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!
7 comments:
You cant beat a bit of Hitchcock! Although, I havent actually seen this one... will rectify that!
X
So funny, when I turned on my blog today the thumbnail in my sidebar for Inside the Wendy House read as follows:
"This week's theme for Metal Mummy's Movie Meme is Black and White films. For me, this week is easy. The film I have chosen is one of the greatest movie.."
BEFORE I clicked through, I was thinking I'd participate and choose It's a Wonderful Life.
But then Wendy's choice was so different and so clever, I decided not to participate.
Then my blog hopping continued to here, and I breathed a sigh of relief and thought yyyyyeeeeaaahhhhh someone else likes it tooooooo.
I have also seen Rebecca, but wouldn't have thought of it, but BOY isn't that one BRILLIANT movie. My sister-in-law introduced me to it. A few years ago.
This is a cooool meme, and a great way of thinking about things besides nappies :-)
Liska x
P.S. I asked hubby to buy It's a Wonderful Life 3 Christmas in a row, and in the end had to buy it myself but it's a lovely box set one, with postcards etc.... making myself want to watch it now.....
Sorry for my long comment
You should take part Liska, it doesn't matter what your choice is. The reasoning and opinion is what makes it a great read.
Would be great for you to take part :D Do eeet! x
There really are some great black and white movies. Hitchcock's 'The Birds' was a strong contender for my favourite but I wasn't sure if it was actually black and white or if I'd just watched it on a black and white TV!
Oh no...I scared off Liska!!! Some Like it Hot was my second choice...I adore that film! I've not seen Rebecca...I will definitely check it out! xxx
I LOVE Rebecca, it used to be one of those movies that whenever it came on BBC 2 on an afternoon (and the Beeb did use to show it quite a bit) I had to stop everything and watch. The plot is perfect and Olivier (wow)...and Mrs Danvers is just superb. I love the bits away from the main plot too, where the new Mrs De Winter is trying to carry on living a normal life, the clipped perfect received pronunciation is just music to my ears.
So glad you chose this (I too am having severe trouble picking just one favourite b&w for Metal Mummy's MM)
I'd have to say that I don't know too many black and white movies, but I LOVE Arsenic and Old Lace. And even though it's not black & white, my favorite old movie is Singing in the Rain, hands down. LOVE Gene Kelly.
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