Listmania!
The Greatest films from the 1940s!
By an Amazon.com customer
It's a Wonderful LifeIt's a Wonderful Life
Buy used from: $9.99
Few films have been able to transcend through the generations. This all-time family favorite is now an icon during the Christmas season. Number 1 for the decade.
Song of the SouthSong of the South
I wish this had an image, but it's not out yet. Some call it racist, but then some call the Muppets racists, too. Real life actors and animation. A Disney classic.
The Philadelphia StoryThe Philadelphia Story
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One of the most hillarious films of the 1940s. People were obsessed with "high society" in those days, and they do make it look all so funsies.
Life with FatherLife with Father
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It's 1883, the days when men were king. Now they are barely needed thanks to socialism. You will reflect on this film fondly as you watch William Powell rule over his ditzy wife and eight kids.
CasablancaCasablanca
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The Nazis are trying to take over north Africa, and it's a tough time for makin' love for a couple of expats.
Mildred Pierce (Snap case)Mildred Pierce (Snap case)
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Feminism in the 1940s! A disposed wife must get a job to support her daughter. Finally, her determination to succeed leads her onto the path of wealth--and alienation from her daughter.
Rebecca - Criterion CollectionRebecca - Criterion Collection
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Remember "The Carol Burnett Show" and all those Late, Late, Late show parodies? This is one of the best. A woman marries a widower only to discover she looks just like his dead wife--and freaks!
The Maltese FalconThe Maltese Falcon
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Released in 1941, this film was rather violent for its day. Humphrey Bogart plays the famous private eye, Sam Spade, battling thugs and damsels.
Lifeboat (The Hitchcock Collection) [VHS]Lifeboat (The Hitchcock Collection) [VHS]
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The Nazis make for common themes in films during the 1940s. This time they have sunk a steamer ship and the lone survivors cling to a lifeboat. One of Alfred Hitchcock's first films.
Twelve O'Clock HighTwelve O'Clock High
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Released in 1949, this was one of the first films to treat World War II seriously, complete with post-war depression and battle flashbacks.
GaslightGaslight
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Nothing is more entertaining than an isolated housewife who's convinced her charming husband is trying to drive her into the looney bin.
The Lost WeekendThe Lost Weekend
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An alcoholic battles his addiction in a stuffy hotel room in New York City during the course of one weekend. Gripping!
The Best Years of Our LivesThe Best Years of Our Lives
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The war is over, and America is trying to get back to normal. This film captured 7 Oscars for dealing forthright with renewal and loss due to war.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn [VHS]A Tree Grows in Brooklyn [VHS]
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A little girl tries to look on the bright side of things despite living in a New York slum with her alcoholic father and arrogant mother.
The Wolf ManThe Wolf Man
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One of Hollywood's best original monster movies. The film that made Lon Chaney an international star.
Citizen Kane (Two-Disc Special Edition)Citizen Kane (Two-Disc Special Edition)
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Some critics call this the greatest film ever made. I call it interesting, but a bit too erudite for my tastes. Still, it's impressive.
Yankee Doodle Dandy (Two-Disc Special Edition)Yankee Doodle Dandy (Two-Disc Special Edition)
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James Cagney danced and sang his way into the households of America with this timeless classic.
Going My Way/Holiday InnGoing My Way/Holiday Inn
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Bing Crosby and Fred Astair do lots of singing and dancing in "Going My Way," a memborable story about two buddies vying for the same girl.
This Is the ArmyThis Is the Army
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Ronald Reagan joins the fighting men to bring down the Nazis in a salute to the U.S. military. And in the 21st century we have Michael Moore. What fun times we live in.
The Frank Sinatra Collection (Anchors Aweigh, High Society, On the Town) [VHS]The Frank Sinatra Collection (Anchors Aweigh, High Society, On the Town) [VHS]
Buy used from: $5.62
"Anchors Away" is a musical about World War II sailors on leave, singing and dancing their way through the town--that is, when they aren't raping and pilaging. (Michael Moore wanted me to say that.)
The Corpse VanishesThe Corpse Vanishes
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Bela Lugosi needs to feed his aging wife virgins in order to keep her youthful.
The Bells of St. Mary'sThe Bells of St. Mary's
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This film has become a Christmas time mustsee, much like "It's a Wonderful Life." Don't worry, it's not a love story about a nun and a priest.
The Grapes of WrathThe Grapes of Wrath
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Oklahomans make their way to sunny California and start what will soon become a world-wide fascination with the golden state. An honest portrayal of family relationships during the Depression.
National VelvetNational Velvet
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Child star Elizabeth Taylor stars in this adaption of a girl's desire to ride a championship horse.
Santa Fe TrailSanta Fe Trail
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Ronald Reagan returns as the buddy to Erol Flynn in this action-packed western.