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1961 was a big year after one full year and the start of the 60s. Events such as JFK coming into office, the Cold War starting and the infamous Space Race happening. Shit went down. The world of film was getting off to a strong start with musicals, war films, cartoon movies, pool sharks hustling people, finding your long-lost sister and so many more. Welcome to 1961!!!
West Side Story
If you are looking for a film that has dancing, two rival gangs, Star crossed lovers and some catchy song, then look no further than West Side Story. West Side Story is Romeo and Juliet with dancing, but it is one of the best films of 1961. It won Best Picture, so it must be good. You have the Jets on one side and the Sharks on the other. The two battle for a spot in NYC. Only thing is that one of the Jets falls in love with the sister of one of the sharks. Shit is about to go down. I swear Michael Jackson got the inspiration for Beat It from this film.
Judgment at Nuremberg
The film is a fictionalized version of The Judges’ Trial. It was the third of the 12 trials for war crimes the U.S. authorities held in their occupation zone in Germany in Nuremberg after the end of World War II. This film is intense and has an all-star cast. The trial of this film is where it is and that bad boy was good. There were so many great moments in this film that you had wondered how one lawyer would counter the other. The German defense lawyer was on his A-Game because he went Johnnie Cochran mode in the facts and having valid points.
The Hustler
If you are looking for one of the best pool movies ever made, then look no further than The Hustler starring Mr. Blue Eyes himself, Paul Newman as Fast Eddie and the great Jackie Gleason as Minnesota Fats. The film tells the story of “Fast Eddie” Felson who loves to hustle in the pool hall. When she challenges legendary pool player “Minnesota Fats,” Felson soon realizes that there are levels to being a pool hustler. Newman and Gleason are iconic in their roles, and this was a dark and intense film but very entertaining.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
This list isn’t complete without the iconic Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Starring the beautiful Audrey Hepburn as Holly Golightly in the title role. The film follows Holly, an airhead, eccentric socialite who delivers news to a mob boss, but world changes when she meets Paul, a struggling writer. The film is fun to watch but it is a film that doesn’t age too well with Mickey Rooney character being straight up racists. The film is one of the highlights of the year.
One Hundred and One Dalmatians
“Cruella De Vil, Cruella De Vil, If she doesn’t scare you, No evil thing will.” 101 Dalmatians has to be included as one of the top films of the year. It introduced the world to one of Disney’s most diabolical villains. In the film, Pongo and Perdita, two London-based Dalmatians, give birth to a litter of fifteen beautiful puppies. The evil Cruella wants the puppies to use them to make herself a new fur coat. She needs around 101 dalmatian puppies to achieve this. This film is fun to watch even if you might become a little scared of Cruella and her crazy driving. One of the best old school Disney films ever.
The Guns of Navarone
One of the best films of the year, this is a WWII film that should be watched. Having a strong cast, starring the likes of Gregory Peck, David Niven and Anthony Quinn, this is a must-watch film. During 1943, the British Nay is trying to save 2000 of its troops located on the Island of Kheros. Two powerful German cannons sit atop of the Navarone Island who are excellent shots and sink any Allied ships. The Allied command decided to send a group of six men disguised as fishermen to bring the guns down. This film is an edge of your seat film where the WWII historian would love to watch.
The Parent Trap
What if you went to summer camp and realized that someone there was identical to you? Would you lose your freakin mind? The Parent Trap is that film where Sharon McKendrick and Susan Evers meet at summer camp and learn that they are long lost twins. They decide to switch places to learn about the other parent and then plan to reunite them. Hayley Mills does an amazing, wonderful and spectacular job playing the twins. This is a fun movie to watch and you can sing along with “Let’s Get Together.”
A Raisin in the Sun
A Raisin in the Sun is a play by Lorraine that debuted in 1959. In two years, a movie was made starring the LEGEDARY Sidney Poitier and Ruby Dee. This was also the first movie that Louis Gossett Jr. was in. A story about a black family in Chi-Town, wanting to improve their finances and waiting for insurance money where each member has a different idea for the use of it. The film is strong with an outstanding cast. You can’t go wrong with Sidney and Ruby. One of the best films of the year.
Splendor in the Grass
This film will make you think of the past and the decision you made. Starring Natalie Wood and Warren Beatty in his first role. The pair play Deanie and Bud, a high school couple who go through some shit from love, heartbreak and major sexual tension. Wood was fantastic in this role, but the story will hit you hard. It is a must-watch film of the year because it will make you think once you finish it.
The Innocents
Have you ever heard of the novel, The Turn of the Screw? How about the Netflix original series, The Haunting of Bly Manor? If so, then welcome to the OG film of the book. Before the series, this film was the movie adaptation of the book. This movie is good as a gothic psychological horror. Starring the great and lovely Deborah Kerr, this film is about a governess who is hired to watch over two kids at a large estate. Things seem fine until she believes they are possessed and the place is haunted. Some say this is one of the best horror films ever made. It is a must watch and you have to love the old school classics.
