To continue the theme of Old Hollywood, I thought I'd make a list of the misconceptions that people have about Classic Hollywood films. Whenever I suggest to anyone that we watch a film made before 1970, a look of disgust washes over them. "It'll probably be boring" they complain, retching at the thought of having to watch something as old as their grandparents. Just because a movie is "old" doesn't mean it's terrible! A lot of these movies set trends within in the motion picture industry and have influenced countless filmmakers and actors alike. Before you judge a movie based on its age, stop for a minute and read through this list to get a better understanding of what make classic films so great.
1. There's no sex, violence, or bad language.
Before the Hayes Code was in place in Hollywood, films had all the debauchery and violence that film-goers craved. Films like "Scarface" depicted intense gangster violence and shootouts that would rival even today's most violent flicks. Mae West, the original bombshell, became the literal personification of sex: her figure, her walk, and her innuendos made even the most stoic audience member blush. Even after the code was put in place, filmmakers found sneaky ways of putting "risque" things into their films. For example, in 1939's "The Women" Joan Crawford's character tells Norma Shearer that "if anything I wear doesn't please Steven I take it off". And who could forget about Clark Gable telling Vivien Leigh that he "doesn't give a damn" In "Gone With the Wind"?
2. There's no action or plot.
Now how could that be? Films of the golden age had all the action and excitement that anyone could ask for. Just look at the films starring Errol Flynn: Hollywood's original action star. He was always cast in swashbuckling adventures like "Captian Blood" alongside Olivia de Haviland or as Robin Hood in "The Adventures of Robin Hood" (also starring de Haviland). Who could also forget the astounding moments found within 1956's "The Ten Commandments"? I get chills whenever Charlton Heston parts the Red Sea!
3. All the actors and actresses can't act.
Now, where did anyone get that idea? What we need to understand is that many actors and actresses of Old Hollywood began their careers on the stage. With that being said, that doesn't make them bad actors: in fact, it makes them great actors. Just look at Katherine Hepburn, who had four Oscar wins to her name. Many actors and actresses of old Hollywood have been praised for their craft, such as Bette Davis, Ingrid Bergman, Joan Crawford, Henry Fonda, James Stewart, and Cary Grant.
4. Only old people watch them
Also untrue. There is a huge community of young Old Hollywood fans who run blogs, Instagrams, twitters, and youtube channels all dedicated to the Hollywood that once was. TCM also hosts an annual Film Festival where film fans, young and old, flock to the Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood for a night of panels, celebrities, and of course, some film watching.
5. They're just called a classic because it's old.
Now, that is definitely not true. A Classic film is a classic film because of the story it tells or the performances within the film. It's classic because it set a standard for all the films that came after it. It's a classic because of its enduring themes and iconic lines. Not every old movie is amazing: there were some duds in the Golden Age of Hollywood. But, many of the films and actors from that era have gone on to become iconic legends that stand the test of time.
