Classic Movies - Historical Epics and Hollywood at War
6 Classic World War I Movies
While there are more films about World War II, there are several great movies from the classic era that were made about the war to end all wars. Because World War I is often viewed today as tragic and unnecessary, more movies about it have taken on a decidedly antiwar tone, which is in sharp contrast to flag-waving pictures about its predecessor that came out in the 1940s and ‘50s. This sharper tone has resulted in some rather intense movies that showcase war in a more realistic light while seemingly presaging the dark, cynical mood following the Vietnam War. Though fewer movies about the war are made these days, World War I remains a period of fascination for filmmakers and moviegoers alike.
6 World War II Classics
More than another war, World War II has been the source of inspiration for a number great war movies. While there were numerous flag-waving films made during the war, it wasn’t until after the guns had settled that filmmakers began taking a more realistic look at the events of 1939-1945. Slowly but surely, Hollywood turned a jaundiced eye toward the good war and by the late 1970s, a public weary from another difficult war gravitated toward realistic movies that reflected their cynical mood. Whether patriotic or anti-war, there is a great movie about World War II for everyone.
'Stalag 17' - Suspicion in a POW Camp
A compelling study of human nature set in a WWII POW camp, 'Stalag 17' is also a sly dig at the red-baiting of the communist era. Billy Wilder directed William Holden to a Oscar for his cynical performance as the outsider in 'Stalag 17.'
8 Classic Historical Epics
Before the use of computer graphics to take audiences back to ancient worlds, Hollywood would build massive sets and employ a literal cast of thousands. Fearful of the new medium of television, studios staged these films in order to draw audiences to theaters. It worked for a time, but by the early 1960s these epics proved too costly to make....
'Ben Hur' - Sweeping Historical Saga
One of the greatest sword-and-sandal epics ever filmed, 'Ben Hur' stars Charlton Heston, Jack Hawkins and Stephen Boyd in a magnificent, thrilling story of the Roman Empire and the birth of Christ. 'Ben Hur' - they just don't make 'em like this anymore.
'Sergeant York' - A Classic Biopic
A sharp-shooting pacifist from the backwoods of Tennessee becomes an unlikely war hero in the true story of 'Sergeant York' and his courage in WWI. A great classic movie starring Gary Cooper wrestling with duty to God and country.