia Commons).

"All About Eve" (1950)

Bette Davis is widely regarded as one of the best actresses Hollywood ever produced, and she had a particular talent for playing sardonic characters.

In what Roger Ebert thinks is Davis' greatest role, Davis stars as Margo Channing, a respected but aging Broadway actress, who is thrown into a tailspin when an industrious young fan (Anne Baxter) inserts herself into the actress' life, ultimately threatening her professional and personal life. 

This film is also notable for featuring Marilyn Monroe in one of her first important film roles.

Reach Web Producer Helen Carefoot here and follow her on Twitter here



 

Buzz

Craig Gillespie directed this true story about "the most daring rescue mission in the history of the U.S. Coast Guard.”

Watch USC Annenberg Media's live State of the Union recap and analysis here.