Old Films are Worth Watching

Have you watched a black and white movie today? What was the last silent film you saw? If you are on this site, you obviously have some interest in movies, but do you like the classics? Have you given an old movie a shot lately? Whether you find them on American Movie Classics, Turner Classic Movies or (my best source) Netflix, old films are available and worth seeing.

I recently watched Steamboat Bill, Jr (1928) and enjoyed it as much as I have any new film. It is a silent comedy starring Buster Keaton. It was a dreary afternoon, perfect for an old movie. I asked my sons if they would like to watch it with me. They both had preconceived ideas about it once I told them their was no dialogue. They walked away, while I continued to watch. Later, into the film, my youngest son wandered back into the room and began rooting for Willie, especially during the hurricane scene.

Of all the old movies, it is easiest to get into comedies. My sons and I have been watching Three Stooges shorts on television for years. These films are 70 years old but they crack us up. We have also seen a few of the, equally old, Little Rascal shorts and my sons like them as well. Physical comedy transcends time, especially for children. For whatever reason, kids like watching someone get hurt.

In this modern day of action, violence and special effects ridden films, older movies never seem as fast paced as current ones. Hollywood has, though, made many entertaining action, war movies, especialy right after World War II. Check out 13 Rue Madeleine (1947) or Battleground (1949) for good tense, action war movies.

Science Fiction films have been made since silent films were around but they did not get the quality treatment they deserved until the 1950's The War of the World’s (1953) and The Blob (1958). The main choice for action films in old Hollywood movies is the western. From Tyrone Power’s turn as Zorro in The Mark of Zorro (1940) to The Magnificent Seven (1960), Hollywood made many great action westerns. Of course, the Duke himself, John Wayne, starred in many great one's, such as Hondo (1953).

The Disney channel has had recent success with it’s made for television movie, Highschool Musical. But watch Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland in movies made in the 1930's and 40's and you will find that highschool students have been singing and dancing in movies for years. Even if they dress differently, they still have the same energy and hormones.

The past is full of great movies for everyone's taste and occasion. For a good dramatic, chick flick, catch Dark Victory (1939). For a good dramatic, guy, film see Run Silent Run Deep (1958). For a great romantic comedy watch Adam's Rib (1949) or His Girl Friday (1940). For a nutty Christmas movie, throw in The Man Who Came to Dinner (1942). For a sports movie that fits into todays political sports arena, view They Made Me a Criminal (1939). If you like those made for tlevision movies about a nice couple that finds themselves caught up in something sinister then watch Niagara (1953).

Hollywood has been making movies for about 100 years now. The next time you think nothing is good on, check out an old movie. You may be glad you did.