Busch Annapolis Library Fall 2024 Classic Film Series: Some Not-So-Conventional Films of the‘50s

We tend to think of the 1950s as a decade defined by stifling conformity, bland entertainments, a focus on strong gender roles and social expectations, and a decade when most Americans trusted their government and mass media. Yet some of the period’s best films gave another view—and opened the door to the more provocative, anti-establishment films to follow in the 1960s. Each film is introduced by area cinephile Ann Glenn with info about the film’s production, director, actors and followed by a Q&A session.

Rebel Without a Cause (1955) Monday, October 7, 5pm

It’s been argued this hit film introduced the concept of the “generation gap” to the movies. Although the phrase wouldn’t become common until the 1960s, this portrayal of disaffected, middle-class teens in southern California, rebelling against what they perceive as the compromises and hypocrisies of their parents, buried forever Hollywood’s “Andy Hardy” stereotype. 1 hr. 51 mins., PG-13.