When it comes to classic movies, the Golden Age of Hollywood is deemed to be the height of cinema, delivering an array of influential and vital films, includingGone With the Wind,Casablanca, andThe Wizard of Oz, which laid the groundwork for the future of movies. For any serious film fan, there is a collection of classics that are pivotal, but there are also some titles, such asSudden Fear,Stranger on the Third Floor, andAll Through the Night, that are, unfortunately, overlooked but still more than worthy of being in this prestigious category.
To be fair, it’s not easy to see every fabulous classic film without some guidance, which is where this list will come in handy for anyone who is interested in expanding their viewing horizons. FromIda Lupino’s intense film noir,The Hitch-Hiker, to one of the most underrated psychological thrillers of all time,Taste of Fear, starringSusan StrasbergandChristopher Lee, these are 10 of the best classic movies you haven’t seen.
10’The Hitch-Hiker' (1953)
Directed by Ida Lupino
The Hitch-Hikeris a suspenseful classic film noir that follows two friends, Ray (Edmond O’Brien) and Gilbert (Frank Lovejoy), whose fishing trip takes a dangerous turn after they pick up a hitchhiker (William Talman) who is a sociopath on the run from the law. When the hitchhiker reveals his plan to kill the men after they’re no longer useful to him, they try to secretly plot their escape.
Ida Lupino’sThe Hitch-Hikerwasone of the first mainstream film noirs directed by a woman and is not only a thrilling must-see classic but also a solid testament to Lupino’s immense talent as a visionary filmmaker.The movie is based on the real-life killing spree of Billy Cook, who murdered several people, including a family of five, while traveling from Missouri to California. With simply just a trio of highly capable actors, an intense plot, and an endless landscape of isolation, Lupino delivers a grimly compelling classic withThe Hitch-Hiker, which deserves more recognition than it typically receives.
The Hitch-Hiker
9’True Confession' (1937)
Directed by Wesley Ruggles
Carole Lombardstars inTrue Confession, as an aspiring writer and habitual liar, Helen Bartlett, who is married to an attorney, Ken (Fred MacMurray), whose high principle of only defending innocent clients has left the couple strapped for money. When Helen secretly accepts a secretary job, her employer is found murdered, leading the police to arrest and charge Helen with the crime. As Ken agrees to defend his wife, Helen’s terrible habit of lying gets the best of her, putting the couple’s marriage to the ultimate test.
MacMurray and Lombard are an absolute delight in the classic screwball comedy,True Confession, which was one of several films the stars made together during the 1930s. While MacMurray and Lombard are the main attraction, the minor but humorously eccentric performance by the greatJohn Barrymoreis the cherry on top of this underrated classic comedy. Like most screwball comedies,True Confessionhas a slightly outlandish plot, but between the quick-witted comedy and exceptional performances, it is a fantastic contribution to the film genre.
True Confession
8’The File on Thelma Jordon' (1950)
Directed by Robert Siodmak
Wendell Coreystars as an assistant district attorney, Cleve Marshall, who falls for the mysterious Thelma Jordan (Barbara Stanwyck) but is unaware of her torrid criminal past and is easily swayed by the alluring young woman. When Thelma is accused of murdering her wealthy aunt, she turns to the married ADA for help, pushing him to the brink of destruction in an effort to clear her name.
Robert Siodmakis regarded asone of the best directors of the classic film noir genreandThe File on Thelma Jordonis a notable noir that is sometimes unfairly overlooked.Stanwyck delivers a wickedly rotten performance as the ultimate femme fatale alongside Corey, who gives a masterful portrayal of a senseless but sympathetic character with sheer perfection and utter command.The File on Thelma Jordonwas initially well-received and, while it may be considered well-known to major classic film and noir fans, it still deserves more recognition in a mainstream light.
7’Requiem for a Heavyweight' (1962)
Directed by Ralph Nelson
Requiem for a Heavyweightis a gripping sports drama starringAnthony Quinnas an aging heavyweight boxer, Luis “Mountain” Rivera, who, after being defeated in his latest match by the up-and-coming boxer, Cassius Clay (Muhammad Ali), feels as though his career is over. When Luis' manager (Jackie Gleason) becomes in debt to local gangsters for bets he placed on Luis, he tries to convince the boxer to go into wrestling. Initially, Luis is humiliated by the suggestion, but with no other options and the unwavering support of his trainer (Mickey Rooney), the boxer sees no other choice.
Rod Serling’sRequiem for a Heavyweightfeatures an A-list supporting cast and an astounding performance byAnthony Quinnas a fictional aging boxer who, after hitting rock bottom, overcomes strenuous odds and takes back control of his life in this highly underrated sports drama.
Requiem for a Heavyweightis the film adaptation of an episode of the same name featured onPlayhouse 90, and was written by thehead writer and creator ofThe Twilight Zone,Rod Serling. Compared to the television version, the film has a much darker tone and effectively captures the gritty and unforgiving landscape of the boxing world.Requiem for a Heavyweightis carried by an exceptional cast of stars who each deliver flawless performances, butQuinn’s performance is simply riveting and easily one of the actor’s finest films.
6’Possessed' (1947)
Directed by Curtis Bernhardt
When a young nurse, Louise Howell (Joan Crawford), is hired to take care of Dean Graham’s (Raymond Massey) wife, Paulie (Nana Bryant), she falls in love with the couple’s neighbor, David (Van Heflin). Unfortunately, David doesn’t share the same feelings as Louise does and, after Pauline dies, the young nurse becomes the second Mrs. Graham. Despite her marriage, Louise still loves David and what started out as a hopeless love soon turns into an all-consuming obsession.
Possessedisan intense psychological drama that dives deep into the human psyche, exploring the damning consequences and irreparable damage caused by one woman’s inability to decipher reality from fantasy. Crawford essentially dominates the film with her emotionally-driven and passionate performance, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Heflin and Massey also deliver sharp and empathetic performances, adding a logical comparison and rational emotion to this dream-like Greek tragedy.
5’The Locket' (1946)
Directed by John Brahm
When a psychiatrist, Dr. Henry Blair (Brian Aherne) arrives unannounced at the Park Avenue home of John Willis (Gene Raymond), he tells Willis that the woman he’s about to marry, Nancy (Laraine Day), is not only his ex-wife but also not the woman who she claims to be. Blair recounts his time with Nancy, who is not only a kleptomaniac but also a skilled liar and murderer who has managed to successfully get away with her heinous crimes for years.
The Locketis a highly underrated classic film noir which immediately incites an undeniable sense of curiosity in audiences, effectively hooking them into the good doctor’s unusual tale of murder, deception, and psychological trauma. Aside from a few minor flaws,The Locketis an almost perfect classic film noir, taking the non-linear formula to new heights without creating a tangled, confusing mess of a plot. Overall,The Locketis a marvelous mystery and distinctive noir that also ends with a highly unexpected and delicious plot twist that makes it more than a worthwhile classic.
The Locket (1946)
4’All Through the Night' (1942)
Directed by Vincent Sherman
Humphrey Bogartstars in the crime comedy,All Through the Night, as a notorious gambler, Alfred “Gloves” Donahue, who, after not receiving his cheesecake, stops by the bakery and discovers that the owner has been murdered. When Alfred becomes the police’s prime suspect, he sets out to clear his name by finding the real killer and in the process, realizes that an underground ring of Nazi spies may have had a hand in the baker’s unfortunate demise.
All Through the Nightisa unique and rarely seen classic that has the perfect mix of crime, espionage, and humor as well as a lineup of top-tier performances. With Bogie at the helm as the definitive leading man, he plays exceptionally well off his supporting cast of characters, includingPeter Lorre, Jackie Gleason, andPhil SIlvers, ensuring a consistent wave of hysterical antics and slapstick which ultimately lightens the more serious elements of the plot. Despite an unusual and slightly whacky premise,All Through the Nightpulls it off without missing a beat and is without a doubt a top-contending classic movie that deserves more credit than it typically gets from audiences.
All Through the Night
3’Sudden Fear' (1952)
Directed by David Miller
Joan Crawford stars as a successful playwright, Myra Hudson, who, after a whirlwind romance, marries a young, slick actor, Leser Blaine (Jack Palance) whom she met after firing him from her latest production. Shortly after their honeymoon, Myra overhears her new husband plotting her murder with his lover (Gloria Grahame) with the intention of inheriting her estate. Initially, Myra is shocked and shattered, but after she manages to pull herself together, she decides to come up with her own plot of revenge.
Sudden Fearisa gripping film noir that effortlessly entices audiences with its unsettling thrills and turbulent, unpredictable twists, deeming it to be a sinfully delicious classic. Crawford gives a powerhouse performance, providing her character with ingenious tact and a deadly but subtle allure that makes the ever-growing anticipation of what’s to come almost unbearable. Palance and Grahame also add sinister performances as double trouble, playing the initial masterminds who have the rug pulled out right from under them in a satisfying reveal of revenge and payback.
Sudden Fear
2’Stranger on the Third Floor' (1940)
Directed by Boris Ingster
When a young journalist, Michael Ward (John McGuire), testifies in a murder trial, his testimony leads to the conviction of a man, Joe Briggs (Elisha Cook Jr.), who is sentenced to death. Shortly after the trial, Michael starts to question himself and soon believes that Briggs is innocent. With the help of his girlfriend, the journalist conducts his own investigation but soon crosses paths with a strange and suspicious man (Peter Lorre) who seems to be following them.
Despite being cited asone of the first genuine classic film noir,Stranger on the Third Flooris typically overshadowed by other well-known noirs, but nonetheless, it’s still a thrilling murder mystery with a sublime performance by Lorre. While McGuire and the supporting cast execute their roles with stunning precision, Lorre ultimately steals the picture with his wild-eyed performance that is perfectly composed and restrained and not only keeps the audience guessing his motive but also incites an uneasy fear, leaving them fully invested in this shadow-filled nightmare.
Stranger on the Third Floor
1’Taste of Fear' (1961)
Directed by Seth Holt
Susan Strasberg stars as a young paralyzed woman, Penny Appleby, who, after the tragic death of her caregiver, is invited to come live with her father, who she hasn’t seen in ten years. When she arrives, she’s disappointed to learn that her father has recently gone out of town but is happily welcomed by her stepmother. As Penny settles into her new home, she begins to experience strange occurrences that lead her to believe that something horrible has happened to her father.
The British thriller,Taste of Fear, also known asScream of Fear, is easily one of the best classic movies that no one has ever seen. For many,Taste of Fearinitially appears to be another run-of-the-mill psychological thriller, but follows a fascinating and complex mystery and ends with an epic plot twist that sets it apart from other classic films in the genre. While the plot is the stirring pulse of the movie, Strasberg, who is the daughter of the legendaryLee Strasberg, delivers a phenomenal performance that ties the entire thriller up nicely with a perfect, chilling bow.
