33rd Oscars Gems: Diverse Classics from 1961

A City Called Copenhagen

1960 • 22 min

This Oscar-nominated documentary short film is from Denmark and was released in 1960.

6.0

6.4

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George Grosz' Interregnum

1960 • 29 min

This film presents a stark and unforgettable depiction of Nazi cruelty, using the striking drawings of George Grosz as its core. The Academy Film Archive preserved this work in 2013.

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7.4

It Started in Naples

1960 • 100 min • Box office $2M

Comedy, Romance

Michael Hamilton, a successful lawyer from Philadelphia, travels to Naples to settle the estate of his estranged brother, who lived an unconventional life. In this new environment, Michael encounters colorful people and beautiful scenery, and becomes involved in the city's…

6.3

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The Virgin Spring

1960 • 90 min • Box office $700K

Drama, History

Two young girls, Karin and her foster sister Ingeri, are sent by their religious parents on a candle delivery to a distant church. Their journey through the woods takes a dark turn when they encounter a group of violent goat…

7.8

8.0

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Mouse and Garden

1960 • 6 min

Sylvester Cat and his orange friend Sam are scavenging for food near the water at night when they find a mouse. They decide to split it for breakfast the following day, but each spends the night trying to get the…

6.6

6.9

Goliath II

1960 • 15 min

Goliath II is a 6-inch-tall elephant, the son of the mighty Goliath. He struggles to live up to his father's legacy, though his mother adores him. His small size often lands him in trouble, especially with the predatory tiger Raja,…

6.5

6.7

Murder, Inc.

1960 • 103 min

This is the story of Murder, Incorporated, a powerful criminal organization. It follows the ascent and decline of Lepke, the syndicate's influential leader, and Reles, a ruthless assassin who worked for him.

6.4

6.6

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The Truth

1960 • 127 min

Drama, Romance

'Dominique Marceau's Trial' is a gripping courtroom drama about Dominique on trial for the murder of Gilbert Tellier. The story unfolds through witness testimonies, revealing the complicated relationship between them. Each testimony presents a different view of Dominique and Gilbert’s…

7.6

Song Without End

1960 • 141 min

This is the story of Franz Liszt, the celebrated Hungarian pianist. His passionate and controversial love affair led him to give up the audiences who adored him. It's a tale of romance and sacrifice.

4.6

6.1

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Exodus

1960 • 208 min • Budget $4M • Box office $20M

Drama, War

"Exodus" follows Ari Ben Canaan, a determined Haganah member, on a dangerous mission to transport 600 Jewish refugees from Cyprus to Palestine. The journey faces perilous obstacles and opposition from the British, who block the ship from reaching its destination.…

6.7

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Bells Are Ringing

1960 • 126 min

Comedy, Romance

Ella Peterson works in the basement office of Susanswerphone, listening to people's personal phone calls. To break the boredom, she adopts different voices for her clients. One of them is Jeffrey Moss, a playwright struggling to write. He doesn't realize…

6.3

6.9

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High Time

1960 • 103 min

Ignoring his adult children's disapproval, 51-year-old widower and successful restaurant owner Harvey Howard decides it's time to earn his college degree. He accepts a full scholarship, immersing himself in student life: dorm living, fraternity activities, romance, and actually studying.

6.1

6.0

Psycho

1960 • 109 min

Marion Crane, a real estate clerk who has stolen money and is trying to escape her past, arrives at the Bates Motel. The motel is run by Norman Bates, who is responsible for his mother's care while she is confined…

8.4

8.5

17+

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The Apartment

1960 • 125 min • Budget $3M • Box office $25M

Comedy, Drama, Romance

Bud Baxter, an ambitious but unassuming worker at a top New York insurance firm, feels overlooked in his career. Frustrated by favoritism, he devises a plan: offering his apartment as a secret meeting place for his bosses' affairs. But his…

8.2

8.3

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+13

The Angry Silence

1960 • 95 min

When his factory's union goes on strike, a devoted family man chooses not to join in, facing the anger and repercussions from his coworkers.

7.2

14+

Never on Sunday

1960 • 91 min • Budget $151K • Box office $8M

Comedy, Romance

Set in ancient Greece, an ambitious American scholar becomes fascinated by a local woman working in the sex industry. He chooses to help her, aiming to change her life and career, driven by both his desire for connection and a…

6.8

7.3

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Cimarron

1960 • 147 min • Budget $6M • Box office $11M

Western

In late 19th-century Oklahoma, a family's lives and hopes become entangled in the excitement of the land rush. The film follows their journey on April 22, 1889, as they compete for valuable land. The arrival of the first cannon ignites…

6.0

6.4

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Elmer Gantry

1960 • 146 min • Budget $3M • Box office $10M

Drama

This drama tells the story of Elmer Gantry, a skilled con man who changes direction when he meets Sister Sharon Falconer, a charismatic preacher leading an evangelical tour. Elmer pretends to be a devout follower and joins her show, using…

7.3

7.7

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Sunrise at Campobello

1960 • 144 min

This is the story of Franklin Roosevelt's battle with polio at the age of 40 in 1921, and the way his family – particularly his wife Eleanor – supported him through his illness. Beginning with his illness while on vacation…

6.0

6.8

Macario

1960 • 91 min

Drama, Fantasy

In 17th-century Mexico, a poor peasant named Macario dreams of a good meal, especially on the Day of the Dead. His wife prepares a single turkey, which unexpectedly triggers a series of strange encounters. While eating, Macario meets the Devil,…

8.7

8.3

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Rebel in Paradise

1960 • 40 min

Rebel in Paradise is a 1960 American documentary film about the artist Paul Gauguin, produced by San Francisco real estate developer Robert D. Fraser. The film received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.

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7.2

The Rise and Fall of Legs Diamond

1960 • 101 min

In 1920s New York, brothers Jack Diamond and his ailing sibling begin a life of crime as jewel thieves. Following a prison stint, the calculating Jack conceives a plan: to steal from other criminals. He begins to cultivate a relationship…

5.8

6.7

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The Sundowners

1960 • 133 min

Drama, Adventure

In the Australian Outback, the Carmody family – Paddy, Ida, and their son Sean – journey across the hills seeking new grazing land for their sheep. The demanding landscape tests them physically and emotionally, causing Ida and Sean to question…

6.7

7.1

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Tunes of Glory

1960 • 106 min

Drama

After World War II, the Scottish battalion's headquarters experiences a significant shift when the lively Major Jock Sinclair is replaced by the strict Lieutenant Colonel Basil Barrow. This change disrupts the established relationships within the unit and challenges the soldiers'…

7.1

7.5

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Universe

1960 • 29 min

This film is a stunning cinematic achievement, depicting a breathtaking vision of the universe as seen by a traveler. It served as a key source of inspiration for Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey. Realistic animation takes viewers to distant…

7.4

7.6

Hiroshima Mon Amour

1959 • 92 min • Box office $3K

Drama, History, Romance

This acclaimed French film is a moving story about love and loss, offering a deep look into what it means to be human. It takes place in post-World War II Hiroshima, where a Japanese architect and a French actress have…

7.7

7.8

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BUtterfield 8

1960 • 109 min

Drama

Gloria Wandrous, a successful fashion model known for her many relationships, unexpectedly falls for Weston Liggett, the down-to-earth son of a newly wealthy family. Their different worlds and lifestyles present challenges to their growing affection, but they are drawn together…

6.3

6.4

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Sons and Lovers

1960 • 103 min

Drama

This drama tells the story of a young man from a working-class British mining family who wants to succeed as an artist. He deals with the social pressures of his town and begins a secret relationship with a married woman,…

6.4

7.1

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The Facts of Life

1960 • 103 min

Larry and Kitty, a middle-class suburban couple, are unhappy in their marriages and feeling unfulfilled. They find themselves unexpectedly drawn to each other during a vacation away from their spouses, despite their usual irritation with one another. Back home, they…

5.1

6.3

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Visit to a Small Planet

1960 • 85 min

An unusual alien arrives on Earth. Jerry Lewis plays Kreton, a childlike extraterrestrial who defies his teacher to travel to our planet. He lands in the backyard of a skeptical television journalist who dismisses UFOs and aliens. Eager to study…

5.1

5.9

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The Dark at the Top of the Stairs

1960 • 124 min

In 1920s Oklahoma, Rubin Flood's life unravels when his company goes bankrupt, costing him his job. This financial strain deepens tensions at home, where his wife Cora becomes distant due to their struggles. Their teenage daughter Reenie is hesitant about…

6.4

7.1

Kapo

1960 • 117 min

Drama, War

During World War II, Edith, a young Jewish woman, is forced into horrific conditions after being deported to an extermination camp. Facing overwhelming danger, she discovers an unexpected path to survival: becoming a kapo, a prisoner with authority over other…

6.9

7.6

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Can-Can

1960 • 142 min

In Paris, a nightclub owner famous for her can-can performances becomes the target of a judgmental judge. He plans to photograph her secretly, but unexpectedly finds himself falling for her, creating conflict with her lawyer boyfriend.

6.6

6.3

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Pollyanna

1960 • 134 min • Budget $2M • Box office $3M

Comedy, Drama, Family

A hopeful young girl comes to a small town struggling with negativity and strained relationships. Though met with resistance from the locals, she maintains a positive outlook, trying to find the good in everyone. Her optimism gradually changes the community,…

6.9

7.4

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The Magnificent Seven

1960 • 127 min

A struggling Mexican village, facing relentless threats, hires a group of seven gunslingers to protect their homes.

7.5

7.7

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+14

Spartacus

1960 • 197 min • Budget $12M • Box office $60M

History, War, Drama

In ancient Rome, Spartacus, a slave, dreams of freedom. Sold to a gladiator trainer, he's thrust into brutal training and arena combat. With each fight, his skills and courage grow, igniting a desire for rebellion against his masters. Leading escaped…

7.5

7.9

13+

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The Creation of Woman

1961 • 14 min

This 14-minute film depicts the Hindu god Brahma's creation of life and the world, including the first woman. Narrated by Saeed Jaffrey, the story is portrayed through a performance by dancers Bhaskar, Dinu, and Anjali Devi.

5.1

6.0

The Alamo

1960 • 202 min • Budget $12M • Box office $7M

War, Adventure, History

A band of brave soldiers defends the new Republic of Texas against a much larger enemy. Facing tyranny, these determined men make great sacrifices to protect their freedom and the principles of their nation. The film shows the remarkable courage…

7.1

6.8

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The Horse with the Flying Tail

1960 • 48 min

This is the story of a palomino mare who, after changing hands multiple times, eventually becomes a champion for a member of the United States equestrian team.

7.2

6.0

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Midnight Lace

1960 • 108 min • Box office $7M

Mystery, Thriller

Kit Preston's life unravels when she starts receiving anonymous phone calls with terrifying threats: she's the next target in a deadly game. As the warnings intensify and her life falls apart, Kit races to find her attacker. The film blurs…

6.6

6.8

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Let's Make Love

1960 • 119 min

Comedy, Romance

This romantic comedy follows billionaire Jean-Marc Clement who is amused and then challenged when a satirical off-Broadway show pokes fun at his life. Drawn to the lead actress, Amanda Dell, he comes up with a plan: he'll pretend to be…

6.4

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Islands of the Sea

1960 • 28 min

This short film explores the wildlife of four islands: Galapagos, Guadalupe, Falklands, and an island in the Midway chain. It briefly features the turtles of Galapagos and more detailed looks at two iguana species and one crab. The film primarily…

7.0

7.4

High Note

1960 • 7 min

The sheet music for Johann Strauss' "The Blue Danube" is made up of musical symbols. A conductor, wielding a baton, attempts to lead the notes in performing the piece, but discovers that one of them has become intoxicated.

6.9

7.4

The Time Machine

1960 • 103 min • Budget $750K • Box office $5K

Thriller, Adventure, Fantasy

A Victorian Englishman is mysteriously transported to a far-future world and finds humanity has split into two distinct species. He becomes caught in the conflict between them, each with its own culture. The film blends adventure, social commentary, and science…

7.3

7.5

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Seven Thieves

1960 • 102 min

Crime, Thriller

A disgraced former professor joins forces with a skilled thief for one last, daring heist: robbing the heavily protected vault at Monte Carlo's casino. They gather a talented team and meticulously plan their operation, navigating the world of wealth and…

6.5

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The Last Voyage

1960 • 91 min

Thriller, Drama, Action

After thirty-eight years of service, the aging S.S. Claridon is on its last five voyages. But an unexpected explosion in the boiler room threatens these farewell journeys. Captain Robert Adams struggles to leave the ship as the crew fights to…

6.2

6.7

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Pepe

1960 • 180 min

Comedy, Music

In 1930s Hollywood, a comedic adventure unfolds as Pepe, a Mexican ranch hand portrayed by Mario "Cantinflas" Moreno, travels to Los Angeles to reclaim his prized white stallion. The horse was mistakenly bought by a director in a drunken state…

6.3

5.5

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Munro

1961 • 9 min

In 2004, the Academy Film Archive preserved footage of a four-year-old boy who was drafted into the army.

5.8

6.8

The Entertainer

1960 • 104 min

Drama

Archie Rice is a once-popular British entertainer fighting to stay relevant as new forms of entertainment emerge. With vaudeville fading and audiences shrinking, Archie desperately tries to remain important, offering a touching look at an aging performer holding onto past…

6.2

7.1

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Inherit the Wind

1960 • 128 min

When schoolteacher Bertram Cates is arrested for teaching Darwin's theory of evolution to his students, the case becomes a national sensation. E.K. Hornbeck, a newspaper reporter, arranges for Henry Drummond, a famous atheist and defense attorney, to take on Cates's…

7.7

8.1

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+13

Day of the Painter

1960 • 15 min

"Day of the Painter" is a 1960 American short film directed by Robert P. Davis. This satirical work follows a typical day in the life of an abstract artist who uses a "drip and splatter" technique, from the start to…

7.0

6.9

A Sport Is Born

1960 • 12 min

"A Sport Is Born," a 1960 documentary short by Richard Winik, chronicles the emergence of parachuting at an airport in Orange, Massachusetts. The film features instruction sessions with students, highlighting the basics of the sport, and showcases jumps performed by…

6.0

No poster

A Place in the Sun

1960 • 6 min

This Oscar-nominated animated short from Czechoslovakia (1960) tells the story of two characters who struggle for possession of a small, sunny patch of beach.

5.6

6.5

Giuseppina

1960 • 32 min

An Oscar-winning short film follows a young girl as she watches the diverse and unusual people who visit her father's roadside gas station in the countryside.

7.2

6.9

The Ninth Circle

1960 • 107 min

To protect his friend's 17-year-old Jewish daughter from the Ustashas, a Croatian family arranges a marriage between her and their son, Ivo.

6.7

7.5

Beyond Silence

1960 • 16 min

This Oscar-nominated film explores Gallaudet University in Washington D.C. As it approaches its 100th anniversary, remaining the sole higher education institution for the deaf and profoundly deaf.

7.0

6.3