Appendix 1: Synopses of films
Lewis Gilbert, Rank, UK 1956.
Kenneth More; Muriel Pavlow; Dorothy Alison; Sidney Tafler.
Biopic about the flier and hero of the second world war Douglas
Bader (More) . The details of his RAF training, his recovery from
the accident in which he lost both his legs and his celebrated
wartime bravery are suggested to be exemplary of the British
character and fighting spirit.
Rear Window
Alfred Hitchcock, Hitchcock, US 1954.
James Stewart; Grace Kelly; Raymond Burr; Thelma Ritter.
A news photographer (Stewart), confined to his chair by a broken
leg, observes the daily routines of the inhabitants of the
neighbouring apartment block. Convinced that a man has murdered
his wife, he enlists the help of his girlfriend (Kelly) in
investigating his suspicions. The film is thus concerned with
Scopophilia and with gender based power relations and is
consequently understood by many as a paradigm for the cinema
itself.
Rebel Without a Cause
Nicholas Ray, Warner, US 1955.
James Dean; Natalie Wood; Jim Backus; Sal Mineo; Ann Doran;
Dennis Hopper.
The narrative covers an eventful twenty four hours in the life
of its adolescent hero, Jim (James Dean). At the opening he is
drunk, disorderly and disaffected - by the close he has 'grown
up,. The film was noted for its implicit criticism of the
parental generation, held culpable for the delinquent behaviour
of their young, and for locating the problem in the wealthy
classes.
The Road to Utopia
Hal Walker, Paramount, US 1945.
Bob Hope,; Bing Crosby; Dorothy Lamour.
Fourth of the popular musical comedy 'Road' films, this one is
set in the California gold rush.
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