Best Movies Of 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. The film follows a woodcutter, a priest, and a commoner as they discuss a murder trial they each witnessed. As they try to make sense of the trial, they realize that the testimonies given by each witness contradict one another. Finally, they conclude that the truth of what happened is unknowable. The film is known for its exploration of the concept of subjectivity and how the same event can be perceived differently by different people.

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

All About Eve is a 1950 American drama film directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz, written by Mankiewicz, and produced by Darryl F. Zanuck. It stars Bette Davis, Anne Baxter, George Sanders, Celeste Holm, and Thelma Ritter. The plot follows aging star Margo Channing, who begins to suspect the motives of a young fan named Eve Harrington. As Eve ingratiates herself into Margo's life, Margo's circle of friends become increasingly suspicious of her true intentions. It ultimately culminates in a dramatic showdown between Margo and Eve at the annual Theater Awards. The film is widely considered to be one of the best films of all time, and was nominated for 14 Academy Awards, winning six. It is widely credited as ushering in a new era of sophisticated dialogue and complex female characters. All About Eve is one of the few films in history to be awarded four stars by the prestigious American Film Institute.

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

The Asphalt Jungle is a 1950 crime drama directed by John Huston and starring Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, Jean Hagen, and Marilyn Monroe. The plot follows a gang of criminals who plan a major heist of a jewelry store in a small midwestern town. After the crime is committed, the gang members start to turn on each other and the police close in on them. The film portrays the criminal underworld with a gritty realism and examines the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. The Asphalt Jungle is considered by critics to be one of the earliest films in the neo-noir genre.

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

The Gunfighter is a classic western film directed by Henry King and starring Gregory Peck. It tells the story of a famous gunslinger, Jimmy Ringo (Peck), who has become haunted by his past and is desperately trying to escape the violence he has been a part of. Despite his attempts, Ringo is continually drawn back into conflict and his past catches up to him. He is pursued by three different men, who come to town for revenge, and must fight for his life and his freedom. Throughout the story, Ringo is revealed to be a man of honor, courage, and loyalty, struggling to find a way to move on from his previous life of violence.

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

"Gun Crazy" (1950) tells the story of Bart Tare and Laurie Starr, two lovers whose shared interest in guns leads them on a violent crime spree across the United States. Bart, a veteran and an expert marksman, takes a job at a carnival shooting gallery and falls in love with Laurie, a beautiful girl working at the same carnival. The two develop a deep bond and plan to rob a series of banks to get the money they need to start a new life together. As they go on their crime spree, they are pursued by the police, who believe that Bart is the mastermind behind the robberies. In the end, the couple are cornered by the police and a shootout ensues, ending with their capture. Despite the violence, their love story stands out as a unique exploration of forbidden love and the power of passion.