Movies Of The 60s And 70s

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather is a 1972 American crime drama directed by Francis Ford Coppola, based on Mario Puzo's best-selling novel of the same name. It stars Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, Robert Duvall, Sterling Hayden and John Cazale. The story follows the Corleone family, one of the most powerful crime families in America, as they deal with the internal power struggle caused by patriarch Vito Corleone's (Brando) refusal to cede control of his business to his eldest son, Sonny (Caan). Vito's youngest son, Michael (Pacino), steps in to protect the family, eventually taking on the mantle of Godfather. The film follows Michael's journey as he attempts to solidify the family's power and gain revenge for his father's death. Through his shrewdness and ruthless tactics, Michael succeeds in eliminating his enemies, becoming one of the most powerful figures in the world of organized crime.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
Rated R

The Godfather Part II is a 1974 crime drama film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring Al Pacino, Robert De Niro, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton, and John Cazale. The film is a sequel to the 1972 film The Godfather and chronicles the rise to power of Michael Corleone (Pacino), the new don of the Corleone crime family, and his attempts to legitimize his family's business. The film intercuts between two different time periods: the present day, where Michael consolidates his power in the mafia, and flashbacks to the early 1900s, where his father Vito (De Niro) is a young immigrant in New York City, trying to make a living and eventually establishing the Corleone family in America. Along the way, Michael also deals with a hostile Senate investigation, a mob war with a rival family, and his own inner demons. The Godfather Part II earned critical acclaim for its performances and monochromatic cinematography. It won six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director (Coppola), Best Supporting Actor (De Niro), and Best Adapted Screenplay (Coppola and Mario Puzo). It is

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

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly is a classic spaghetti Western directed by Sergio Leone. The film follows three gunslingers, "Blondie" (Clint Eastwood), "Tuco" (Eli Wallach) and "Angel Eyes" (Lee Van Cleef), as they embark on a quest to find a fortune in buried Confederate gold. Along the way, the trio must battle rival bands of outlaws, fight off the Union Army, and survive the perilous desert terrain. As the three men draw closer to their goal, a final confrontation between them awaits, in which only one will be left standing with the gold. With its iconic Ennio Morricone score, vivid cinematography, and memorable characters, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly continues to remain a classic example of the Western genre.

From George Lucas, starring Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Alec Guinness
Rated PG

Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, directed by George Lucas in 1977, is the original chapter in the Star Wars saga. It follows the journey of a farm boy, Luke Skywalker, as he leaves his home planet of Tatooine in search of adventure. Along the way, he meets a motley crew of unlikely allies, including the swashbuckling smuggler Han Solo, the wise Jedi Knight Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the loyal droids R2-D2 and C-3PO. Together, they embark on a quest to rescue the Princess Leia from the clutches of the evil Empire. As they travel from star system to star system, they battle TIE fighters and the dreaded Death Star, while uncovering the secrets of the ancient Jedi Order and the power of the Force. Ultimately, they must face the might of the Empire in a final confrontation that will decide the fate of the galaxy.

From Francis Ford Coppola, starring Martin Sheen, Marlon Brando, Robert Duvall, Frederic Forrest
Rated R

Apocalypse Now is an epic war film directed by Francis Ford Coppola, and based off the novel Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. Set during the Vietnam War, the film follows Captain Benjamin Willard, who is sent on a secret mission to locate and assassinate Colonel Walter Kurtz, a renegade American officer who has gone insane and set up a cult in the jungle. Willard's journey takes him through a surreal landscape of the horrors of war, and ultimately into an apocalyptic confrontation with the colonel. Along the way, Willard meets a variety of characters, including a group of counter-culture US soldiers, a USO entertainer, and a chaotic, yet poetic, journey upriver. The film is considered a masterpiece, and features iconic performances from Marlon Brando, Martin Sheen, and Robert Duvall.

From Ridley Scott, starring Sigourney Weaver, Tom Skerritt, John Hurt, Veronica Cartwright
Rated R

Alien is a 1979 science fiction horror film directed by Ridley Scott and written by Dan O'Bannon. It follows the crew of the commercial space tug Nostromo, who encounter a deadly and aggressive extraterrestrial life form that begins to hunt them one by one. The crew, consisting of Captain Dallas (Tom Skerritt), Executive Officer Kane (John Hurt), Navigator Lambert (Veronica Cartwright), Science Officer Ash (Ian Holm), and Engineers Brett (Harry Dean Stanton) and Parker (Yaphet Kotto), are on their way back to Earth with a cargo of mineral ore when they receive a mysterious signal from a nearby planetoid. After investigating the source of the signal, Kane is attacked and impregnated by a mysterious creature. As the creature matures, it begins to hunt the crew one by one, ultimately leading to a desperate battle for survival.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Peter Sellers, George C. Scott, Sterling Hayden, Keenan Wynn
Rated PG

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb is a 1964 black comedy that satirizes the Cold War fears of a nuclear conflict between the Soviet Union and the United States. The plot follows an unhinged US Air Force general who orders a first strike nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. The president of the United States, his advisors, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff frantically try to stop the attack and avoid nuclear holocaust. Meanwhile, the crew of one of the bomber planes, led by Major T.J. “King” Kong, attempt to carry out their orders. The film stars Peter Sellers in three distinct roles and features a darkly comic look at the paranoia of the Cold War era.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Malcolm McDowell, Patrick Magee, Michael Bates, Warren Clarke
Rated R

A Clockwork Orange is a 1971 dystopian crime film directed, produced and written by Stanley Kubrick, based on Anthony Burgess's 1962 novella of the same name. The film follows Alex (Malcolm McDowell), a charismatic, psychopathic delinquent who loves ultra-violence and Beethoven, who leads a small gang of thugs around London on a chaotic crime spree. After Alex is caught by the police and sentenced to 14 years in prison, he agrees to take part in a controversial experiment that will rid him of his violent impulses. Set in a chilling, futuristic vision of a totalitarian government, the film explores the implications of state control over the individual, the cruelty of youth culture and the value of free will.

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

Lawrence of Arabia is a 1962 epic historical drama film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence. Directed by David Lean, the film stars Peter O'Toole in the title role, along with Alec Guinness, Anthony Quinn, Jack Hawkins, Omar Sharif, and Claude Rains. The film tells the story of Lawrence, a British Army officer, as he becomes a daring, charismatic leader in the Arabian desert during World War I. As he rallies the Arab tribes to fight the Turks in battle, his actions change the course of the war and ultimately unite the Arab nations. His personal journey of self-discovery and his complex relationship with several of the Arab leaders form the emotional core of the film. The film was a critical and commercial success and won seven Oscars, including Best Picture.

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

2001: A Space Odyssey is a science fiction film directed by Stanley Kubrick and released in 1968. The film follows a voyage to Jupiter with the sentient computer HAL after the discovery of a mysterious black monolith affecting human evolution. The film is a study in the use of cutting-edge technology, and explores themes of humanity, technology, and their interaction. The film is widely known for its innovative visuals, its memorable music, and its enigmatic ending. It is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Stanley Kramer, starring Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Marlene Dietrich
Rated Approved

Judgment at Nuremberg is a 1961 American courtroom drama film directed by Stanley Kramer about the trial of four German judges in Nuremberg, Germany, following World War II. It stars Spencer Tracy, Burt Lancaster, Richard Widmark, Maximilian Schell, Marlene Dietrich, Montgomery Clift, Judy Garland, William Shatner, and Werner Klemperer. The film follows the proceedings of the trial of four Nazi judges accused of crimes against humanity, including the authorizing of medical experiments on prisoners of war and the persecution of minorities. The proceedings, which take place in 1947, look back at the events leading up to World War II and the war itself, and explore the moral responsibility of the German people for the actions of their government during the war. Through intense courtroom drama, the film examines the idea of guilt and innocence, both legal and moral. It ultimately raises questions about the nature of justice and whether it is possible to judge the actions of an entire nation.

From Martin Scorsese, starring Robert De Niro, Jodie Foster, Cybill Shepherd, Albert Brooks
Rated R

Taxi Driver is a 1976 American drama film directed by Martin Scorsese, written by Paul Schrader, and starring Robert De Niro as Travis Bickle, a lonely and mentally unstable veteran who works as a taxi driver in New York City. As he drives through the rainy night streets, Travis finds himself increasingly attracted to Betsy (Cybill Shepherd), a political campaign worker, and becomes increasingly determined to cleanse the "scum" from the streets. Travis's increasingly violent actions and his confrontations with those he despises culminate in a climactic shootout in a brothel. Taxi Driver won the Palme d'Or and received four Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture and Best Actor for De Niro. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest of all time.

From Directors: Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones, starring Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam
Rated PG

Monty Python and the Holy Grail is a British comedy classic from 1975 directed by Terry Gilliam and Terry Jones. The film follows King Arthur (Graham Chapman) and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a quest to find the mythical Holy Grail. Along the way, they encounter a series of absurd and comedic challenges including a group of rude French soldiers, a killer rabbit, a three-headed giant, and the Knights who say Ni. Along the way, the knights gain insight into the nature of the quest and the power of faith. Despite the comedic tone, the film touches on deeper themes such as the struggle between the spiritual and the material.

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

Persona is a psychological drama directed by Ingmar Bergman. The film follows the story of Elisabet Vogler, a famous actress who suddenly stops speaking, and her nurse Alma, with whom she forms an unexpected bond. As the two women spend time together, their relationship becomes increasingly blurred, and Alma finds herself opening up to Elisabet about her own insecurities and anxieties. The film explores themes of identity, sexuality and communication through its enigmatic narrative and experimental visual style. Persona also touches on the physical and psychological breakdowns of its characters, resulting in intense scenes that capture both the complexity and fragility of human relationships.

From William Friedkin, starring Ellen Burstyn, Max von Sydow, Linda Blair, Lee J. Cobb
Rated R

The Exorcist is a supernatural horror film directed by William Friedkin and released in 1973. It tells the story of a young girl, Regan, who is believed to be possessed by a demonic entity. Regan's mother then enlists the help of two priests, Father Karras and Father Merrin, to perform an exorcism on Regan in order to free her from the demonic presence. The film follows the priests as they battle the forces of darkness and ultimately save Regan. The Exorcist is considered one of the scariest films ever made, and has developed a large cult following over the years.

From Sidney Lumet, starring Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, Robert Duvall
Rated R

Network is a 1976 satirical drama film directed by Sidney Lumet. It stars Faye Dunaway, William Holden, Peter Finch, and Robert Duvall. The film follows Howard Beale (Finch), a news anchor who is driven to the brink of insanity by the personal and professional losses he has suffered. After Beale declares on-air that he will commit suicide in a week’s time, his ratings skyrocket and the television network begins to exploit him for their own gain. The film also examines the effect of television on society, as well as the power of the media to shape public opinion. It was nominated for 10 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and won four, including Best Actor for Finch's performance.

From Steven Spielberg, starring Roy Scheider, Robert Shaw, Richard Dreyfuss, Lorraine Gary
Rated PG

Jaws is a classic thriller directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1975. It follows Chief Brody, a police chief in the small beach town of Amity Island, as he attempts to uncover the truth behind a series of shark attacks. With the help of a local marine biologist and a professional shark hunter, Brody discovers that a great white shark is responsible for the attacks. As the trio race against time to take down the shark, the tension and suspense mount, creating a thrilling and unforgettable movie-watching experience.

From Stanley Kubrick, starring Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger
Rated PG

Barry Lyndon is a 1975 British-American period drama film written, produced, and directed by Stanley Kubrick. Based on the 1844 novel The Luck of Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray, it stars Ryan O'Neal, Marisa Berenson, Patrick Magee, Hardy Krüger, and Leonard Rossiter. The film follows the exploits of an Irish rogue in the 18th century, as he attempts to climb the social ladder in Europe. The film follows Barry Lyndon's adventures as he attempts to gain wealth, power and title through a series of fortuitous events, eventually culminating in a duel to the death with a British nobleman. Along the way, he encounters romance, treachery and murder, as well as a variety of colorful characters, including a conniving countess, a loyal friend, a scheming thief, and a mysterious lady of the night. The film was a critical and commercial success, garnering four Academy Awards and earning a total of $50.3 million in worldwide box office receipts. The film was also nominated for three other Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay.

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Ryan O'Neal, Tatum O'Neal, Madeline Kahn, John Hillerman
Rated PG

Paper Moon is a 1973 comedy-drama film directed by Peter Bogdanovich, starring Ryan and Tatum O'Neal as a father-daughter duo of grifters in 1930s Kansas. The film follows Moses Pray (Ryan O'Neal) and Addie Loggins (Tatum O'Neal) after Addie’s mother leaves her in Moses’ care. Despite their initial hostility towards each other, the two form a bond and travel across the Midwest, making money by scamming people out of money through various schemes. Along the way, they befriend a variety of colorful characters, including a traveling faith healer and a saloon-owning preacher. In the end, Addie learns some valuable lessons about life and family, and the pair find a happy home in the arms of a loving family.

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

The Battle of Algiers is a 1966 classic directed by Gillo Pontecorvo, set in the 1950s during the Algerian War of Independence. It follows the story of a group of Algerian freedom fighters who use guerrilla tactics to combat the French occupation of their homeland. The film aims to realistically portray the struggles of the Algerian people, with a focus on the effects of the war on both the Algerian and French populations. It serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of war and the realities of colonialism. The film is considered to be one of the most influential war movies of all time, using gripping documentary-style techniques to portray the conflict and its repercussions.

From Andrei Tarkovsky, starring Natalya Bondarchuk, Donatas Banionis, Jüri Järvet, Vladislav Dvorzhetskiy
Rated PG

Solaris is a 1972 Soviet science fiction film directed by Andrei Tarkovsky. It is based on the novel of the same name by Polish writer Stanisław Lem. The film follows the story of a psychologist, Kris Kelvin, on a mission to a remote space station orbiting the distant oceanic planet Solaris. Upon arriving at the station, Kelvin finds the crew to be acting strangely and discovers that the planet is attempting to recreate long-dead loved ones of the crew in order to force them to come to terms with their pasts. As Kelvin attempts to understand the phenomena, he falls in love with the “visitor” from Solaris sent to visit him. Through his exploration of Solaris and his relationship with the visitor, Kelvin discovers the true purpose of his mission and the power of the planet.

From Ingmar Bergman, starring Harriet Andersson, Gunnar Björnstrand, Max von Sydow, Lars Passgård
Rated Not Rated

Through a Glass Darkly is a 1961 Swedish drama directed by Ingmar Bergman which focuses on the family dynamics of the Kyrborgs during their summer vacation on a remote island. Karin, a young woman suffering from schizophrenia, has been released from an asylum on a week-long trial visit. Her father, David, her brother, Minus, and her husband, Martin, all struggle to cope with her condition while trying to preserve a semblance of family life. Karin's mental illness causes her to experience delusions, which leads to paranoia and fear that she is being constantly watched by an unknown entity. In her moments of lucidity, she goes to great lengths to try to show her loved ones that she is indeed still their Karin. As the week progresses, the characters' relationships with one another become strained and Karin's mental state slowly deteriorates. In the end, Karin's illness becomes too great to be contained, and she is taken away. The film closes with Karin's final words, "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."

From Mel Brooks, starring Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle
Rated PG

Young Frankenstein is a classic comedy directed by Mel Brooks and starring Gene Wilder and Peter Boyle. The film tells the story of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the legendary Victor Frankenstein, who inherits his family’s castle in Transylvania. With the help of Igor (played by Marty Feldman) and Inga (Teri Garr), Dr. Frankenstein attempts to create his own monster, but with unexpected results. Throughout his journey, Dr. Frankenstein encounters love and danger, ultimately discovering the value of friendship and understanding. The film is full of classic gags and humor that still stand the test of time today.

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Timothy Bottoms, Jeff Bridges, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson
Rated R

The Last Picture Show is a 1971 American drama film directed and co-written by Peter Bogdanovich, adapted from the novel of the same name by Larry McMurtry. The film stars Jeff Bridges, Timothy Bottoms, Cybill Shepherd, Ben Johnson, Cloris Leachman, Ellen Burstyn, and Eileen Brennan. Set in a small town in north Texas, the film follows the coming of age of two teenage boys, Sonny Crawford (Bottoms) and Duane Jackson (Bridges), during the early 1950s. The story of the film is told with a series of flashbacks, showing the boys growing up in a town where the main source of entertainment is the local movie house, which is soon to be shut down. The boys become involved in an affair between one of the teachers at their school and the wife of a local businessman. As the film progresses, we see the characters struggle to come to terms with the changes that are taking place around them, and to discover their own identities and places in the world. The film is considered a classic of American cinema and was nominated for eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture.

From Woody Allen, starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton, Tony Roberts, Carol Kane
Rated PG

Annie Hall is a romantic comedy written and directed by Woody Allen. It tells the story of Alvy Singer (Woody Allen), a neurotic New York comedian and his on-again/off-again relationship with the free-spirited Annie Hall (Diane Keaton). The film follows Alvy and Annie as they attempt to make their relationship work despite the obstacles that arise from their different personalities. Along the way, Alvy is forced to confront his own neuroses and insecurities, while Annie faces her own personal struggles. Interspersed throughout the film are multiple flashbacks that further explore the characters and their relationship. In the end, Alvy and Annie part ways, but both have come away with valuable life lessons.