Happy Mother’s Day to everyone out there!
In honor of the day, I asked my own mother what her favorite films are. What I received in return was a very succinct set of classics from the 1950s-60s.
IMITATION OF LIFE (1959)
The Fanny Furst novel on racial politics gets the Sirkian melodrama treatment. Stars Lana Turner, Juanita Moore, John Gavin and Sandra Dee.
CARMEN JONES (1955)
Otto Preminger’s filmed version of Oscar Hammerstein’s all-black adaptation of the Bizet opera Carmen stars Dorothy Dandridge and Harry Belafonte. Dandridge was nominated for an Academy Award for her role.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (1958)
Sultry adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ stage play. Stars Paul Newman and Elizabeth Taylor.
GUESS WHO’S COMING TO DINNER (1967)
A groundbreaking film at the time, this film stars Sidney Poitier, Katherine Hepburn and in his final film appearance, Spencer Tracy.
Some very good selections indeed – mom certainly has good cinematic taste 🙂