Are you in search of hidden cinema gems?
There are plenty of them in the almost forgotten era of Classic Hollywood, so let's dive in to rediscover some of the greatest film creations ever made by genius directors, featuring exceptional actors.
Since the amazing James Stewart, probably the best, or one of the best in Hollywood's history, doesn't receive today the attention that he deserves, it is a good idea to pay his memory a tribute.
Below, I have made a list of some of the best movies I saw, starring him and his lovely colleagues.
He received two Oscars in his career, two Golden Globes, and very many awards and appreciations.
He worked with some of the best directors ever, like Hitchcock or Capra.
Their films remain to affirm Hollywood's glory, which gave start to an entire culture, myth, way of life.
I guess that's what Classic Hollywood is about: myth, legend, fairyland.
Something for people to admire, and dream of.
Something worthy, interesting, fabulous to occupy your time.
So, here are a few of the best movies I saw, starring James Stewart.
Rear Window (1954)
Starring James Stewart and another legend - Grace Kelly - the film is considered by many film lovers, critics, and scholars to be one of Hitchcock's best and one of the greatest films ever made.
It received four Academy Award nominations and was ranked number 42 on AFI's 100 Years...100 Movies list (source: Wikipedia)
In addition to the meticulous care and detail put into the set, careful attention was also given to sound, including the use of natural sounds and music that would drift across the courtyard and into Jefferies' apartment.
At one point, the voice of Bing Crosby can be heard singing "To See You Is to Love You", originally from the 1952 Paramount film Road to Bali. Also heard on the soundtrack are versions of songs popularized earlier in the decade by Nat King Cole ("Mona Lisa", 1950) and Dean Martin ("That's Amore", 1952). (Wikipedia)
The Philadelphia Story (1940)
The Philadelphia Story is a romantic film of the '40s, starring Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, and Cary Grant, taking its inspiration from a successful Broadway-based play.
The movie awarded James Stewart his first Oscar, and established the status of "big stars" to all the three above-mentioned artists, launching their Hollywood career.
It is somehow considered to be a Hollywood milestone, so make sure not to miss it.
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
This is absolutely a James Stewart movie not to miss, and it's going to be the one creation that pleases all tastes, for sure.
The political comedy-drama discusses matters of high importance of politics and social matters. Make sure to find time to see it, at least once.
For his remarkable leading role as the innocent, idealist, smart and devoted to his country, Mr. Smith, - James Stewart, would have deserved a beautiful, shiny Academy Award.
The Shop Around the Corner (1940)
I have written about the movie in my previous story.
Make room in your dreamworld for one of the most romantic story of all times: falling in love through writing letters to a mysterious, unknown figure.
The film also has a remake, "You've Got Mail", the famous romantic comedy starring Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks.
Two films not to miss, if you're a romantic, want to impress a girl, or simply like to relax your mind and soul with timeless cinema gems.
Vertigo (1958)
Another one of Hitchcock's greatest productions, this movie is probably my all-time favorite, ever.
Well, I don't like the final, as it is a mystery thriller, and it doesn't end well.
(This is why, please forgive me, my personal favorite stories endings are the ones from "The Shop Around the Corner", aka "You've Got Mail").
But besides that, it's absolutely the perfect movie, with the perfect, super-interesting plot, and the way the story develops towards the end. It's completely surprising, and probably for that - so "to remember".
Anyways, "Vertigo" also stars James Stewart and Kim Novak, and was generally considered, by critics and audiences, as one of the best movies (maybe even the best) ever made in Hollywood's "classic" or "early" period.
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
Another notorious film starring James Stewart is "Anatomy of a Murder", a courtroom drama crime film produced and directed by Otto Preminger.
#HiddenGems