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Tag Archives: 1950s
1309
Sininen viikko (1954) A short and brisk triangle drama that explores the tired trope of escaping the mundane and finding brief happiness in a bubble destined to burst. Silly, heartfelt, and ominous. Probably not in my book of summertime blues.
Το αμαξακι [Horse and carriage] (1957)
Father versus son, horse carriage versus taxi car. The conflict of old and new, in family as well as society, seems to be a recurring theme of greek post-war cinema. Unabashed melodrama with neorealist details. Both gripping and ridiculous – … Continue reading
Λατέρνα φτώχεια και γαρύφαλλο (1958)
Running only 83 minutes, this is still stretched out in absurdum due to the almost nonexistent storyline. A simplistic feelgood bagatelle, every bit as naively goodhearted as its popular predecessor. Strangely intriguing body language from the irresistible Tzeni Karezi. Allegedly the first sequel in … Continue reading
1308
Λατέρνα, φτώχεια και φιλότιμο [The hurdy-gurdy] (1955) Two poor, struggling street musicians happen upon the runaway daughter of a rich ship magnate – humorous complications arise! An oldfashioned, mildly prejudiced featherweight story with good acting and snappy dialogue. There is little … Continue reading
1261
Πικρό ψωμί [Bitter bread] (1951) Greek postwar neorealism feels similar to its italian predecessor and inspiration; not especially »realistic« but heartfelt, indignant, and at times clumsy. This particular example, supposedly the first ever, is about a poor family trying its best not to disintegrate while being tormented by … Continue reading
1256
Café Paradis (1950) »You shall never believe in anything« The didactic, inept, slightly awkward intro is followed by a long flashback depicting social pressure and the dangers of alcohol in a very oldfashioned, careful, matter-of-factly way. Rather crass but also touching … Continue reading
1249
Μαγική πόλης [Magiki polis] (1954) »Here is where fate wanted us, so here we’ll stay.« Upward mobility, or at least the possibility of getting away from it all, is the driving force for some decent but frustrated poor blokes whose … Continue reading
