We’ve come a long way in film over the past 100 years, since the likes of Thomas Edison, W.K.L Dickson and the Lumière brothers were the big players in the early movie making industry. These days, audiences need state of the art special effects, astronomical budgets and an all star cast to have a film truly impress them.
Regardless, there are some classic films that remain well loved and well watched 70+ years after their creation. We’re going to remember some of our all time favourites from the days before green screens, CGI and Megan Fox.
Casablanca (1942)
Casablanca is a firm favourite that seems to pop up in any list of ‘films to see before you die’ and we can understand why. A classic love story set during World War II, starring Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman it was always going to be a classic. The film centres on Rick Blaine, who runs a nightclub in Casablanca. When he is faced with an old flame, Ilsa Lund, old feelings resurface, and wounds are reopened.
FUN FACT: Standing at 5”8, Bogart had to wear platform shoes next to his 5”10 co star Ingrid Bergman.
Gone With the wind (1939)
This is another wartime tale of love which follows the beautiful, yet somewhat selfish Scarlett O’Hara during the American Civil War as she pursues love, romance and married men. Clark Gable stars as Rhett Butler, a dashing stranger who becomes the love interest of Scarlett, but this romance is by no means easy. Scarlett, in love with a man who is engaged to another woman, seeks out marriage for the purpose of security and comfort. Time and time again Scarlett rejects Rhett’s advances and professions of love, but of course she eventually accepts her true feelings for him.
FUN FACT: The star, Clark Gable, didn’t like the film, referring to it as “a woman’s picture”.
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This heart warming classic tells the story of George Bailey, a businessman who becomes disillusioned with his life. In a moment of desperation he wishes he had never been born at all. Cue a gentle, somewhat bumbling guardian angel named Clarence, who has been desperately trying to gain his wings. Clarence takes George on a journey through his own history, showing him what the lives of the ones he loves would be like if he had never been born.
FUN FACT: Although most of the film is set around Christmas, it was actually filmed during a heat wave. You may be able to notice James Stewart sweating during the scene on the bridge even though there is ‘snow’ falling around him.
Here at Cine 2 DVD, we love old movies, who doesn’t? If you would like to convert your old films, we offer a unique service of converting cine film to DVD. If you would like more information about our services, don’t hesitate to contact us on 0800 592 433
