Best Movies 1950

From Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshirô Mifune, Machiko Kyô, Masayuki Mori, Takashi Shimura
Rated Not Rated

Rashomon is a 1950 Japanese period drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa. It tells the story of a crime from four different perspectives, each giving a distinct point of view. The film follows a woodcutter and a priest as they discuss a murder that took place in the forest. Through a series of flashbacks, the woodcutter and the priest learn about the murder from four perspectives: that of the victim, the murderer, a witness, and the murderer's wife. As each account reveals different truths, the viewer is left in a state of ambiguity and confusion. In the end, the truth remains elusive and the film serves as an exploration of the relativity of truth and the nature of human perception.

From Joseph L. Mankiewicz, starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm
Rated Passed

All About Eve is a classic 1950 drama by director Joseph L. Mankiewicz starring Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, and Marilyn Monroe. It follows the story of aspiring actress Eve Harrington as she schemes her way to the top of the theatrical world by manipulating those around her. When theater critic Addison DeWitt discovers her, he decides to use her as a pawn in his own sinister game. As the film progresses, we see how the ruthless ambition of Eve and Addison affects the lives of those around them. It is a brilliant examination of human vanity, ambition, and the pursuit of power.

From John Huston, starring Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, James Whitmore
Rated Passed

The Asphalt Jungle is a 1950 American crime film directed by John Huston and starring Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, and James Whitmore. The film follows a group of small-time criminals attempting to pull off a daring heist in a large city. Despite their best efforts, the group soon discovers that the police are on their heels and that crime never pays. As their plan unravels and their lives are put in danger, the criminals must grapple with their own moral dilemmas and the consequences of their actions. The film was a critical and commercial success, and is widely considered an important early example of the crime genre.

From Henry King, starring Gregory Peck, Helen Westcott, Millard Mitchell, Jean Parker
Rated Not Rated

The Gunfighter is a 1950 American western film starring Gregory Peck as Jimmy Ringo, one of the last of the great gunfighters. Fleeing from the notoriety of his reputation, Jimmy hopes to find a new life in a small town. But when he arrives, he finds himself caught up in a feud between two of the town's leading families. With the help of an old friend, Jimmy attempts to broker a peace, even as his past catches up with him. In the end, Jimmy must face his destiny, and accept the consequences of his life as a gunfighter.

From Joseph H. Lewis, starring John Dall, Peggy Cummins, Berry Kroeger, Morris Carnovsky
Rated Passed

Gun Crazy (1950) is a classic crime drama directed by Joseph H. Lewis. The film chronicles the story of two lovers, Bart Tare (John Dall) and Annie Laurie Starr (Peggy Cummins), whose mutual fascination with guns leads them down a dark path of crime and destruction. After meeting at a carnival shooting gallery, the couple quickly fall madly in love and decide to embark on a cross-country crime spree. As the police desperately attempt to catch the couple, the audience watches as the thrill of their illegal activities slowly morphs into something much darker and sinister. The film is considered a classic of the noir genre and is highly praised for its memorable cinematography and tight direction.