Ten of the Best Films from the 1950s
by Merick Humbert
April 13, 2024
The 1950s was a tumultuous time in the film industry. The rise of television in the home brought a new medium for film to compete with. There was an emergence in the international film market with the French New Wave, and rising, now iconic, auteurs such as Federico Fellini, Ingmar Bergman, and Akira Kurosawa, producing some of their best work.
It was also a time in which Hollywood was inundated in controversy, as the House Un-American Activities Committee was compelling artists to inform on one another under the threat of being blacklisted, stirring up mistrust and paranoia, all in the name of the red-scare, and the hopes of rooting out communism.
Many writers and actors were blacklisted. Dalton Trumbo famously won an Oscar for Roman Holiday, only he couldn’t accept it; he had been using a front in order to continue to work, having been blacklisted for past communist party affiliation, and the refusal to name names. He wasn’t given full credit for Roman Holiday from the Writers’ Guild until 2011.
Elia Kazan was called to testify, and in order to be able to continue to work, he famously did name names. It was a move that caused him to lose many friends in the industry, and when he received an Honorary Academy Award in 1999 for his body of work, many actors and audience members still refused to stand and applaud. Many people believed his film On the Waterfront was made in defense of his decision to inform.
Despite these controversial times—the cold-war with Russia, fear of the nuclear bomb, the attempt to silence voices, coerce artists to inform on one another and fear for their livelihoods—monumental films continued to get made. Here are some of the best from the 1950s…
1. All About Eve (1950)
Written and directed by: Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Bette Davis delivers a tour de force performance as Margo Channing, the aging Broadway star, only forty, but concerned about getting older and what that means for her career. She is growing bitter and paranoid—perhaps, rightfully so.
As the film begins, Margo is introduced to the young Eve (Anne Baxter) by a good friend. Eve showers Margo with praise and adoration, professes to be her biggest fan, and tells her how she attends every performance that she can. She finagles her way into Margo’s life with a compelling and tragic backstory. Margo is taken with it all, and takes Eve under her wing, giving her a place to live and a job as her personal assistant.
Over time, Margo becomes suspicious of Eve. Annoyed with how perfect she seems to be and how everyone seems to love her. She gets drunk at her own party. “Fasten your seatbelts. It’s going to be a bumpy night,” she says. A scene ensues as we see her contending with her friends and colleagues. Everyone around her can see that she has become bitter and narcissistic—a classic case of celebrity egomania. “It is about time the piano realized it has not written a concerto,” her friend/colleague says.
Soon, we discover that, all along, Eve has had dreams of becoming a famous actress herself, only making the situation worse for Margo, and enraging her more. An absorbing plot plays out.
All About Eve is an excellent film, top to bottom. It was nominated for fourteen Academy Awards, including four for the actresses (two lead, and two supporting), and it won six awards, including: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Screenplay. It is one of the greatest films ever made.
2. Paths of Glory (1957)
Directed by: Stanley Kubrick – Based on the novel by: Humphrey Cobb
It is 1916, Northern France, World War I. The French Major General Georges Broulard orders General Paul Mireau to take a German stronghold referred to as “The Anthill.” Mireau informs the Major General of the impossibility of this assignment, based on current circumstances, but after being persuaded with the lure of promotion, Mireau’s personal interest outweighs his reasoning. What are a few hundred dead men, if it advances his career ambitions? He convinces himself that the attack can succeed, and agrees to lead the assignment. From afar, of course; he won’t be charging out of the trenches himself.
In the trenches, Mireau relays the details of this mission to the commanding officer, Colonel Dax (Kirk Douglas), and despite Dax’s protests, as the incursion is destined to fail, with many French soldiers being killed, the attack is set for the morning.
The attack is a failure, as every one of them knew it would be. None of the men reach the German trenches, and when the second wave of French soldiers witness the overwhelming defeat of the first wave, being swiftly cut down by shells and machine gun fire, they refuse to leave the trenches and sacrifice their own lives to this lost cause. As a result, and due to the embarrassment that this causes for Mireau, every one of them is court martialed under the charge of cowardice and not obeying orders.
Ultimately, Mireau is ordered to reduce the charges, and three men are arbitrarily selected to represent them all in a trial for their lives. If convicted, and found guilty of cowardice, all three men will be executed by firing squad.
Paths of Glory is one of Stanley Kubrick’s best and most poignant films. There are some brilliant tracking shots as we see Kirk Douglas making his way through the trench; you see all these men lined up as the colonel makes his way through, each one of them with lives and families, parents and wives and children, each ready to climb out of that trench into the face of certain death. All to suit a few men’s ambition.
Kirk Douglas delivers an exceptional performance as Colonel Dax, and the film has an excellent musical score that really adds to the suspense. It has powerful themes that tell us a lot about war and human nature. The title of the film is taken from line, “The paths of glory lead but to the grave,” from the poem, “Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard,” by Thomas Gray.
Due to its portrayal of the French military, and the anti-war message of the film, it was banned in France for decades, it was banned in United States military establishments, and it was banned in various other countries around the world. It is a beautiful picture, and a powerful film that everyone should see.
“Gentlemen of the court. There are times when I am ashamed to be a member of the human race, and this is one such occasion.” - Colonel Dax
For further viewing, watch The Killing (1956), a thrilling heist film, and another exceptional piece of work from Stanley Kubrick.
3. 12 Angry Men (1957)
Directed by: Sidney Lumet – Written by: Reginald Rose
Henry Fonda stars as Juror 8, the single dissenter in a jury of twelve on what the rest all believe to be an open-and-shut case that revolves around young boy being charged with the murder of his father. Juror 8 has his doubts.
The entire film takes place in this one room, with this jury of twelve deliberating over the details of the case, the trial having already taken place, only awaiting their verdict, and with a young boy’s life residing on the outcome.
Most of the men just want to go home; it is hot and they have places to go and things to do. They are fuming at Juror 8 for having the audacity to make them go through all the details of the case one more time, when all the evidence seems to so clearly be pointing towards the guilt of the boy. “Administration of Justice is the Firmest Pillar of Good,” he says. But some of the men don’t seem to care at all. The callous way that one of them says “we were lucky to get a murder case.” Henry Fonda seems to be the only one who is really soaking in the gravity of the situation as he just looks out the window in thought while he smokes a cigarette.
There are elements of socio-economic prejudice that the film touches on as well. One juror says, “He was born in a slum. Slums are breeding grounds for criminals. I know it and so do you. It’s no secret that children from slum backgrounds are potential menaces to society.” The man next to him takes offense. “Listen, I’ve lived in a slum all my life,” he says, defending the boy against the accusation that he must be guilty simply because of where he comes from. Another man says, “It’s these kids, the way they are nowadays. When I was a kid, I used to call my father, ‘Sir.’ Do you ever hear a kid call his father that anymore?” It’s the age-old perception that the up-and-coming generation is propagating a cultural decay. To this very day, we see adults talking about, “kid’s these days.”
The writing is excellent, with plenty of fast-paced and contentious dialogue. Each character plays a distinct role and it is beautifully balanced between them. As a group, they go through each piece of evidence, bit by bit, question what happened, and come up with some exciting revelations along the way. Finally, they come to their verdict.
Sidney Lumet’s directing is excellent and the acting is great, led by Henry Fonda and a stellar supporting cast. Lumet keeps the audience engaged and creates gripping tension over the course of this jury’s deliberation. It is a compelling picture; one not to miss.
4. The Seventh Seal (1957)
Written and directed by: Ingmar Bergman
Antonius Block: I want knowledge! Not faith, not assumptions, but knowledge. I want God to stretch out His hand, uncover His face and speak to me.
Death: But He remains silent.
Antonius Block: I call out to Him in the darkness. But it’s as if no one was there.
Death: Perhaps there isn’t anyone.
Antonius Block: Then life is a preposterous horror. No man can live faced with Death, knowing everything is nothingness.
When Antonius Block returns to medieval Sweden after fighting in the Crusades, only to find his homeland ravaged by the black plague, he begins to question his faith and what meaning can be found in this world filled with cruelty and death.
Soon, he is approached by Death, who has come for his life. But not being ready for his end, Antonius challenges Death to a game of chess, hoping to stave off his demise, and maybe get some answers to sooth his existential anguish in the meantime. Death accepts, and Antonius exclaims that he wishes to complete one meaningful deed before he dies, which he sets out to do, continuing his game of chess along the way. Over the course of his final days, he comes across an interesting cast of characters, who have some compelling predicaments of their own.
The Seventh Seal is a philosophical meditation that captures the horrors that plague mankind and our existence. The cinematography is powerful and moving; it evokes strong emotions with images of suffering. But it is also incredibly beautiful, and we see images of love and friendship and kindness as well.
The Seventh Seal is a masterpiece in filmmaking. I can’t remember the last time a film blew me away quite like this one.
5. Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Directed by: Billy Wilder – Co-written by: Billy Wilder and Charles Brackett
Joe Gillis (William Holden) is a struggling screenwriter living in a cramped apartment in Hollywood. Nothing is going right for him. He can’t sell his screenplay and repo men are coming for his car—his last vestige of freedom. But Joe is one step ahead of them, having hidden his car in a lot, when they come banging on his door.
One day, driving through town he is spotted and a short chase ensues, before he quickly turns off the road and up a long driveway to what he perceives to be an abandoned old mansion on Sunset Boulevard.
Joe figures this would be a perfect place to stash the car while he figures out his next move. As he begins to explore the grounds, he comes to discover, to his surprise, that mansion is not abandoned. It belongs to Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson), the famed silent film actress—a star from a previous decade—who lives there alone with her butler.
Norma’s story is one of a fallen star. Once at greatest heights of wealth, fame, and adoration, now, fallen into obscurity with only her wealth and her dutiful butler that remain. All she can dream of is getting it all back, and she is hoping Joe will help her do it.
Norma has written a screenplay—a vehicle for her to star in—her ticket back into the world of celebrity. Upon discovering that Joe is a screenwriter, and charmed by the younger man, she solicits his services to polish up her writing.
The screenplay is a mess, and Joe knows that there is nothing he can do with it. At the same time, Norma is offering him a place to hide out and good pay for his work, so he takes her up on the offer. With her home and her wealth, comfort and endless gifts, Joe soon becomes a kept man. But how long can he take it? How long before he wants more? And as Joe begins to yearn for something else, Norma begins to descend into a madness of her own.
Sunset Boulevard is a brilliant film that explores some of the darker aspects of Hollywood. Coming at it from both ends—the young, struggling and aspiring writer trying to make his way, versus the older, ex-star, tossed aside and no longer wanted. What it’s like to be at the top, and then, forgotten. And what it’s like to have a dream. “Alright, Mr. Demille, I’m ready for my close up.” Gloria Swanson’s performance as Norma Desmond is iconic, and Sunset Boulevard is one of Billy Wilder’s best.
For further viewing, watch Witness for the Prosecution (1957), another excellent film from Billy Wilder.
6. Elevator to the Gallows (1958)
Directed by: Louis Malle – Based on the novel by: Noël Calef
Behind the ground-breaking direction of Louis Malle, and a legendary score by Miles Davis, Elevator to the Gallows helped give birth to the French New Wave and is one of the greatest Noir crime thrillers ever made.
Florence Carala (Jeanne Moreau) has conspired with her lover, Julien Tavernier (Maurice Ronet), to kill her husband, who also happens to be Julien’s boss. Julien plans to shoot him in his office and stage the scene to look like a suicide. But not everything goes to plan.
The film grabs your attention from the opening scene and it is full of gripping tension and exciting twists. It is beautifully shot and Miles Davis’ score is powerful; it creates a heavy mood, and really adds to the ambiance of the picture. Elevator to the Gallows is a masterpiece, and one of my favorites.
7. Marty (1955)
Directed by: Delbert Mann – Written by: Paddy Chayefsky
“Hey Marty! Hey Marty!” ♫♪♪
How can anyone not love Marty? He has to be one of the most lovable characters to ever grace the silver screen.
Marty Piletti (Ernest Borgnine) is 34-year-old unmarried butcher who still lives at home with his mom in the Bronx. Marty isn’t the greatest looking man, but he has the biggest heart; he’s mild-mannered, and just an all-around upstanding guy.
But Marty is lonely, and has struggled to meet someone. His mother, along with various other characters from the neighborhood, encourage Marty to find a wife and settle down. He’s tired of hearing it, but deep down, it’s what he wants. After years of rejection and heartache, Marty is just about ready to give up, and settle into a life of bachelorhood.
After some cajoling from his mother, and maybe even just to get her off his back, he agrees to go to the Stardust Ballroom, a local dance hall “loaded with tomatoes,” with his best friend, Angie (Joe Mantell). It is there that he meets Clara Snyder (Betsy Blair), a shy young teacher who has struggled finding a relationship of her own, and who has been jilted by her date that very night. Clara and Marty just might hit it off.
There are some compelling subplots, as well, concerning Marty’s mother and aunt, and it all comes together to create one of the most charming films that I have ever seen. Marty won four Academy Awards (Best Picture, Best Actor, Best Director, & Best Screenplay). It is a heartwarming film, a great picture to watch with the family, and it is another one of my favorites.
“Hey Marty! Hey Marty!” ♫♪♪
8. Ikiru (1952)
Written and directed by: Akira Kurosawa
One of the greatest directors of all time, Akira Kurosawa could easily have three films on this list. His most famous, and most highly acclaimed, is Seven Samurai (1954). It is an excellent film, no doubt, but I think that Ikiru is the stronger picture.
Ikiru means: to live. And this film asks the question: what does it mean to live?
Kanji Watanabe (Takashi Shimura) has worked in the same tedious, government position for 30 years, practically his entire adult life.
There is a sign in his office that reads, “Where citizens and City Hall Meet. Please Don’t Hesitate to Submit Your Complaints and Requests Here.” Yet, when the citizens arrive, requesting that a cesspool in their town be cleaned up and replaced with a playground for the children, they are sent away—from one department to the next. In Public Affairs, the man they ask goes to another man, beginning this little game of telephone, and they eventually send the citizens to Public Works. When they get there, Public Works sends them to the Parks Department. Then they are told, it is more a matter of sanitation, and that they should go to the District Health Center, who tells them to go to the Sanitation Department, who tells them to go see Environmental Sanitation, who tells them to go see Preventative Sanitation, who tells them to go see Disease Control, who tells them to go see Pest Control, who sends them to the Sewage Department at City Hall, who sends them to the Roads Department, City Planning, Zoning, and on it goes. The scene of these citizens going from one department to the next is brilliantly executed and it really captures the red-tape bureaucratic incompetency that is government, making it impossible to get anything done.
After a trip to the doctor, and a terminal cancer diagnosis that gives him less than a year to live, Kanji begins to question how he has spent his life, what he has accomplished, and if he has really lived. In his final act, and in an attempt to find purpose, he sets out to get that cesspool cleaned up, and that playground built for those people.
Ikiru is a compelling film from one of the masters. It is deep and moving; it left me wanting to make the most of the time that I have. The film is a beautiful depiction of the self-evident truth, that some of the greatest meaning that can be found in life, comes in the form of service to others.
For further viewing, watch The Hidden Fortress (1958), an epic Samurai adventure, and my second favorite Kurosawa film from the 50s.
9. On the Waterfront (1954)
Directed by: Elia Kazan – Written by: Budd Schulberg
The film opens with Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) luring Joey Doyle up to the rooftop of a tenement building, at the behest of some gangsters who told Terry they would just be giving Joey a talking to, a little heavy-handed persuasion in order to get Joey to think twice about testifying against them. In reality, the men have no intention of talking, and it isn’t long before Terry witnesses Joey go plummeting to his death.
Terry finds himself deeply conflicted by Joey’s death. Johnny Friendly is a ruthless gangster, in full control of the waterfront labor union, and he is not to be crossed. Terry’s brother is his right-hand man. “If I spill, my life ain't worth a nickel,” Terry says.
But Joey was a good man, a well-liked friend of the neighborhood, and Joey’s sister, Edie (Eva Marie Saint), has captured Terry’s eye. Along with the guidance of Father Barry, Edie pleads with Terry to do what is right, and tell the truth about what happened to Joey. Terry’s brother, Charley (Rod Steiger), councils Terry in the opposite direction. He tells him to keep his mouth shut and look out for himself. Don’t be a pigeon.
On the Waterfront is a story about standing up against corruption; it is about standing up for what is right, even when the cost for doing so could be the highest price. It is a brilliant film from the great Elia Kazan. Some say it is Brando’s best performance. They both won Academy Awards for Best Actor and Director, along with Best Supporting Actress for Eva Saint Marie, and Best Picture for the film as a whole. It is widely regarded as one of the best pictures ever made.
“You don't understand. I coulda’ had class. I coulda’ been a contender. I coulda’ been somebody, instead of a bum, which is what I am; let's face it. It was you, Charley.”
For further viewing, watch A Streetcar Named Desire (1951), based on the play by Tennessee Williams, and East of Eden (1955), based on the novel by John Steinbeck, two more excellent films made by Elia Kazan in the 50s.
10. High Noon (1952)
Directed by: Fred Zinnemann – Written by: Carl Foreman
“Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to be just like you Mart. You’ve Been a lawman all your life.”
“Yeah, all my life; it’s a great life. You risk your skin catching killers and the juries turn ‘em loose so they can come back and shoot at you again. If you’re honest, you’re poor your whole life. And in the end, you wind up dying all alone on some dirty street. For what? For nothing. For a tin star […] It’s all for nothing, Will. It’s all for nothing.”
Marshal Will Kane (Gary Cooper) is a newlywed and getting ready to give up the badge to live a quiet life with his new bride, Amy Fowler Kane (Grace Kelly). Just as they are getting ready to leave town, they receive word that Frank Miller, a deadly outlaw who Kane had sent away to prison, has been set free, and will arrive back in town on the noon train, most certainly seeking retribution. While his wife and friends urge him to leave, tell him that Marshal is no longer his responsibility, and that he should hit the road and start his new life with his bride, he knows that no one will be safe as long as Frank Miller and his gang are in town. So, he waits for the noon train, and in the meantime, he searches desperately for any men he can recruit for help. In a town he has dedicated his life to protecting, he struggles to find anyone willing or able.
It is a simple story, beautifully told. The black and white cinematography is striking, and from Gary Cooper as Marshal Kane, to Grace Kelly as Amy Fowler Kane, to Katy Jurado as Helen Ramirez (Saloon owner and Kane’s ex-lover), the acting is exceptional. It is a powerful story with excellent suspense, all building to the showdown at High Noon.
More Great 50s Films:
Harvey (1950) - Elwood P. Dowd (Jimmy Stewart) is one of the most lovable characters in film, and Harvey is one of the most charming comedies ever made. Full of laughs and heartwarming sentiment, Harvey is a beautiful film that anyone can enjoy.
Dial M for Murder (1954) - Contrary to popular opinion, I believe that Dial M for Murder is the best film from Alfred Hitchcock in the 1950s. His more highly acclaimed films of the decade, most notably,Vertigo (1958) and Rear Window (1954), I have problems with. Dial M for Murder is a better story, and a fantastic suspense thriller.
Rio Bravo (1959) - An all time great Western from Howard Hawks, Rio Bravo is non-stop entertainment. John Wayne, Dean Martin, Walter Brennan, and Ricky Nelson make a fun team of gunslingers, and they come together to deliver an exciting picture from beginning to end. Storytelling at its finest.