Movies About Gold

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell
Rated PG

It's a Wonderful Life is an American Christmas classic film directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart. The story follows George Bailey, a generous and kindhearted man who has sacrificed his own dreams so that he could help his family and his community. After a series of unfortunate events, George is driven to the point of suicide, only to be saved by his guardian angel, Clarence. Clarence shows George a world in which he was never born, and George realizes just how much impact he has had on the lives of those he loves and the people in his town. With the help of his family and friends, George is able to find his way back to happiness and contentment. Through the course of the film, George learns to appreciate the value of his life and the importance of selflessness and kindness.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains
Rated PG

Set during World War II in the Moroccan city of Casablanca, "Casablanca" tells the story of Rick Blaine (Humphrey Bogart), an American expatriate who runs a nightclub in the city. He is reunited with Ilsa Lund (Ingrid Bergman), an old flame from Paris, and discovers that her husband, Victor Laszlo (Paul Henreid), is a Czech resistance leader sought by the Nazis. When Nazi Major Strasser (Conrad Veidt) arrives in Casablanca, Rick is forced to choose between his cynical self-interest and helping his true love and her husband escape from the Nazis. The film follows the twists and turns of Rick's dramatic decision and the consequences that ensue. Along the way, viewers are treated to a classic love story between Rick and Ilsa, and a stunning range of memorable moments and unforgettable characters.

From Billy Wilder, starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara Stanwyck, Edward G. Robinson, Byron Barr
Rated Passed

Double Indemnity is a classic noir film released in 1944, directed by Billy Wilder. It tells the story of Walter Neff (Fred MacMurray), an insurance salesman who becomes entangled in a scheme with the beautiful but deadly femme fatale, Phyllis Dietrichson (Barbara Stanwyck), to murder her husband and collect on the double indemnity clause of his policy. Together, they concoct the perfect plan, but their relationship quickly spirals out of control as Walter finds himself in over his head and their perfect crime begins to unravel. As the tension builds, his boss, Barton Keyes (Edward G. Robinson) begins to unravel the layers of deception, pitting Walter and Phyllis against each other in a thrilling cat-and-mouse game of wits. With its cynical view of human nature, sharp dialogue and thrilling suspense, Double Indemnity is a timeless film noir classic.

From Orson Welles, starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Dorothy Comingore, Agnes Moorehead
Rated PG

Citizen Kane is a drama film directed, co-written, produced, and starring Orson Welles. The film follows the life and legacy of newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane (Welles). The story is told through flashbacks, as a newsreel reporter investigates Kane's enigmatic last words: "Rosebud". It follows Kane's rise to fame and power, his eventual downfall, and his search for meaning in life. Throughout the film, a central theme of the elusive search for meaning in life is explored. Citizen Kane is considered one of the greatest films of all time and has won numerous awards, including the Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay.

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, Tim Holt, Bruce Bennett
Rated Passed

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre is a classic 1948 adventure drama directed by John Huston and featuring Humphrey Bogart, Walter Huston, and Tim Holt. The film follows the story of two down-on-their-luck Americans in Mexico; Fred C. Dobbs (Bogart) and Bob Curtin (Holt). The two join forces with an old, grizzled prospector, Howard (Huston), to search for gold in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Despite their initial success, the three men soon find themselves on the brink of disaster when their greed and mistrust begin to tear them apart. The film is a thrilling exploration of what happens when human nature is pushed to its limits in the pursuit of wealth.

From Ernst Lubitsch, starring Carole Lombard, Jack Benny, Robert Stack, Felix Bressart
Rated Passed

"To Be or Not to Be" is a 1942 satirical black comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch, starring Jack Benny and Carole Lombard. Set in Poland during World War II, the film follows a theatrical troupe as they struggle to survive in Nazi-occupied Warsaw. To save their lives, the troupe must fake their own deaths, impersonate Nazi officers, and ultimately double-cross the enemy. Along the way, they must also confront the challenges of their own interpersonal relationships. The film offers a humorous and light-hearted take on the horrors of war, while also exploring issues of loyalty, fidelity, and bravery.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Laurence Olivier, Joan Fontaine, George Sanders, Judith Anderson
Rated Approved

Rebecca tells the story of a young woman (Joan Fontaine) who falls in love and marries a dashing aristocrat, Maxim de Winter (Laurence Olivier). The two move to his estate, Manderley, where she soon discovers her husband is still haunted by the memory of his late wife, Rebecca. The new Mrs. de Winter is constantly compared unfavorably to Rebecca, and she is overwhelmed by the servants who remain loyal to the memory of their former mistress. As the film progresses, the new Mrs. de Winter begins to unravel the mystery surrounding Rebecca's death and discovers the truth about her husband's past. In the end, the two find solace in each other and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of Manderley.

From Carol Reed, starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Trevor Howard
Rated Approved

The Third Man is a 1949 British film noir directed by Carol Reed. Set in post-WWII Vienna, the story follows Holly Martins, an American who is given a job offer by his old friend Harry Lime, only to find out upon arrival that his friend has died. As Holly investigates, he begins to suspect that Harry may not have died in an accident, as he had been told. Through a series of twists and turns, Holly discovers the truth about Harry and his criminal activities, and ultimately must make a difficult decision about what to do with the information he has uncovered.

From William Wyler, starring Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews, Fredric March, Teresa Wright
Rated Approved

The Best Years of Our Lives is a 1946 American drama film directed by William Wyler and starring Myrna Loy, Fredric March, Dana Andrews, Teresa Wright, Virginia Mayo, and Harold Russell. The film tells the story of three World War II veterans, each from different social classes, who return home to small-town America to rebuild their lives after the war. Al Stephenson (March) is a banker, Fred Derry (Andrews) an army sergeant, and Homer Parrish (Russell) a sailor. Each of them struggles to adjust to civilian life, facing issues such as physical and emotional trauma, financial hardship and post-traumatic stress disorder. As they adjust to the challenges of life after war, the three men develop a strong bond of friendship that helps them overcome the obstacles they face. The film won seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

From John Ford, starring Henry Fonda, Jane Darwell, John Carradine, Charley Grapewin
Rated Passed

The Grapes of Wrath is a 1940 American drama film directed by John Ford and based on John Steinbeck's 1939 novel of the same name. Set during the Great Depression, the film follows the Joad family, a poor family of tenant farmers who are driven from their Oklahoma home by drought, economic hardship, agricultural industry changes, and bank foreclosures. After nearly losing their home and having to sell most of their possessions, the Joads set out for California to find work in the state's burgeoning agricultural industry. On the road, they meet other migrants facing similar struggles, and they experience numerous hardships, including a dangerous accident, sickness, and death. Despite their struggles, they eventually find employment in California. As they struggle to find a place in their new world, they witness the exploitation of the migrant workers by their employers and the prejudice of their neighbors. The film culminates with the Joads joining in a strike to protest the mistreatment of the migrant workers. The Grapes of Wrath is widely acclaimed for its powerful performances, its realistic and sympathetic portrayal of the Joad family, and its vivid depiction of the struggles of migrant workers in California. It won two Academy Awards and was nominated for four other Oscars.

From John Huston, starring Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Gladys George, Peter Lorre
Rated Passed

The Maltese Falcon is a classic 1941 film directed by John Huston and based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The film stars Humphrey Bogart as private detective Sam Spade, who is hired by a mysterious woman to find a jewel-encrusted statuette known as the Maltese Falcon. As he digs deeper into the case, he discovers that his client is not the only one after the falcon, as several other shady characters, including a mysterious and menacing hitman, also want it. Spade must outwit each one as they weave a complex web of deception, lies, and intrigue. In the end, Spade and the others must confront the shocking truth behind the Maltese Falcon.

From Jacques Tourneur, starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, Kirk Douglas, Rhonda Fleming
Rated Not Rated

Out of the Past is a 1947 film noir directed by Jacques Tourneur and starring Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, and Kirk Douglas. The film follows the story of Jeff Bailey (Mitchum), a former private eye living quietly in a small town, who is forced to confront his past when a former girlfriend and criminal associate, Kathie Moffat (Greer), shows up. Jeff finds himself caught between two dangerous men: Kathie's wealthy and murderous boyfriend, Whit Sterling (Douglas), and a hitman sent by a gang of gangsters to find Kathie. As Jeff navigates his way through the web of deceit and danger, he must confront his own guilt and choose between his old life and the possibility of a new one.

From Ernst Lubitsch, starring Margaret Sullavan, James Stewart, Frank Morgan, Joseph Schildkraut
Rated Not Rated

The Shop Around the Corner is a 1940 romantic comedy directed by Ernst Lubitsch and starring James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan. Set in Budapest in the 1930s, the story follows two employees at a shop, Alfred Kralik (Stewart) and Klara Novak (Sullavan). Despite their initial disdain for each other, they gradually develop a close relationship through anonymous love letters they write to each other, unaware they are in fact writing to each other. Through this correspondence, they slowly begin to fall in love without knowing it. The film is a charming and timeless story of two people who find love in unexpected ways.

From David Lean, starring Celia Johnson, Trevor Howard, Stanley Holloway, Joyce Carey
Rated Not Rated

Brief Encounter is a British film directed by David Lean from a screenplay by Noel Coward, based on his 1936 one-act play Still Life. Set in a small British town during World War II, the film tells the story of a chance meeting between two strangers, Laura (Celia Johnson) and Alec (Trevor Howard). After a brief conversation, they realize a deep connection between them and soon embark on a passionate affair. As they struggle to keep the affair a secret, they are forced to confront the consequences of their actions and make difficult decisions about their future. Both have families and obligations that they must consider, and eventually they must part ways, leaving them both with a bittersweet understanding of love and longing.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring James Stewart, John Dall, Farley Granger, Dick Hogan
Rated Approved

Rope is a 1948 American suspense film directed by Alfred Hitchcock, based on the 1929 play of the same name by Patrick Hamilton. The film stars James Stewart, John Dall, and Farley Granger as two friends who murder a mutual acquaintance and attempt to conceal the crime by throwing a dinner party for their victim's family and friends. The film is based on the real-life case of Leopold and Loeb, two wealthy students who murdered a young boy in 1924. Throughout the film, Hitchcock uses a variety of cinematic techniques to manipulate time and create tension. He also experiments with long takes and few cuts, which give the film a unique visual style. The film is a psychological thriller that ultimately forces viewers to confront the morality of the protagonists' actions.

From George Cukor, starring Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey
Rated Not Rated

The Philadelphia Story is a 1940 romantic comedy directed by George Cukor. It follows the story of wealthy socialite Tracy Lord (Katharine Hepburn), who is about to marry a stuffy businessman, George Kittredge (John Howard). On the eve of her wedding, Tracy's ex-husband, C.K. Dexter Haven (Cary Grant), turns up unexpectedly, accompanied by a pair of tabloid reporters, Macaulay Connor (James Stewart) and Liz Imbrie (Ruth Hussey). As Tracy is forced to confront her romantic past, she must decide who she truly loves and what she values most in life. The film's witty and charming dialogue, along with its delightful performances, have made it an enduring classic and a favorite of movie lovers.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Cary Grant, Ingrid Bergman, Claude Rains, Louis Calhern
Rated Not Rated

Notorious, directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is a classic spy film about a young woman named Alicia Huberman (Ingrid Bergman) whose father is a convicted Nazi spy. Desperate to escape her past and make a new life for herself, Alicia is recruited by a U.S. government agent, Devlin (Cary Grant), to spy on a group of her father's Nazi associates, who are now living in Brazil. She poses as the lover of a suspected Nazi sympathizer, Alexander Sebastian (Claude Rains), and is soon drawn into a web of love and deceit as she works to uncover the truth about the Nazis' plans. As the stakes get higher and Alicia becomes increasingly involved in her mission, her relationships with both Devlin and Sebastian become more complicated, leading to a nail-biting twist at the end.

From Howard Hawks, starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, John Ridgely, Martha Vickers
Rated Passed

The Big Sleep is a classic film noir starring Humphrey Bogart as the hard-boiled private detective Philip Marlowe, hired by the wealthy General Sternwood to investigate a gambling debt owed by his daughter Carmen. As Marlowe digs deeper into the case, he finds himself embroiled in a web of blackmail, murder, and deceit that reaches all the way to the top of the Los Angeles criminal underworld. Through his interactions with the Sternwood family and a variety of other colorful characters, Marlowe attempts to solve the case and bring justice to those involved. Despite its convoluted plot, the film is ultimately a story of loyalty and justice, with Marlowe's relentless pursuit of the truth ultimately leading him to the right conclusion.

From Michael Curtiz, starring Joan Crawford, Jack Carson, Zachary Scott, Eve Arden
Rated Approved

Mildred Pierce is a 1945 drama film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Joan Crawford. The film tells the story of a single mother in the 1930s who struggles to make a living for her family and to gain respectability. After her husband leaves, Mildred uses her baking talents to start a successful restaurant chain. While Mildred is determined to make a better life for her two daughters, her older daughter Veda is a spoiled and selfish girl who is determined to have a rich lifestyle. As Mildred gains financial success, Veda's dreams of a better life come true, but she soon discovers that money can't buy everything. As tensions between mother and daughter increase and secrets from the past are revealed, Mildred must decide how far she will go for her daughter's love.

From George Seaton, starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara, John Payne, Gene Lockhart
Rated Not Rated

Miracle on 34th Street is a classic holiday film, directed by George Seaton. It follows the story of a department store Santa Claus who claims to be the real Santa Claus. He is put on trial to prove his identity, with the help of a young lawyer and a little girl, Susan. When the trial begins, it looks like Santa may not be able to prove his identity. However, the story has a happy ending as Santa's identity is finally proven in court and Susan's faith in Santa is restored. The film is a heartwarming story about the power of belief and the spirit of Christmas.

From George Cukor, starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten, May Whitty
Rated Passed

Gaslight is a 1944 psychological thriller film directed by George Cukor. The movie stars Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman and tells the story of a young woman whose husband attempts to drive her insane. Set in Victorian London, the film follows Paula (Bergman), a newlywed whose husband, Gregory (Boyer), is determined to make her believe she is losing her mind. Gregory slowly manipulates Paula by gaslighting her—diminishing her perception of reality, questioning her memory, and making her doubt her own sanity. Paula must rely on the help of a kindly detective to escape her husband’s control. Gaslight is a suspenseful and chilling exploration of a marriage gone wrong.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Teresa Wright, Joseph Cotten, Macdonald Carey, Henry Travers
Rated Passed

Shadow of a Doubt is a classic suspense movie directed by Alfred Hitchcock. It tells the story of a young girl, Charlie Newton, living in a sleepy California town. Her world is turned upside down when her beloved Uncle Charlie arrives for an unexpected visit. After spending time with him, she begins to suspect that he is the notorious Merry Widow Murderer, a criminal the police have been desperately hunting for. With the help of her family, Charlie sets out to uncover the truth. As the mystery unfolds and danger lurks around every corner, she must decide what's more important: her familial loyalty or justice. Shadow of a Doubt is a thrilling rollercoaster ride that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

From Howard Hawks, starring Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Walter Brennan, Dolores Moran
Rated Passed

To Have and Have Not is a 1944 American romance-adventure-drama film directed by Howard Hawks and starring Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall. The film is loosely based on the 1937 novel of the same name by Ernest Hemingway. The plot revolves around the life of Harry Morgan, a fishing boat captain struggling to make ends meet in the waning days of the French colonial presence in Fort-de-France, Martinique. When he agrees to take a troubled singer, Marie Browning, and her underworld employer, Johnson, to a nearby island, Morgan finds himself drawn into a world of intrigue and danger. He is forced to choose between his own survival and helping his newfound friends, as he is ultimately left with the decision of whether or not to risk his life for others. With a mix of romance and suspense, the film is a classic noir-style thriller.

From Howard Hawks, starring Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, Oskar Homolka, Henry Travers
Rated Approved

Ball of Fire is a 1941 screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks and starring Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, and a group of eight of the most famous comedians of the day. The movie tells the story of Professor Bertram Potts, a shy and socially awkward professor, who is working on an encyclopedia with seven other professors. He meets nightclub singer Sugarpuss O'Shea, who is on the run from mobsters. In order to hide her from the mobsters, Potts and his fellow professors invite her to stay with them while they finish their encyclopedia. In time, Potts falls in love with Sugarpuss, despite the fact that she has a criminal past and is the complete opposite of Potts. Through her, Potts learns about the world outside of the academy and discovers that knowledge isn't always found in books. Ultimately, the mobsters catch up to Sugarpuss, and Potts and his fellow professors must rescue her from their clutches. Through this, Potts learns to confront his fears and stand up for what he believes in, even if it means going against the mob. In the end, Sugarpuss is saved and the two eventually marry and live happily ever after.

From Directors: James Algar, Samuel Armstrong, Ford Beebe Jr., Norman Ferguson, David Hand, Jim Handley, T. Hee, Wilfred Jackson, Hamilton Luske, Bill Roberts, Paul Satterfield, Ben Sharpsteen, starring Leopold Stokowski, Deems Taylor, The Philadelphia Orchestra, Corey Burton
Rated G

Fantasia is a 1940 American animated film produced by Walt Disney and released by Walt Disney Productions. It is the third feature film in the Disney Animated Canon and the first animated feature film produced in Technicolor. The film consists of eight segments, each set to a piece of classical music performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra under the direction of Leopold Stokowski. The film's story follows the music and illustrates it through a series of animated segments, some of which are abstract and some of which are based on stories or fables such as "The Sorcerer's Apprentice" and "The Rite of Spring". Fantasia has been noted for its innovative use of animation and sound in combination with classical music, as well as its technical excellence. It was the first feature-length animated film to be released in stereophonic sound. The film has received a mixed critical reaction over the years. While it was a box-office success in 1940, it was initially deemed a financial failure due to its high production and marketing costs. However, it has since become a classic and is now considered one of the greatest animated films of all time.