Now, I love a good black and white movie but sadly I have a husband who isn't that fond of them. I actually put him off I think as one of my all time favourite black and white films is the amazing "It's A Wonderful Life" and he didn't get past the 'talking clouds' as he called them at the beginning, declaring it was rubbish. Men!
So, I was going to choose the movie to write about but I think it's that famous most people will have seen it so I'm choosing another favourite of mine which may not have been seen by everyone.
Made in 1940, this is a psychological thriller directed by the great Alfred Hitchcock and the story is about 'Rebecca' the leading mans (Maxim de Winter played by Laurence Olivier) first deceased wife and how her memory still haunts him and his house servants - and his new young wife, played by Joan Fontaine.
I love the little touches in the film that add the suspense, like the fact Maxims new wife is never mentioned by her name - in turn adding to fact that 'Rebecca' is still a strong presence in the mansion.
The housekeeper of the mansion, Mrs Danvers, does not take too kindly (putting it mildly) to having a new Mrs. de Winter living in the mansion and sets out to 'spook' the young new bride to within an inch of her life. That's as far as I'll take you as I don't want to ruin the plot.
I've already talked before about how I love good/memorable lines in movies. Best line of the movie for me was when Maxim, ever the charmer, addresses Joan Fontaines character for a proposal and then says "I'm asking you to marry me you little fool". Now what woman wouldn't be swept away by that eh?
The film won 2 Oscars - including best picture in 1940. Enough said.
I was only introduced to the film about 3-4 years ago by my old boss. He lent me the DVD and I loved it so much. I've tried to get my husband to watch it but he wasn't having any of it... philistine ;-)
Other great black and whites I love: Psycho, It's A Wonderful Life, Some Like It Hot and Casablanca.
What's your favourite black and white movie? Head over to Hannah's place and link up!
