1963 Movies

The Best Movies of 1963

Irma La Douce

Nestor Patou, a straight-laced French police officer, is transferred to the notorious Red Light district. His first order of business is a raid on a suspected brothel. This raid causes a disruption, even catching his police superior in the process. As a result, he loses his job. Subsequently, Nestor befriends Irma and ends up becoming her new pimp. However, he can't stomach the thought of her with other men, leading him to devise a unique solution.

One of the most captivating aspects of this film is the moral dilemma faced by the protagonist, Nestor. Nestor is a man of principle caught in a compromised situation. His navigation through the complexities of love and jealousy forms the crux of this movie.

8½

Guido, a film director, is overwhelmed by the success of his recent project and is seeking a reprieve. He finds it difficult to focus due to frequent interruptions from past collaborators. While contemplating his next move, Guido reflects on significant events from his life and past relationships.

8½ is not just a film; it's a window into the complexities of human emotions and the creative process. It stands as an important study on the intricacies of personal and professional life, where the lines often blur. The film can be seen as a personal reflection of its director, Fellini, making it an intricate study of the human psyche.

Charade

A woman in Paris finds herself pursued by multiple men who want access to her deceased husband's stolen fortune. Amidst the suspense, she struggles to determine whom she can rely on.

The plot thickens at every turn, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. This movie combines characteristics of romance and suspense in a way that captivates the audience from start to finish. Trust is a major theme here; the protagonist has to navigate through a minefield of deceit to arrive at the truth.

Hud

Hud Bannon is a young man with a reckless disregard for anything that stands in his way, including his relationships. He clashes frequently with his father, Homer, who is a man of principle. Hud's nephew Lon initially idolizes him but soon comes to realize the destructive nature of his ways.

This film takes a deep look into the morals, or lack thereof, in Hud Bannon. He represents a person who is unwilling to abide by social norms yet remains charismatic enough to attract those around him. It's a character study into the pitfalls of unchecked ambition and moral flexibility.

The Haunting

Dr. Markway embarks on a research journey to confirm the existence of ghosts. Accompanying him are Luke, Theodora, and Eleanor, each with their own varying levels of skepticism and psychic sensitivities. Their chosen location, Hill House, turns out to be an increasingly menacing place, revealing more than what they originally sought.

This film magnificently explores the psychological facets of fear and the supernatural. Each character provides a different perspective on the eerie occurrences within Hill House. Notably, Eleanor's internal struggle is one of the primary focuses, adding complexity to the narrative.

Lord of the Flies

After being stranded on an uninhabited island, a group of young boys grapple with newfound responsibilities. The leadership splits between Ralph, who advocates for survival tactics, and Jack, who prioritizes immediate gratification.

The movie goes beyond mere survivalism to scrutinize human nature. It confronts viewers with the duality of mankind: the civil and the primal. It serves as an exploration of societal structures and what happens when they dissolve.

The Nutty Professor

Professor Julius Kelp invents a potion that transforms him into Buddy Love, a charismatic man who is far different from the timid professor. However, the transformation has its flaws and creates challenges for Julius at inconvenient moments.

The film dissects the theme of identity, bringing forward the dichotomy between one's real self and the persona one might adopt for societal acceptance. The volatile changes between Julius and Buddy create comedic yet insightful moments, rendering the film enjoyable and thought-provoking.

The Birds

Melanie Daniels travels to Bodega Bay to play a joke on Mitch Brenner, whom she meets at a pet shop. However, after her arrival, birds begin attacking humans without explanation, causing Melanie and the locals to focus on staying alive.

The film breaks the conventional molds of storytelling by leaving the cause of the bird attacks unexplained. It injects a sense of urgency and unpredictability, forcing characters and viewers alike to focus solely on the present moment.

From Russia with Love

James Bond is on a mission to obtain a Russian decoding machine called "Lektor." As he navigates through Istanbul, he encounters numerous agents from the nefarious organization S.P.E.C.T.R.E., while also forming a romantic connection with Tatiana Romanova.

The film remains an important contribution to the spy genre. It expertly blends romance, action, and suspense to maintain viewer engagement. Bond's character embodies the complexities of espionage, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

The Raven

Dr. Craven, a reluctant sorcerer, is visited by Bedlo, a magician turned into a raven. Bedlo reveals that Craven's thought-to-be-deceased wife Lenore is actually living with Scarabus, an evil magician.

Inspired by Poe's poem, the film delivers a blend of horror and comedy. While it may not be a direct adaptation, it borrows key themes and characters, delivering an engaging narrative filled with sorcery and hidden agendas.

1963 Movies & Industry Highlights

Top Grossing Films of 1963

Here are some notable films that led the box office in North America:

1. Cleopatra (20th Century Fox) - Revenue: $26,000,000
2. How the West Was Won (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) - Revenue: $20,932,883
3. It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (United Artists) - Revenue: $20,800,000
4. Tom Jones - Revenue: $17,070,000
5. Irma la Douce (United Artists/The Mirisch Company) - Revenue: $11,921,784

The numbers clearly indicate that Cleopatra reigned supreme, although How the West Was Won and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World were not far behind in terms of earnings.

Significant Moments

Changes in M.G.M. Leadership

On January 9th, Joseph Vogel stepped down as the president of M.G.M., making way for Robert O'Brien to take over the reins.

Success of How the West Was Won

This epic Western was unveiled on February 20th and became an instant hit among audiences and critics alike. It turned out to be a cash cow for M.G.M., holding a position of prestige alongside other successes such as Ben-Hur.

Cleopatra's Impact

This epic film debuted at the Rivoli Theatre in New York City on June 12th. While its revenue was significant, its production costs were so high that it nearly led to 20th Century Fox's financial ruin. Beyond the finances, the film was scandalous for other reasons. The romantic relationship between Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton sparked considerable attention. This production marked a downward spiral for director Joseph L. Mankiewicz and halted producer Walter Wanger's career.

Other Events

1. It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World Premiere - Released on November 7th, this comedy was the first of its kind directed by Stanley Kramer. Kramer was previously known for directing films on serious, divisive topics.
2. The Sword in the Stone - This production debuted on December 25th, marking the second adaptation of T. H. White's The Once and Future King after the musical Camelot. This Disney film became the 13th cinematic take on the King Arthur legend.

Analyzing The Factors

Several elements contributed to the uniqueness of 1963 in film. Cleopatra's high costs and the scandal involving its lead actors garnered ample attention. The movie became an example of how a film can be financially successful but still incur losses. How the West Was Won proved that epic Westerns still had a loyal audience, serving as a significant moneymaker for M.G.M.