Ten Must-See WW II Black and White War Movies
When it comes to movies, there are few genres that capture the hearts and appreciation of the American public like good old-fashioned black and white WW II films. These films always seem to draw a large crowd, and will most probably continue to do so. Old black and white films about the Second World War have a certain charisma that people just cannot seem to get enough of, in regards to this they are in luck as there are many films of this nature. There are countless war films to date however; it is the old black and white war films that seem to dominate the category of most enjoyed war flicks. With wonderful actors such as Randolph Scott, Anthony Quinn, and John Wayne black and white WW II movies are an easy choice for all that enjoy history, yet want a strong cast of familiars to give the movie its appeal.
A great WW II black and white flick would be in the nature of China Sky, made in the year 1945. With a strong cast that included Ducky Louie, Anthony Quinn, Randolph Scott, Ruth Warwick, and Richard Loo, this film is the epitome of fine black and white WW II films. Rounding out some of the other great titles for black and white WW II movies include:
Gung Ho
Manila Calling
The Bridge on the River Kwai
Command Decision
Where Eagles Dare
I Wanted Wing's
12 O’clock High
Tender Comrade
Dunkirk
While this genre has so many movies to its grand slam lineup, it is virtually impossible to choose a clear cut winner in the debate or what is considered the best all around black and white WW II movies. Much of the great appeal for these movies is due to what the movies really did represent. It was not the intention of the movie industry to mere portray a role in the war, for the sheer enjoyment of battle scenes or bloodshed. What the original premise of the war films is for moviegoers is that it was meant to be a moral booster for the troops during the wartime itself. On this note many of the troops did find a fair amount of comfort in watching these movies, as they found a small piece of home in each of these war movies. Many of the war movies today place a very large emphasis on action and battle. It seems that the more gory and action packed it seems to be the more the younger crowds seemed to enjoy them. This was not however, the way the old great studios such as Paramount and MGM wanted this to be. The prime basis of this type of film was to tell a story and have the viewer drawn into the life and tough times of the soldier within the war.
Many people will easily dub John Wayne as one of the best actors for this type of genre, his portrayals of generals and sergeants, and a man on his own who could command and lead troops to victory. Generally John Wayne had a very strong supporting cast to back him up throughout the movie, and this only strengthened the backbone of this style of film. A large budget and fancy film effects were not needed to tell a tale of a soldier, wanting a war to end and for them to get home safely to their loved ones. The studios at that time managed to draw the masses in with an excellent plot, and great acting lending to the overall appeal of this black and white storybook design. If you have an interest in history, and love movies an old classic black and white WW II film should definitely be on your list as a must watch. There are very few movies these days in this genre that can capture your heart and appreciation for the time and the people who made the war a success in the end. Many of the great WW II black and white films can still be rented at your local video store, sometimes they even have a previously viewed section where movies can be bought at a discount price. This is a great way for a movie buff to load up their collection and keep a piece of history for them selves.
