Roaring 20s Movies

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

Citizen Kane is a 1941 American drama film directed, co-written, produced, and starring Orson Welles. The story follows the life and legacy of Charles Foster Kane, played by Welles, a newspaper magnate whose life and mysterious death are explored through a series of flashbacks. Kane's life is revealed through the eyes of his friends, associates, and enemies, as well as a reporter investigating Kane's life. The film received widespread critical acclaim and is widely regarded as a classic of American cinema. It won the Academy Award for Best Writing (Original Screenplay) and was nominated for many other awards. The film is a commentary on power, and its themes include the search for meaning in life, the effects of wealth and power on individual lives, and the perils of idealism.

From Billy Wilder, starring Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, Jack Lemmon, George Raft
Rated Passed

Some Like It Hot is a 1959 classic comedy film directed by Billy Wilder. It stars Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis, and Jack Lemmon, with support from George Raft and Pat O'Brien. Two musicians, Joe and Jerry, find themselves in trouble when they witness the Saint Valentine's Day Massacre. In an attempt to escape the mob, they disguise themselves as women and join an all-female jazz band, posing as female musicians. Despite the awkwardness of their situation, they find themselves attracted to two of their bandmates, Sugar Kane, an aspiring singer, and Osgood Fielding III, a wealthy playboy. Through a series of comic misadventures, the two men try to win the women's hearts, all while trying not to get caught by the mob.

From Tom Hooper, starring Colin Firth, Geoffrey Rush, Helena Bonham Carter, Derek Jacobi
Rated R

The King's Speech tells the true story of King George VI's battle to overcome a lifelong stammer, aided by an unorthodox speech therapist, Lionel Logue. As the unexpected heir to the throne, George VI (Colin Firth) is determined to make himself a worthy leader, but his speech impediment threatens to undermine his confidence. With the help of Logue (Geoffrey Rush), a determined Australian speech therapist, George gradually discovers the power of words and faces a dramatic challenge to deliver an important public address when his country needs it most. With the support of his wife (Helena Bonham Carter) and an indomitable spirit, George VI courageously faces his inner demons, ultimately transforming himself into a powerful, inspirational leader.

From Michel Hazanavicius, starring Jean Dujardin, Bérénice Bejo, John Goodman, James Cromwell
Rated PG-13

The Artist is a 2011 French romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Michel Hazanavicius and starring Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo. Set in Hollywood on the eve of the advent of sound films in 1927, the story follows George Valentin, a silent film star, and Peppy Miller, an aspiring dancer and actress who, after a chance encounter, begins to rise in the industry with the help of Valentin. The film pays homage to the final years of the silent film era and celebrates the transition from silent films to "talkies". While Valentin's career is headed for a downturn, Miller's ascends from bit parts to major leading roles. The film was widely praised for its innovative, artistic style and for its performances, particularly those of Dujardin and Bejo. The Artist was a critical and commercial success, both in France and internationally, and won numerous awards, including five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and five BAFTA Awards, including Best Film and Outstanding British Film. It has also achieved international cultural phenomenon status, becoming the first silent film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture since Wings in 1929.

From Clint Eastwood, starring Angelina Jolie, Colm Feore, Amy Ryan, Gattlin Griffith
Rated R

Changeling is a 2008 American mystery drama film directed by Clint Eastwood and written by J. Michael Straczynski. The film stars Angelina Jolie as Christine Collins, a single mother whose son, Walter, goes missing in 1928 Los Angeles. When the LAPD brings a child they claim is Walter, Christine refuses to accept him, insisting he is an impostor. The film follows Christine's fight to have the police accept her claims and search for the real Walter. The story takes place against the backdrop of the infamous Wineville Chicken Coop Murders, a series of abductions and murders of young boys suspected to have been committed by Gordon Stewart Northcott. The film also stars John Malkovich, Jeffrey Donovan, Jason Butler Harner, Amy Ryan, and Michael Kelly. Changeling explores themes of religious faith, maternal courage, government corruption, and the repercussions of violence. It was nominated for several awards, including Best Picture at the 81st Academy Awards, and won the award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture at the 66th Golden Globe Awards.

From Woody Allen, starring Owen Wilson, Rachel McAdams, Kathy Bates, Kurt Fuller
Rated PG-13

Midnight in Paris is a romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen and set in modern-day Paris. The story follows Gil Pender (Owen Wilson), a Hollywood screenwriter vacationing in the French capital with his fiancée Inez (Rachel McAdams). While out at night, he mysteriously travels back in time to the 1920s, where he meets historical figures such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and Pablo Picasso. During his time-traveling adventures, Gil falls in love with Adriana (Marion Cotillard), a Parisian woman who is engaged to another man. Eventually, Gil must choose between his present life and the allure of the past. The film is a charming and offbeat exploration of the chance to make one's dreams come true.

From Olivier Dahan, starring Marion Cotillard, Sylvie Testud, Pascal Greggory, Emmanuelle Seigner
Rated PG-13

La Vie En Rose is a French biographical musical drama directed by Olivier Dahan, which follows the life of the iconic French singer Édith Piaf. The film follows Piaf’s life from her childhood to her rise to international fame, including her turbulent personal life and battles with addiction. The film was critically acclaimed and won numerous awards, including an Oscar for Marion Cotillard for her portrayal of Édith Piaf. It has been praised for its accurate portrayal of Piaf’s life, and its use of music to drive the narrative.

From Richard Attenborough, starring Robert Downey Jr., Geraldine Chaplin, Paul Rhys, John Thaw
Rated PG-13

Chaplin is a biopic of silent film star Charlie Chaplin, one of the most iconic figures in the history of cinema. Directed by Richard Attenborough and starring Robert Downey Jr. in the titular role, the film follows Chaplin's life from his early days as a child actor in England to his eventual success as an internationally renowned entertainer. As the film progresses, Chaplin is seen struggling with personal and professional turmoil, including his failed marriages, the legal troubles surrounding him, and the tensions caused by his controversial political opinions. Through it all, Chaplin remains a lively and determined figure, making a lasting impact on the world of entertainment.

From John Curran, starring Naomi Watts, Edward Norton, Liev Schreiber, Catherine An
Rated PG-13

From Lasse Hallström, starring Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Michael Caine, Delroy Lindo
Rated PG-13

From Mike Newell, starring Alfred Molina, Joan Plowright, Miranda Richardson, Polly Walker
Rated PG

From Baz Luhrmann, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, Tobey Maguire
Rated PG-13

From Rob Marshall, starring Renée Zellweger, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Richard Gere, Taye Diggs
Rated PG-13

From Alan Parker, starring Jodie Foster, Scott Baio, Florence Garland, John Cassisi
Rated G

From Peter Bogdanovich, starring Kirsten Dunst, Cary Elwes, Edward Herrmann, Eddie Izzard
Rated PG-13