Saturday 14 April 2012

My Top 5 1930s Films

I can't believe it's been nearly a year since I last posted! I am currently in the midst of dissertation and essay writing for the last two weeks of my degree, but was inspired at the sight of my 117th follower! I thought I'd get back into the habit of posting with an easy topic – my favourite films. I haven't watched nearly enough from the thirties yet, but these are my favourites so far.

1. All of the Fred and Ginger films
fred and ginger
I couldn't possibly choose just one (there are 10 in total)! But if you haven't seen one yet, I'd start with Top Hat or The Gay Divorcee. Both Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are fantastic not only as dancers but as actors, their unique relationship of quarrels and competition overcome only by their electricity as dance partners. The films are enjoyable for their comedy, romance, and pure visual treat, not to mention the fabulous costumes!

2. Gone with the Wind
gone with the wind
An absolute classic of old Hollywood. Starring the dashing Clark Gable as Rhett Butler and beautiful Vivien Leigh as the unforgettable heroine Scarlett O'Hara, it was one of the most popular films of its era. Though it was released in 1939, it continued to be shown throughout the Second World War, testament to its power as escapism. A must see!

3. Bringing Up Baby
bringing up baby
I only watched this film recently, and absolutely loved it, I was laughing out loud the whole way through. A brilliant example of the quintissentially 1930s genre of the screwball comedy, starring the loveable Katherine Hepburn and Cary Grant. Also there is an equally loveable leopard in the film.

4. Stage Door
stage door
Starring two of my favourite leading ladies, Ginger Rogers and Katherine Hepburn, Stage Door is the story of a group of young women attempting to make it as actresses. Rogers and Hepburn get off to a rough start, and the catty wordplay between the two is particularly watchable, though the supporting actresses could give them a run for their money!

5. 42nd Street
42nd street
A classic example of the early 1930s 'show' musical, with choreography by Busby Berkeley, 42nd Street tracks a group of chorus girls through the rehearsal and first performance of the stage show of the same name. Starring Ruby Keeler in one of her classic ingenue roles, and featuring spectacular art deco dance numbers of syncopated women.

7 comments:

  1. I adore anything with Fred and Ginger in. :)

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  2. Terrific picks, I'm all for anything with Fred and Ginger in it, too. 1939's classic The Women is another of the decades definite faves for me.


    Wishing you a fabulous Friday,
    Jessica

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  3. These are terrific! I love Gone with the Wind and Fred & Ginger movies.

    xoxo,
    A | V // vintage blog

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  4. awww I love this post :)
    It's amazing!!

    http://bubblemylicorice.blogspot.com/

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  5. Ooh I must watch some of these! Gone with the Wind is one of my absolute favourites :)

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  6. I agree! if I had to choose a list, I would pick the very same ones!!!

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