Writing Murder on Location was a lot of fun and if you like movies, especially getting a sneak peek behind the scenes of film making, I think you’ll enjoy it too. Next week I’ll introduce you to my co-writer, Denise Jaden, whose day job is working as an Extra in Vancouver. Stay tuned!
Going to the cinema was a popular social past time in the 1950s, with thousands of people flocking to their local movie theatres.
Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, James Stewart, and Marlon Brando were some of the biggest names in Hollywood at the time. Romantic comedies and musicals were all the rage, with the occasional suspenseful thriller. Hollywood began marketing to youth as well as popularizing the concept of the rebel antihero, as was portrayed by James Dean and Marlon Brando.
1956 was a particularly great year for movies, with many classics being released. This is part of the reason why I began the Rosa Reed series in the early summer of 1956.
Here’s a quick overview of a few of the greatest films from 1956.
The Ten Commandments
The Ten Commandments, produced and directed, by Cecil B. DeMille, provides a dramatic portrayal of the biblical story of Moses. While DeMille took creative liberty in retelling the story, he put a great amount of effort into recreating the setting. The movie was filmed in Egypt and Mount Sinai and boasted one of the largest sets ever used to make a film. Not surprisingly, The Ten Commandments was the most expensive film made at the time of its release.
Around the World in 80 Days
Around the World in 80 Days is a lighthearted adventure-comedy featuring the likes of David Niven and Cantinflas. The story portrays the adventures of a Victorian gentleman and his servant Passepartout whose stark differences and many quirks provide comedic relief.
The film received great attention for its extensive all-star cast of 46 celebrities, many of whom made only a brief appearance.
The King and I
The 1956 version of The King and I received much critical acclaim and commercial success. The film won 5 Oscars and was among the highest-grossing films of the year.
Based on the 1944 book Anna and the King of Siam, by Margaret Landon, the film shows a widowed mother, and governesses, as she struggles to teach the English language and customs in the palace in Bangkok. When a group of European diplomats arrives, she attempts to prepare a welcoming party in efforts to change the Western perception of the King.
What is your favorite film from the1950s?
******
Don’t miss MURDER ON LOCATION ~ Pre-order now!
Murder’s a wrap!
Private Investigator Rosa Reed has finally accepted that her girlhood romance with Detective Miguel Belmonte has no hope of being rekindled, but when his actress girlfriend gets embroiled in a murder on her movie set, it’s more than a movie schedule that’s upsetting. Can Rosa put aside matters of the heart long enough to help Miguel solve the case?
★★★★★
Diego Movie
Watch Diego in action!
My favorite movie from the 1950’s is Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
Actually, I remember seeing The Ten Commandments with my grandmother when it first came out. I remember because I was seven then and it was a really long movie.