60s Movie

From Sergio Leone, starring Clint Eastwood, Eli Wallach, Lee Van Cleef, Aldo Giuffrè
Rated R

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a 1966 Italian-American spaghetti western, directed by Sergio Leone and starring Clint Eastwood, Lee Van Cleef and Eli Wallach. Set during the American Civil War, the film follows three gunslingers, "the Good" (Eastwood), "the Bad" (Van Cleef) and "the Ugly" (Wallach), as they compete against each other to find a hidden fortune. Along the way, they encounter various obstacles, including a Union army captain, a sadistic gang of bounty hunters, and a rival gang of Mexican revolutionaries. The film is noteworthy for its iconic Ennio Morricone score, its striking cinematography and its violent, yet stylish, gunplay. Ultimately, the three gunslingers must decide who will take the fortune and who will get shot. The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is both a classic of the western genre, and an influential piece of cinema history.

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

Psycho is a 1960 psychological horror film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It stars Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, and Vera Miles. The film follows the story of Marion Crane, a secretary who steals $40,000 from her employer and goes on the run. She stops at a remote motel run by the peculiar Norman Bates, who lives with his domineering mother. As Marion's stay at the motel progresses, Norman's strange behavior leads to a terrifying conclusion. Psycho is considered a masterpiece of the genre and one of Hitchcock's best-known works. It has since become greatly influential in horror filmmaking and widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.

From Sergio Leone, starring Henry Fonda, Charles Bronson, Claudia Cardinale, Jason Robards
Rated PG-13

Once Upon a Time in the West is an epic Western film directed by Sergio Leone. It stars Henry Fonda, Claudia Cardinale, Charles Bronson, and Jason Robards. The film is set in the American West of the late 19th century and follows three characters: a mysterious and cold-blooded killer (Fonda) working for a powerful railroad tycoon, a former prostitute (Cardinale) trying to build a new life for herself, and a bandit (Robards) who is planning to rob the same railroad. The film is a masterful synthesis of Leone's earlier work, combining dark violence, vivid characterization, and stylized visuals to create a unique and memorable Western. As the characters' stories intertwine, they gradually come to understand that the railroad tycoon's plans are part of a larger struggle between morality and greed, law and justice. As the film builds to its dramatic conclusion, the characters must confront the consequences of their actions and ultimately choose which path to take. This classic Western stands as a timeless testament to Leone's talent as a filmmaker.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Keir Dullea, Gary Lockwood, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter
Rated G

2001: A Space Odyssey is a classic science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick. It follows the story of a mission to Jupiter, with two astronauts, Dr. David Bowman and Dr. Frank Poole, and their sentient computer, HAL 9000. The mission is to investigate a strange monolith that was discovered on the moon's surface. As the mission progresses, HAL begins to malfunction, and a series of events occur that lead to the revelation of a mysterious, unseen alien presence. In the end, Bowman is transformed into a higher form of life, a Star Child, and leaves the ship to explore the universe. The film is renowned for its groundbreaking special effects, and its use of classical music and abstract visuals.

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

The Apartment is a 1960 black-and-white romantic comedy film directed by Billy Wilder and starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, and Fred MacMurray. The film follows C. C. Baxter, an ambitious insurance clerk who lets his superiors at a large company use his apartment for their extramarital affairs. Baxter soon learns that his boss, Jeff Sheldrake, is having an affair with Fran Kubelik, the elevator girl in the apartment building. As Baxter gets to know Fran, he falls in love with her, and he soon finds himself caught between his conscience, his ambition, and his love for her. As the situation unravels, each of the characters must make difficult decisions in order to find resolution.

From David Lean, starring Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins
Rated Approved

Lawrence of Arabia is an epic historical drama directed by David Lean. It tells the story of T.E. Lawrence, a British Army officer who is sent to Arabia during World War I to find and train an Arab army to fight the Ottoman Turks. Along the way, Lawrence finds himself caught up in the political and cultural tensions of the region, and he must attempt to bridge the gap between the Arabs and the British. The film stars Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, Jack Hawkins, Anthony Quinn and Omar Sharif and was nominated for ten Academy Awards, winning seven. The film is known for its sweeping cinematography, magnificent score by Maurice Jarre, and timeless story of friendship, loyalty and courage.

From Robert Mulligan, starring Gregory Peck, John Megna, Frank Overton, Rosemary Murphy
Rated Approved

To Kill a Mockingbird is a classic 1962 drama film directed by Robert Mulligan and based on Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. Set in the fictional town of Maycomb, Alabama in the 1930s, the film follows the life of young Scout Finch and her father Atticus, a lawyer, who courageously defends a wrongfully accused black man, Tom Robinson, against an accusation of rape. The film explores themes of racism, justice, and courage through the eyes of Scout and her friends, Jem and Dill. Despite the town's prejudice, Atticus courageously stands up for what is right and defends Tom in court, only to be defeated in the end. Ultimately, the film serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for justice and defending the rights of all people.

From John Sturges, starring Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson
Rated Approved

The Great Escape is a 1963 American epic war film based on an escape by British Commonwealth prisoners of war from a German POW camp during World War II. The film stars Steve McQueen, James Garner, Richard Attenborough and Charles Bronson, and features James Donald, Donald Pleasence, James Coburn, and Hannes Messemer. The film tells the story of a group of Allied prisoners of war who plan an elaborate escape from the German camp. Led by a senior British officer, the prisoners, who come from various Allied countries, plan the escape with great detail and manage to get away, though eventually all but three are recaptured. The film is based on the actual events of the Great Escape, a mass escape attempt from the German prisoner of war camp Stalag Luft III.

From Robert Wise, starring Julie Andrews, Christopher Plummer, Eleanor Parker, Richard Haydn
Rated G

The Sound of Music is a 1965 musical drama directed by Robert Wise and starring Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer. Set in Austria in the 1930s, the story focuses on Maria, a young postulant at an Austrian abbey, who is sent to be the governess of the seven children of a widowed naval captain, Georg von Trapp. Despite the captain's initial reluctance, Maria gradually brings music and joy back into the lives of the von Trapps, even as Austria begins to fall under the control of the Nazis. The family eventually make a daring escape over the Alps to Switzerland. Along the way, they discover a powerful love that carries them through their difficult journey. The movie features some of the most beloved songs of all time, including "My Favorite Things," "Do-Re-Mi," "Climb Ev'ry Mountain," and the title song, "The Sound of Music".

From Stuart Rosenberg, starring Paul Newman, George Kennedy, Strother Martin, J.D. Cannon
Rated GP

Cool Hand Luke is a 1967 crime-drama film starring Paul Newman as the title character, Luke Jackson. After being arrested for drunkenly cutting the heads off of parking meters, Luke is sent to a Southern chain gang prison camp to serve a two-year sentence. Despite the harsh conditions, Luke remains determined to break out of prison and refuses to conform to the prison's harsh rules. His refusal to conform earns him the respect and admiration of his fellow inmates, and a rivalry with the prison's sadistic guards. Through his gritty determination and will to win, Luke is able to successfully break out of prison and reunite with his family, even if only for a short time. The film is an exploration of the human spirit and its ability to refuse to be broken, even in the most dire of circumstances.

From Gillo Pontecorvo, starring Brahim Hadjadj, Jean Martin, Yacef Saadi, Samia Kerbash
Rated Not Rated

The Battle of Algiers is a 1966 historical war drama directed by Gillo Pontecorvo. The film depicts the Algerian struggle for independence from French colonial rule, focusing on the violent street protests, assassinations, and street battles between Algerian nationalists and the French military between 1954 and 1957. The film follows a small group of Algerian freedom fighters, led by Ali La Pointe, as they engage in a series of guerilla tactics in their struggle to drive the French out of their homeland. Featuring gritty realism and no-holds-barred brutality, the film is a powerful account of the Algerian war of independence. Though it is an Italian-Algerian co-production, the film is well-known for its authentic representation of the Algerian struggle, and has been praised by many as one of the best war movies of all time.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Bibi Andersson, Liv Ullmann, Margaretha Krook, Gunnar Björnstrand
Rated Not Rated

Persona is a 1966 Swedish film written and directed by Ingmar Bergman. It tells the story of a young nurse, Alma, and her patient, Elisabet Vogler, an actress who has seemingly fallen silent. Through a series of conversations, the two women form a relationship that appears to blur the lines between their identities. As their conversations and interactions become more intimate, Alma finds herself increasingly drawn into Elisabet's personality and begins to question her own identity. The film explores themes of identity, communication, and the self, and has been praised for its experimental use of cinematic techniques.

From Robert Aldrich, starring Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, Victor Buono, Wesley Addy
Rated Passed

What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? is a psychological horror film directed by Robert Aldrich and released in 1962. The story follows aging movie star Baby Jane Hudson, played by Bette Davis, as she psychologically dominates her sister Blanche, played by Joan Crawford. Abandoned by their former movie fans, the Hudson sisters live together in a decaying mansion. As Jane’s mental health deteriorates due to guilt over a traumatic childhood incident, her jealousy and resentment of Blanche grows to dangerous heights. What follows is a sinister cat-and-mouse game between the two with Jane attempting to control her sister and Blanche desperately trying to escape her demented sibling’s grasp. With its iconic performances and intense black comedy, What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? remains a classic of its genre.

From Roman Polanski, starring Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer
Rated Approved

Rosemary's Baby is a psychological horror film directed by Roman Polanski and released in 1968. The film follows Rosemary Woodhouse (Mia Farrow), a young housewife who is pregnant with the child of her husband Guy (John Cassavetes). Rosemary discovers her neighbors in her New York City apartment building are part of a Satanic cult who are plotting to use her unborn baby for their own sinister agenda. As Rosemary's paranoia grows, she must fight to protect her unborn child from the cult's dangerous intentions. The film is considered a classic of the horror genre, and was praised for its performances, direction, and stunning visuals.

From Federico Fellini, starring Marcello Mastroianni, Anouk Aimée, Claudia Cardinale, Sandra Milo
Rated Not Rated

8½ is a surrealist/fantasy film by Italian director Federico Fellini that follows the story of a famous film director, Guido Anselmi, as he struggles with creating his latest film project. As his life around him begins to unravel, Guido escapes into his own fantasy world, where he meets various characters that represent various aspects of his own life. Through his interactions with these characters, Guido is able to confront his inner struggles and come to terms with his issues and artistic vision. In the end, Guido is able to find inspiration and clarity, and complete his film. 8½ is an acclaimed classic, and is seen as one of Fellini’s most influential works.

From Mike Nichols, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal, Sandy Dennis
Rated Not Rated

Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? is a 1966 American black comedy-drama film directed by Mike Nichols. Starring Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, George Segal, and Sandy Dennis, the film is about a middle-aged married couple, Martha and George, who invite a younger couple, Nick and Honey, over for a night of drinking and conversation. During the course of the night, Martha and George's dysfunctional marriage is revealed, as they engage in verbal cruelty and emotional manipulation. As the night progresses, the tension between the couples increases and the truth behind their marriage is revealed. The film explores the complexities of marriage and relationships, and the effects of aging and disillusionment.

From George A. Romero, starring Duane Jones, Judith O'Dea, Karl Hardman, Marilyn Eastman
Rated Not Rated

Night of the Living Dead (1968), directed by George A. Romero, is a horror classic that follows a group of seven people trapped inside a farmhouse besieged by an ever-growing horde of flesh-hungry zombies. The film follows Barbara (Judith O'Dea) and Ben (Duane Jones) as they attempt to survive the night while the outside world slowly succumbs to the zombie apocalypse. As the night progresses, the group inside the farmhouse must fend off the relentless zombie attack, while also dealing with the paranoia, distrust, and moral dilemmas that arise in such a desperate situation. As their defenses erode, their only chance for survival is to stand together against the onslaught of the living dead. Night of the Living Dead is a timeless horror classic that continues to influence the genre to this day.

From George Cukor, starring Audrey Hepburn, Rex Harrison, Stanley Holloway, Wilfrid Hyde-White
Rated G

My Fair Lady is a 1964 musical romantic comedy-drama film directed by George Cukor and starring Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. Based on the 1956 Broadway musical of the same name by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe, it tells the story of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who takes speech lessons from professor Henry Higgins, a phoneticist, so that she may pass as a lady. The film depicts a lively period of transformation in Eliza's life as she learns the protocols of proper speech and attitude. Ultimately, Eliza is transformed into a lady of grace and poise and falls in love with Higgins at the end.

From Arthur Penn, starring Warren Beatty, Faye Dunaway, Michael J. Pollard, Gene Hackman
Rated R

Bonnie and Clyde is a 1967 American crime film directed by Arthur Penn, about a young and adventurous couple of notorious bank robbers, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. The film follows the couple over the course of their two-year crime spree, as they rob banks and become entangled in a web of violence and betrayal. Along the way, the two fall in love and discover that their crime spree is not entirely what it appears to be. The film stars Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway as Bonnie and Clyde, and also features Gene Hackman, Michael J. Pollard, and Estelle Parsons. The film was critically acclaimed upon its release and was a major success at the box office. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards and won two, for Best Supporting Actress (Estelle Parsons) and Best Cinematography (Burnett Guffey). It was also inducted into the National Film Registry in 1994.

From Guy Hamilton, starring Sean Connery, Gert Fröbe, Honor Blackman, Shirley Eaton
Rated PG

Goldfinger is the third installment in the James Bond film series and stars Sean Connery as Agent 007. In the film, Bond is assigned to investigate the gold smuggling activities of Auric Goldfinger, a wealthy and powerful industrialist. After infiltrating Goldfinger's headquarters in Switzerland, Bond discovers Goldfinger's true plan to simultaneously detonate nuclear bombs inside Fort Knox, thereby cornering the world market in gold. Bond must stop Goldfinger and his henchman, Oddjob, before they can carry out their plan. Along the way, Bond meets the beautiful Jill Masterson, who is killed by Goldfinger after Bond refuses to give up his mission. Bond is ultimately able to prevent Goldfinger's plan and save the world from gold-related disaster.

From Roman Polanski, starring Catherine Deneuve, Ian Hendry, John Fraser, Yvonne Furneaux
Rated Not Rated

Repulsion is a 1965 psychological horror drama film directed by Roman Polanski and starring Catherine Deneuve. The film follows Carol, a repressed and emotionally fragile woman who begins to experience bizarre and disturbing hallucinations after her sister leaves town for an extended period of time. As her mental state rapidly deteriorates, she descends into madness and her inner demons come to the surface. The film is a powerful examination of sexual repression, mental illness, and the effects of trauma on the mind. It also serves as an exploration of guilt, morality, and the horrors of isolation.

From Jean-Luc Godard, starring Anna Karina, Claude Brasseur, Danièle Girard, Louisa Colpeyn
Rated Not Rated

Band of Outsiders is a French New Wave film from 1964 directed by Jean-Luc Godard. The film follows the adventures of two small-time crooks, Arnold (Claude Brasseur) and Franz (Sami Frey), who team up with Odile (Anna Karina), a schoolgirl and their neighbor, to commit a daring robbery. As the story progresses, their schemes become increasingly more ambitious and they are ultimately forced to confront their own mortality. The film features some of Godard's signature aesthetic elements, such as his use of jump cuts, overlapping dialogue, and unusual camera angles. The film also explores themes such as crime, love, and the meaning of life.

From Blake Edwards, starring Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard, Patricia Neal, Buddy Ebsen
Rated Approved

Breakfast at Tiffany's follows the story of Holly Golightly, a free-spirited and enigmatic young New York socialite. As she searches for love and meaning in her life, she finds friendship with her new neighbor, the struggling writer Paul Varjak. Together, the two of them learn about life, love, and the importance of friendship. Along the way, they discover the true value of the iconic Tiffany's jewelry store. The film is a romantic comedy-drama that follows Holly's journey as she attempts to find her place in the world. It is a timeless classic, directed by Blake Edwards and starring Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly.

From Dennis Hopper, starring Peter Fonda, Dennis Hopper, Jack Nicholson, Antonio Mendoza
Rated R