1960 Movies

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles, John Gavin
Rated R

Psycho is a classic 1960 American psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It tells the story of Marion Crane, a secretary who is on the run from the law after stealing money from her employer. She stops at an isolated motel, run by the disturbed and mysterious Norman Bates, who is controlled by the domineering presence of his mother. As Marion's stay at the motel lengthens, the terror and suspense build to a shocking climax. Psycho is widely regarded as a masterpiece and among the greatest films of all time.

From Billy Wilder, starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Fred MacMurray, Ray Walston
Rated Approved

The Apartment is a romantic comedy-drama directed by Billy Wilder and released in 1960. It stars Jack Lemmon as C.C. 'Bud' Baxter, a lonely office worker who allows his superiors to use his apartment for their extramarital affairs in exchange for promotion. When Baxter falls for Fran Kubelik (Shirley MacLaine), the elevator operator in his building who is the mistress of Baxter’s boss, he finds himself in a complicated situation. Baxter must decide whether to stand up for what is right and risk losing his job, or to keep quiet and preserve his position. Throughout the film, Baxter learns important lessons about loyalty, honesty, and what it means to be a decent human being.

From Luchino Visconti, starring Alain Delon, Renato Salvatori, Annie Girardot, Claudia Cardinale
Rated Not Rated

Rocco and His Brothers is a 1960 Italian neorealist drama film directed by Luchino Visconti. The film tells the story of an immigrant family from the rural south of Italy who move to the industrial north of Italy. The family consists of four brothers – Rocco, Vincenzo, Simone, and Ciro – as well as their mother, Rosaria. As the brothers adjust to their new lives in the city, their disparate personalities and ambitions create conflicts between them. Rocco, the eldest brother, struggles to provide for his family and protect his younger siblings from the struggles of city life. Meanwhile, the ambitious Vincenzo desires to become a successful boxer and gain wealth. Ciro’s innocence and naivety also poses a challenge for the family as he becomes involved in a destructive relationship with a local prostitute. The film follows the brothers’ lives as they face the difficulties of adapting to the city and dealing with the consequences of their choices.

From Stanley Kramer, starring Spencer Tracy, Fredric March, Gene Kelly, Dick York
Rated Passed

Inherit the Wind is a 1960 American courtroom drama film directed by Stanley Kramer, which tells the story of a teacher in the small town of Hillsboro, Tennessee, who is arrested and prosecuted for teaching Darwin’s theory of evolution in his classroom. The film follows the court proceedings and drama that ensues as two of the country’s most famous lawyers debate the merits of evolution versus creationism. The film features Spencer Tracy as Henry Drummond, a passionate defense attorney, and Fredric March as Matthew Harrison Brady, a prosecutor determined to prove that evolution is a false and dangerous doctrine. The film also features the performance of Gene Kelly as newspaperman E.K. Hornbeck, who covers the trial. Inherit the Wind is an allegory for the McCarthy-era hearings on communism in the 1950s, and it explores the themes of religious freedom, free thought and education.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anita Ekberg, Anouk Aimée, Yvonne Furneaux
Rated Not Rated

La Dolce Vita is a 1960 Italian drama film directed by Federico Fellini. The film follows Marcello Rubini (Marcello Mastroianni), a journalist living in Rome, who is searching for a sense of meaning amidst the chaotic and hedonistic life of the city. Throughout the film, he meets a variety of characters, including his wealthy friend Steiner (Alain Cuny), his lover Maddalena (Anouk Aimée), and the young and innocent journalist Emma (Yvonne Furneaux). As the film progresses, Marcello's search for meaning leads him deeper into the city's decadent lifestyle, filled with parties and shallow relationships. In the end, Marcello must decide between entering a life of stability and security or continuing his pursuit of the elusive "sweet life". La Dolce Vita is a powerful and iconic portrayal of Italy's post-war society, exploring themes such as the consumerist society, the search for meaning, and the contrast between the rich and the poor.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Charles Laughton
Rated PG-13

Spartacus is a 1960 epic historical drama film directed by Stanley Kubrick and starring Kirk Douglas. The film is based on the novel of the same name by Howard Fast about the historical figure of Spartacus, a slave-turned-gladiator in the Roman Republic. Set in the 1st century BC, the film tells the story of Spartacus and his attempt to lead an uprising against the oppressive Roman Republic. The film follows Spartacus in his fight to lead his fellow slaves in a rebellion against their cruel masters, as well as his conflicts with the Roman army and Senator Crassus. Along the way, Spartacus must navigate the treacherous political and social landscape of Rome, while also struggling with his own inner demons. The film features a star-studded cast, including Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Jean Simmons, Peter Ustinov, and Tony Curtis. Spartacus is a timeless classic that explores themes of freedom, justice, and the human spirit.

From John Sturges, starring Yul Brynner, Steve McQueen, Charles Bronson, Eli Wallach
Rated Approved

The Magnificent Seven (1960) is a western classic directed by John Sturges. The film tells the story of seven American gunfighters who are hired by a small Mexican village to protect it from a group of bandits. As the gunfighters come together, they prepare the village for the inevitable attack. Despite their best efforts, the villagers are besieged by the bandits, leading to a tense and dramatic battle. In the end, the seven gunfighters are able to defeat the bandits and save the village. The film is a timeless classic that celebrates the power of friendship and courage in the face of danger.

From Georges Franju, starring Pierre Brasseur, Alida Valli, Juliette Mayniel, Alexandre Rignault
Rated Not Rated

Eyes Without a Face tells the story of Dr. Génessier, a brilliant surgeon living in Paris. He is desperate to find a way to restore the face of his daughter, Christiane, who was disfigured in a car accident for which he was responsible. He abducts young women in an attempt to graft their skin onto Christiane's face, but all of his experiments fail. As the police investigate the disappearances, Génessier becomes increasingly desperate to find a way to save his daughter, while Christiane's mental state deteriorates. In the end, Génessier is captured, and Christiane is taken away to a mental hospital. Despite the tragedy of the story, the film ultimately offers a message of hope, as Christiane's faith in her father remains strong throughout.

From George Pal, starring Rod Taylor, Alan Young, Yvette Mimieux, Sebastian Cabot
Rated G

The Time Machine is a 1960 science fiction film directed by George Pal and based on the 1895 novel of the same name by H. G. Wells. The film stars Rod Taylor as the time traveler, a Victorian-era scientist who invents a time machine and travels to the future. In the year 802,701 AD he finds a future world divided into two races: the beautiful Eloi and the subterranean Morlocks. The Eloi live a carefree life, but the Morlocks make them their slaves and use them as food. The time traveler must rescue a young Eloi woman, Weena, and then make his escape. In the end, he returns to his own time, with a warning to heed his own advice that "the path to the future is not always clear".

From Claude Sautet, starring Lino Ventura, Sandra Milo, Jean-Paul Belmondo, Marcel Dalio
Rated Not Rated

Classe Tous Risques is a 1960 French crime drama directed by Claude Sautet. The film follows Abel Davos (Lino Ventura), an escaped convict who is on the run from the law. He is joined by his friend and criminal partner, Raymond (Sami Frey) as they attempt to make their way to Italy. Along the way, the two men make some difficult choices as they struggle to stay ahead of their pursuers and try to reunite with their families. The film is a gritty, dramatic examination of the life of two criminals and the consequences of their decisions. It ultimately shows the fragility of the human spirit and the importance of loyalty and friendship.

From Wolf Rilla, starring George Sanders, Barbara Shelley, Michael Gwynn, Laurence Naismith
Rated Not Rated

From Fred Zinnemann, starring Deborah Kerr, Robert Mitchum, Peter Ustinov, Glynis Johns
Rated Passed

From Roger Corman, starring Vincent Price, Mark Damon, Myrna Fahey, Harry Ellerbe
Rated Approved

From Lewis Milestone, starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Peter Lawford
Rated Approved

From Stanley Donen, starring Cary Grant, Deborah Kerr, Robert Mitchum, Jean Simmons
Rated Approved

From Daniel Mann, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Laurence Harvey, Eddie Fisher, Dina Merrill
Rated Not Rated