Film History: The 1950's

The 1950's were a huge decade in film and television with films like: On The Waterfront, The Caine Mutiny, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, All About Eve, Singing In The Rain, Blackboard Jungle, The Seven Year Itch, Peyton Place, Bridge Over the River Kwai, BEN-HUR, Anatomy of a Murder, and Rear Window.

Before we look at film we'll take a look at television, specifically the Alfred Hitchcock Presents show and we'll watch the Emmy nominated episode directed by Hitchcock himself titled "The Case of Mr. Pelham" from 1955 which stars Tom Ewell.

After the episode we'll learn a little more about Hitchcock and then watch Dial M For Murder starring Grace Kelly. The film may not be one of the most famous Hitchcock films today but it's a great example of how the master of suspense works and after the film you will be writing an two-page typed essay on the following questions:


How does the Dial M For Murder reflect the time in which it was made?

How did you feel about the main characters, Tony and Margot Wendice, as the film progressed?

How do you feel about the conclusion, what do you think happens after the final scene?