Oscar Enjoys the Movies 1950s

1950 All About Eve

In 1950 Joseph L. Mankiewicz directed the American drama film “All About Eve." It is based on the 1946 short story “The Wisdom of Eve” by Mary Orr. The film also featured Marilyn Monroe in one of her earliest roles. It won six Academy Awards among them Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The storyline revolves around Margo Channing (Bette Davis), a highly regarded but aging Broadway star, and Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter), an ambitious young fan who maneuvers herself into Channing’s life, threatening her career and her personal relationships. It includes the popular Davis line “Fasten your seatbelts, it’s going to be a bumpy night."

1951 An American in Paris

Director Vincente Minnelli directed the 1951 American romantic comedy musical “An American in Paris." The film was inspired by the 1928 jazz-influenced symphonic poem of the same name by George Gershwin. The film starred Gene Kelly, Leslie Caron, Oscar Levant, Georges Guetary, and Nina Fock. It is set in Paris, France. Among other awards, the film won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

The storyline revolves around Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly), a WW II veteran who decides to move to France after the war to pursue his painting. He meets up with an heiress, Milo Roberts (Nina Foch), who is interested in his work, and a friendship starts.

1952 The Greatest Show on Earth

Director Cecil B. DeMille directed the 1952 American Technicolor epic drama “The Greatest Show on Earth." It was set in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. It starred Betty Hutton and Cornel Wilde along with Charlton Heston and James Stewart. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

It revolves around the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, highlighting the dramatic lives of its performers, including trapeze artists and clowns.

1953 From Here to Eternity

Director Fred Zinnemann directed the 1953 American romantic war drama “From Here to Eternity." The film was based on the 1951 novel of the same name by James Jones. It starred Burt Lancaster, Montgomery Clift, and Frank Sinatra, who portrayed three US Army soldiers stationed in Hawaii in the months leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, with the women in their lives portrayed by Deborah Kerr and Donna Reed. The film won eight Academy Awards, among them Best Picture, Best Director, Best Supporting Actor (Frank Sinatra), and Best Supporting Actress (Donna Reed).

1954 On the Waterfront

Director Elia Kazan directed the 1954 American crime drama “On the Waterfront." The film starred Marlon Brando, Karl Malden, Eva Saint Marie, Lee J. Cobb, Rod Steiger, and others. The film won eight Academy Awards, among them Best Picture, Best Actor (Marlon Brando), Best Supporting Actress (Eva Saint Marie), and Best Director.

The storyline focuses on union violence and corruption among longshoremen while detailing widespread corruption, extortion, and racketeering on the waterfronts of Hoboken, New Jersey.

1955 Marty

Director Delbert Mann directed the 1955 American romantic drama "Marty." The film starred Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair, Ester Minciotti, and others. The film won for Best Picture and Best Actor (Ernest Borgnine).

The story revolves around Marty Piletti, a middle-aged butcher who struggles with loneliness until he meets a kindred spirit at a dance.

1956 Around the World in 80 Days

Director Michael Anderson directed the 1956 American epic adventure comedy “Around the World in 80 Days." The film starred David Niven, Shirley MacLaine, Robert Newton, and others. It won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

 The story revolves around Phileas Fogg's bet to circumnavigate the globe in 80 days, starting from London.

1957 The Bridge on the River Kwai

Director David Lean directed the 1957 epic war film “The Bridge on the River Kwai." It was based on the novel of the same name by Pierre Boulin. The film starred William Holden, Alec Guinness, and Jack Hawkind. Besides winning the Academy Award for Best Picture, the film won six other awards.

The storyline dates to February 1943, when British prisoners of war, led by Colonel Nicholson (Alec Guinness) arrive at a Japanese prison camp in Thailand.

1958 Gigi

Director Vincente Minnelli directed the 1958 American romantic comedy musical "Gigi." It was based on the 1944 novella of the same name by Colette. The film features songs by Lerner and Lowe. It starred Louis Jourdon, Maurice Chevalier, Leslie Caron, and Hermione Gingold. The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture.

 The storyline tells the story of a young Parisian girl, Gigi, who is groomed to be a wealthy man's mistress but unexpectedly finds love with her childhood friend, Gaston. The film explores themes of love, societal expectations, and the transition from childhood to adulthood.

1959 Ben Hur

Director William Wyler directed the 1959 American religious epic “Ben Hur." The film starred Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, and others. It was adapted from the 1880 novel “Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ” by Lew Wallace. The film won eleven Academy Awards, among them Best Picture, Best Actor in Leading Role (Charlton Heston), and Best Supporting Actor - Motion Picture (Stephen Boyd).

The story follows a Jewish prince who is betrayed and seeks revenge against his former friend, set against the backdrop of ancient Rome.