Movies Came Out In (1953)
Winner:
From Here to Eternity – Really good film. I watched on TCM. Compelling acting and characters (I actually enjoyed Sinatra’s role the most) in a bunch of love interest stories leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Had never seen this classic before, but I wish I had seen it sooner, very much enjoyed it.
Julius Caesar – Watched recently. Wish I had watched when I was in high school and had to read it, would have made a lot more sense. What can I say, it’s basically Shakes being acted out in a movie, not terribly exciting in my opinion.
The Robe – Just watched recently, and this movie was just “ok”. The plot is a Roman tribune ends up crucifying Jesus and then his conscience gets the better of him and he tries to make amends. The acting/scenery is typical for these types of films in this period and it often seems very sterile. There’s always one character in these films that would be better suited for the 60’s television show “Batman”, really campy and corny, this time it was Caligula. Very hard to watch that acting and not laugh.
Roman Holiday – Just watched this recently and this is a very good film. The plot has been redone so many times in modern day movies it’s absurd. Princess escapes her world to become a commoner and falls in love with a newsman (who’s actually trying to get a scoop on the princess). Newsman does the ethical thing in the end by not dishing on the princess, and doesn’t end up with the girl either. Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn are the leading roles and they both do a very good job. I would highly recommend watching this film.
Shane – Just watched recently, and have to say, Alan Ladd as a gun slinger/cowboy is a pretty cool cat. The plot is: A weary gunfighter attempts to settle down with a homestead family, but a smoldering settler/rancher conflict forces him to act. It definitely entertaining enough, but some parts are a bit cheesy. The interesting bit to me is that the plot is extremely similar to a movie called Palerider starring Clint Eastwood, which I’ve always enjoyed. I think this movie is definitely worth watching.
Brian’s Winner:
From Here to Eternity, with Roman Holiday a close second (great year for movies!)
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Ceremony Year (1954) – Movies Came Out In (1953)