Movie Monday: Special Birthday Edition!

Today is a very special edition of Movie Monday because it is my birthday! Don’t worry, this is not the new formula for our film review series here every Monday. Today is 20th birthday and it happened to fall on a Monday this year so I thought I would do something to mark this day. So I am giving you all a list of my top ten favorite classic films that have been reviewed here on Faintly Familiar!

#10.

Paris When It Sizzles (1964)

You are all probably wondering how an Audrey Hepburn film made it to number ten on this list, but I just have to say that the competition was very stiff! I couldn’t possibly have this entire list taken up with her films, I needed to be fair. However, there was no way I was going to not include at least one Hepburn movie, and the one that came to mind immediately for me was Paris When It Sizzles!

It wasn’t too long ago I reviewed this film for Movie Monday, and it still remains one of the most memorable movies I have ever seen. The reason this movie made my special birthday list is because of how creative it is, and how uniquely this story was told!

#9.

Dark Passage (1947)

There are not too many Bogart and Becall films that I actually like (really I only like this one haha). However, when these two got it right, they really got it right! It wasn’t even the acting so much that made this movie so memorable, it was the unique perspective they took and the camera tricks used.

It is no surprise to me that Dark Passage made this list, however, the first time I watched this movie I didn’t think I would really like it. I was very wrong, and this is a mystery film everyone should see!

#8.

Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)

Here Comes Mr. Jordan is one of those classic films that you accidentally run into and end up loving! There is a reason the plot of this film has been remade several times over. If you asked someone what this movie was about they probably wouldn’t be able to tell you without looking it up on the internet, I still feel like this movie has cemented some kind of spot in cinematic history. I knew I had to include this movie on this list because it is way to memorize not to be added.

#7.

The Women (1939)

The Women was way ahead of its time, and is such a fabulous film! Although it was largely made by men, this film had a cast of all ladies all the way down to the animals pictured in the paintings on the walls! It also doesn’t hurt that Norma Shearer takes a leading role in this movie, and she just so happens to be one of my favorite actresses.

#6.

Gentleman’s Agreement (1947)

This is another movie that was recently reviewed on Movie Monday, however my personal history with this film is a lot longer! Gentleman’s Agreement was the film that got me intensely interested in classic cinema. So, really Gentleman’t Agreement and Gregory Peck’s amazing performance in this movie served as the inspiration for Movie Monday being created.

#5.

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

If you have been reading the Movie Monday series for a while now, you probably already know how much of a big fan I am of Frank Capra and everything he did. Well, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is no exception!

This film is my favorite patriot holiday themed movie of all time! You are probably wondering why it is number five on this list though? The answer to that is, although I do love this movie, as we continue down the list I think there are a few other films that are a bit more universal. You see, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington requires a certain feeling while watching it, and sometimes it can be emotionally exhausting since it is such an impassioned storyline.

Also, if you needed more proof of my love for Frank Capra films, notice how this is the second film of Capra’s to have made it on the list so far. Don’t worry, my love for his films only gets worse from here. 😉

#4.

Gilda (1946)

There are only a handful of noir style films that I actually like, and there are a few reasons for that. First of all, I am just not the biggest fan of the whole smoke filled room and slow talking scenes thing. Second of all, I feel like the actors that littered this genre were always Humphrey Bogart types and I always liked him better in less serious films.

However, there is always a few exceptions to the rule, and Gilda is one of those exceptions! I know I am not alone in my love for this film and there are a couple of things that makes Gilda standout. Rita Hayworth truly became Gilda even if her own personality was nothing like the Gilda charter in real life. Hayworth became most famous for this role, and it would make her iconic. Another reason this movie was such a hit was because of Glenn Ford balancing out Hayworth’s hands-on character.

#3.

A Face in the Crowd (1957)

Growing up I watched a lot of The Andy Griffith Show along with several other classic television shows. So, when I originally watched A Face in the Crowd, it completely changed my perception of Griffith as an actor and even his character on the show. This is the kind of film that has a mountain of truth hidden within its storyline, and the acting just solidifies the kind of talent each person in this movie has.

I could watch A Face in the Crowd a million times over and never get tired of it. A large part of that is because of the story that is being told, but it also has a lot to do with my expectations going into it with Griffith. The show he had has trained me to think of him as a kind small town sheriff, and anyone who has seen this movie knows that isn’t the case with this character.

#2.

Arsenic and Old Lace (1944)

This is the third and final Frank Capra film that will appear on this list. With Halloween coming up, I cannot think of a better film to watch this time of year! Arsenic and Old Lace is the perfect movie to watch this autumn season and it is also one of my favorite movies of all time! If you watch this film you will laugh until you cry!

#1.

Harvey (1950)

Last but certainly not least, my favorite Old Hollywood film is Harvey! This film is so sweet, and it will make you believe in magic! James Stewart gave one of his best performances in this movie, and I wrote a rather passionate film review all about it. You will definitely want to check out that review and watch this movie. I can’t imagine a better movie to top off this list.

Let me know which Old Hollywood film I have or have not yet reviewed in the comments below! I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions on what you would like for me to review next!

Well, I am off to celebrate turning 20! See you all next Movie Monday!

Much Love,

Sarah