It's often argued that 1939 was the golden year for motion pictures. The best films, the best performances, the best overall. Is that true? Well, take a look at this list of thirteen films released in 1939 and judge for yourself.
Gone With The Wind. Because frankly, my dear, I *do* give a damn.
The Wizard of Oz. I always wonder what it would have been like to be in that audience as Dorothy opens the door to Oz for the first time -- that switch from B/W to Technicolor. Brilliant!
Stagecoach. One of many pairings of John Ford/John Wayne, and one of my favorites.
Goodbye Mr. Chips. When you watch this, you totally understand why Clark Gable didn't win the Academy Award for best actor this year. Robert Donat was amazing.
The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex. Errol Flynn -- need I say more?
Mr. Smith Goes To Washington. I loved Jimmy Stewart in this film.
Gunga Din. A great epic adventure, starring Cary Grant, among others.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Probably the most famous version, with Maureen O'Hara and Charles Laughton.
Love Affair. The precursor to An Affair to Remember.
Ninotchka. "Garbo Laughs."
Wuthering Heights. Star-crossed lovers! English moors! Olivier and Oberon!
Young Mr. Lincoln. Henry Fonda in one of his best roles.
The Roaring Twenties. James Cagney in one of his many fine gangster roles.
What's your opinion? Any thoughts on these films? Does 1939 live up to its reputation?
11 comments:
The Wizard of Oz will always be one of my all time favorites!
I've never been a big John Wayne or Garbo fan. But I know enough film scholars who tell me that John Ford was a genius. And GWTW and Oz alone make the 1939 a banner year. Add Mr. Chips, Mr. Smith and Mr. Lincoln and that makes it an AMAZING year! Thanks for reminding me.
My husband is the film buff in the family and I usually don't really care for old films (not even the ones from my childhood). That said, it IS remarkable that several of the old films I DO like were made during that year (I did not know that).
The Wizard of Oz; Goodbye, Mr. Chips; Wuthering Heights, Mr Smith are all favorites of mine.
So I think probably you're right.
A fabulous movie year, no doubt. I love GWTW and TWOO, and that version of Wuthering Heights is my favorite. I read that Laurence and Merle couldn't stand each other. I find that stuff fascinating.
I didn't realize these all came out the same year. I really need to rent all of these so I can sit down and see them. There are some excellent movies in that list.
These are all awesome movies. So yeah, I'll agree that it was the best year on movies. :) Happy T13!
Wow...you've seen so many more films than I have!
Some of those were very good, though I'm not convinced it was the best year ever. GWTW and Mr Chips were good. I'm afraid I've never seen Oz!
I never realized all these great movies were made in '39!
I've got half a dozen of these on my keeper shelf.
Those are all classics. Great list.
Happy TT!
Some of those are just amazing.
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