Category Archives: Movies 1950s

Inner-city school drama ‘Blackboard Jungle’ opens in New York City 60 years ago today (Mar 19 1955)


Video: 'Blackboard Jungle' trailer

(Saturday, March 19, 1955)Blackboard Jungle, a social commentary film about teachers in an inner-city school, opened today at Loew’s State Theatre in New York City. The film marked the rock and roll revolution by featuring Bill Haley & His Comets’ “Rock Around the Clock.”

Directed by Richard Brooks, the film starred Glenn Ford, Anne Francis, Louis Calhern and Sidney Poitier.

‘Godzilla’ released in Japan 60 years ago today (Nov 3 1954)


Video: 'Godzilla official trailer Collection 1954-1995.'

(Wednesday, November 3, 1954)Godzilla, a Japanese science fiction kaiju film about a 400-foot monster reptile with radioactive breath that is revived thanks to nuclear testing, was released today in Japan.

Directed by Ishiro Honda, the film starred Akira Takarada, Momoko Kochi, Akihiko Hirata and Takashi Shimura.

Marilyn Monroe, Joe DiMaggio divorced 60 years ago today (Oct 27 1954)


Video: 'Hollywood Couples - Marilyn Monroe And Joe Dimaggio' (Oct. 27, 1954, at 33:16)

(Wednesday, October 27, 1954) — Actress Marilyn Monroe and baseball player Joe DiMaggio were divorced today in Santa Monica, California, after only nine months of marriage.

‘A Star Is Born’ film premieres in Hollywood 60 years ago evening (Sep 29 1954)


Video: 'HOLLYWOOD PREMIERE OF "A STAR IS BORN" (SEPT. 29, 1954)'

(Wednesday, September 29, 1954, evening PST)A Star Is Born, a musical film about a falling star who marries the newcomer he’s helping reach the top, had its world premiere tonight at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood. Continue reading ‘A Star Is Born’ film premieres in Hollywood 60 years ago evening (Sep 29 1954)

Marilyn Monroe films original billowing-skirt scene for ‘Seven Year Itch’ in New York 60 years ago this hour (Sep 15 1954)


Video: 'Marilyn Monroe - George Barris Interview about Seven Year Itch Skirt Blowing Scene'

(Friday, September 15, 1954, 1:00 a.m. EDT) — As raucous fans looked on, 28-year-old actress Marilyn Monroe filmed the famous billowing-skirt scene for The Seven Year Itch early this morning over a Lexington Avenue subway grate in Manhattan. However, little, if any, of the footage ended up in the movie; the scene was later re-shot on a Hollywood set.

‘Sabrina’ film premieres in London 60 years ago today (Sep 9 1954)


Video: 'Sabrina' trailer

(Thursday, September 9, 1954)Sabrina, a romantic comedy film about two wealthy brothers who fall for the chauffeur’s daughter, premiered today in London.

Directed by Billy Wilder, the film starred Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn and William Holden.

‘La Strada’ film premieres at Venice Film Festival 60 years ago today (Sep 6 1954)


Video: 'La Strada' trailer

(Monday, September 6, 1954)La Strada, an Italian drama film about a traveling strongman buys a peasant girl to be his wife and co-star, premiered today at the Venice Film Festival.

Directed by Federico Fellini, the film starred Anthony Quinn, Giulietta Masina and Richard Basehart.

‘Dragnet’ film premieres in Chicago 60 years ago today (Aug 18 1954)


Video: 'Rear Window' trailer

(Wednesday, August 18, 1954)Dragnet, a crime drama film (based on the weekly TV series) about two homicide detectives who investigate the brutal shotgun murder of a crime syndicate member, opened today in Chicago.

Directed by Jack Webb, the film starred Webb, Ben Alexander, Richard Boone and Ann Robinson.

‘Rear Window’ premieres in New York City 60 years ago tonight (Aug 4 1954)


Video: 'Rear Window' trailer

(Wednesday, August 4, 1954)Rear Window, a suspense thriller film about a photographer with a broken leg who uncovers a murder while spying on the neighbors in a nearby apartment building, premiered tonight at the Rivoli Theatre in New York City.

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the film starred James Stewart, Grace Kelly, Wendell Corey, Thelma Ritter and Raymond Burr.

‘Dial M for Murder’ opens in New York City 60 years ago today (May 29 1954)


Video: 'Dial M for Murder' trailer

(Saturday, May 29, 1954)Dial M for Murder, a crime thriller film about a straying husband who frames his wife for the murder of the man he’d hired to kill her, opened today in New York City at the Paramount theater.

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, the film starred Ray Milland, Grace Kelly, Robert Cummings and John Williams.