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Movies are a medium of entertainment introduced in the 20th century. People were influenced by this technology which portrayed aspects of life, events, drama and violence. Years later movie ‘palaces’ like Broadway Strand Theatre and London Savoy were built to accommodate the wide screen. Elaborately designed halls had velvet drapes, rows of seats and the balcony. World news was screened first followed by an interval when usherettes sold chocolates and sweets. Lights went off again and the film began. ‘Silent’ films of 1891 were comedies in black and white. Charlie Chaplin was the most amusing with his humorous performances and postures. As there was no sound system, actors had to be dramatic and satirical. Eastern’s movies were also in monochrome but his films were based on novels.

In 1955 Michael Todd created ‘Todd Ao’ films which had close-up scenes in distinctive angles. ‘Picnic’ with its love story and background music was remarkable of this mode of filming which created illusions of movement. Technicolour and 3D movies were much appreciated. Production of a film needs a theme, the cast, scriptwriter, make-up artists, electricians, camera crew and the director. Actors are trained to co-ordinate when acting. Locations should comply realistically with the story. For example Victor Fleming’s magnificent movie, Gone with the Wind had spectacular landscapes and views of mansions in the spreading cotton fields of America. Broadway Melodies was a splendid musical with dance formations. The Jazz Singer showed Al Jolson’s theatrical talents and rhythm. Lights of New York sparkled with brilliant dance and music.

Sergei Eistentein the Russian film-maker produced Potemkin which actually disclosed slaughter on a battleship during the revolution. Carl Dreyer’s Passion of Joan of Arc revealed the agonies endured by the character. Excellent films like Cecil De Mille’s Ten Commandments had impressive settings, costumes and vividly described Biblical events. Roberto Rosellini’s movie Open City exposed the anguish and distress caused by World War II and Cassandra Crossing captured emotional responses of commuters trapped and sealed in a train which carried victims of a deadly, unknown virus.

Ben Hur, Cleopatra, Hamlet and on the Waterfront won awards for directing and production. Coveted statuettes for acting, namely the ‘Oscar’ was the gilted prize for those whose professional expertise brought out remarkably the image and spirit of the character or part they played. Movies like Dr. Zhivago and Ryan’s Daughter were tender love stories which touched the hearts of many leaving memories etched in the mind.

by Caryl Nugara From Some Memorable Movies