The Golden Age
Hollywood’s Golden Age, spanning from the 1920s to the 1960s, was an era of vast growth, inspiring creativity, and compelling influence for the film industry. During this period, Hollywood became a center of cinema that was known to produce iconic films and shape much of the popular culture of the time and has remained that for American audiences since. What producers created in Hollywood met viewers who were influenced in regards to fashion, themes of family, friendship, love, and broader topics like their understanding of society, which is why the films of this era are a cornerstone for American culture.
The Dick Van Dyke Show
“The Dick Van Dyke Show” is one of the most timeless sitcoms of Hollywood’s golden era. Airing originally from 1961-1966, the show is centered around the life of Robert Petrie: a head writer for a comedy show, a loving husband to Laura, and a fun father to Ritchie. The series follows Rob’s work dilemmas and home mishaps. With sharp dialogue and witty humor, Rob navigates his work life with his eccentric and funny co-writers Sally Rogers and Buddy Sorrell, along with his amusing domestic predicaments. For the way the series portrays marriage, family, friendship, and a fun work environment, as well as its incorporation of smart humor and lovable characters, it is well worth the 15 Emmys it won.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
The movie adaptation of Truman Capote’s “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” starring Audrey Hepburn is an iconic, glamorous romantic dramedy. The film follows Holly Golightly, an eccentric socialite living in New York City, who pursues rich men and a life of luxury, along with Paul Varjak, an aspiring writer who moves into Holly’s apartment building. A blossoming friendship between the two soon begins to form, and as they become closer Paul learns more about the true depth of Holly’s character inside of her shallow exterior. He finds that Holly’s pursuit of status covers her real desire for love. Exploring themes of loneliness and the search for love while mastering romance, elegance, comedy, and bittersweet style, the film is unforgettable.
Frankenstein
“Frankenstein,” a foundational film of early horror cinema, is based off of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein. Boris Karloff is the star of the film playing the iconic monster created by ambitious scientist Dr. Victor Frankenstein, portrayed by Colin Clive. The story follows the obsessive, genius scientist who seeks to test the boundaries of life and death by creating his own form of life. After his success in creating this monster, the audience meets Frankenstein’s monster, an innocent, misunderstood creature who faces rejection and confusing fear from those around him. The neglect and frustration that builds up within the monster turns him into a destructive force. The monster being more tragic than evil and villainous adds to the psychological depth of the film. The gothic portrayal of a stitched up man with bolts on his neck and chilling makeup is one of the most recognizable images in horror cinema.
White Christmas
Starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, and Vera-Ellen, “White Christmas” is a dazzling 1954 American musical. A holiday favorite and a classic Christmas-time film, this movie has a heartwarming plot and marvelous musical numbers. While following WWII vets, Bob Wallace and Phil Davis, turned song-and-dance duo, the story shows them meeting and joining the act of sister duet Betty and Judy Haynes. The newly formed quartet head to Vermont where they find that Bob and Phil’s old army commander’s business is struggling to get by. To enhance the inn’s allure and attempt to save the business, the quartet puts on a big Christmas show. “White Christmas” is a movie that never gets old thanks to the lavish singing, upbeat dancing, and heartfelt moments, mixed with comedy, romance, and Christmas cheer.
