After the defense and prosecution have rested, the jury files into the jury room to deliberate on what seems to be an open and shut murder case. But, one dissenting juror (Henry Fonda) slowly tries to convince the others that the case is not as clear as it seemed in court. As they discuss the murder case, the jurors' prejudices and preconceptions about the trial, the accused, and each other come to light. Directed by Sidney Lumet. With Martin Balsam, Lee J. Cobb, E.G. Marshall, Jack Klugman and Jack Warden. Categories: Drama, Crime. Year: 1957.
1956 in 12 Angry Men
One of Hollywood's all-time classics, Marlon Brando's performance as Stanley Kowalski made him a star. The crude but sexy Stanley is married to Stella (Kim Hunter), the daughter of a once-wealthy family. When Stella's sister, Blanche (Vivien Leigh) shows up to stay with them, Stanley is disgusted by her airs and she is disgusted by his manners. But a dangerous attraction grows between them. Leigh and Hunter won Oscars for their performances. Directed by Elia Kazan. Categories: Drama. Year: 1951.
1956 in A Streetcar Named Desire
When aspiring actress Eve Harrington (Anne Baxter) talks her way into the lives of leading Broadway actress Margo Channing (Bette Davis) and her powerful friends, sparks fly. This classic story of success and all its follies, is told by some of the greatest stars of Hollywood's Golden Age. Directed by Joseph L. Mankiewicz. Categories: Drama, New York, Classic. Year: 1950.
1956 in All About Eve
Jerry Mulligan (Gene Kelly) is an American painter searching for inspiration in the romantic atmosphere of Paris, France. At the height of desperation, Jerry meets Milo Roberts (Nina Foch), a wealthy heiress on the prowl for masculine distraction. Jerry, however, only has eyes for Lise Bouvier (Leslie Caron), a beautiful but engaged young girl. Jerry must hold on to his wits in the heady Parisian air. Directed by Vincente Minnelli. With Marie Antoinette Andrews, Martha Bamattre and Eugene Borden. Categories: Musical, Romance, Classic. Year: 1951.
1956 in An American in Paris
Tony Wendice (Ray Milland), a one-time tennis pro, is trying to murder his wife (Grace Kelly) for her infidelity and her money. After blackmailing a police officer (John Williams) to commit the act, Tony must improvise an end to his scheme when the officer's attempt fails. But, with his wife alert, anyone might be the next victim. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. With Robert Cummings and Anthony Dawson. Categories: Thriller, Crime, Classic. Year: 1954.
1956 in Dial M for Murder
Lady (Barbara Luddy) is a beautiful, pedigreed cocker spaniel who decides to leave home and follow Tramp (Larry Roberts), a homeless but free spirited mutt. Accompanied by Tramp's friends Trusty (Bill Baucom) and Beaver (Stan Freberg), Lady falls in love and realizes the world is a very complicated place. Directed by Clyde Geronimi, Wilfred Jackson and Hamilton Luske. With Verna Felton, Peggy Lee and Bill Thompson. Categories: Drama, Family, Animation, Comedy, Music, Classic. Year: 1955.
1956 in Lady and the Tramp
When New York City advertising executive Roger Thornhill (Cary Grant) is mistaken for a secret government agent by a group of murderous spies, he must flee across the country under hot pursuit. With Roger's life in great peril, he is joined by Eve (Eva Marie Saint), a beautiful woman committed to helping him escape this dangerous fiasco. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. With James Mason, Jessie Royce Landis, Josephine Hutchinson and Martin Landau. Categories: Adventure, Mystery, Thriller, Classic. Year: 1959.
1956 in North by Northwest
Terry Malloy (Marlon Brando) is a dockworker who spends his days dreaming of a better life as a champion fighter. When Malloy witnesses a murder by a couple of thugs working for Johnny Friendly (Lee J. Cobb), the corrupt head of the dockers union, he is compelled to befriend the dead man's sister and is forced into the middle of a legal case that could cost him his life. Directed by Elia Kazan. With Karl Malden, Rod Steiger and Pat Henning. Categories: Cult Classics, Crime, Romance, Drama, Classic. Year: 1954.
1956 in On the Waterfront
In the French trenches during WWI, three privates are court-martialed for cowardice and made an example of after their unit refuses to continue an impossible attack. But, their regiment's commander (Kirk Douglas) stands behind them, acting as their defense attorney. Directed by Stanley Kubrick. With Ralph Meeker, Adolphe Menjou and George Macready. Categories: Drama, War, Based on a Novel, Classic. Year: 1957.
1956 in Paths of Glory
L.B. Jeffries (James Stewart) is a professional photographer confined to his house after breaking his leg at a car race. Out of boredom, he starts spying on his neighbors from a window of his apartment, noting their schedules and relationships. When a young woman next door mysteriously disappears, Jeffries suspects foul play and asks his girlfriend Lisa (Grace Kelly) and nurse Stella (Thelma Ritter) to help him investigate. Directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Categories: Cult Classics, Mystery, Thriller, Classic. Year: 1954.
1956 in Rear Window
Director Akira Kurosawa presents a heroic tale of duty and honor. After, master samurai Kambei (Takashi Shimura) poses as a monk in order to save a kidnapped child, a group of farmers begs him to protect their lands from a band of roving bandits. Kambei accepts their charge and assembles six other samurai to build a militia, preparing them for a bloody battle when the bandits begin their raids. Categories: Action, Adventure, Drama, Classic. Year: 1954.
1956 in Seven Samurai
Don Lockwood (Gene Kelly) and Lina Lamont (Jean Hagen) are an iconic Hollywood on-screen couple in film's silent era. When a movie they are working on suddenly becomes a musical, Don is up to the task, but Lina's voice is found lacking. After Kathy Selden (Debbie Reynolds) is brought in to overdub Lamont's lines, a growing romance with Don threatens her blossoming film career. Directed by Stanley Donen. With Donald O'Connor and Millard Mitchell. Categories: Cult Classics, Comedy, Romance, Music, Classic. Year: 1952.
1956 in Singin' in the Rain