The history of the OSCARS - Best Picture Winners part I

So...82 years and 82 films have been bestowed the honour of being named the best motion picture for their given year. Some deserved and some undeserved. I began hoping to write an individual review for every film but have somewhat failed in this intention. So, here is a miniature and more digestible version. Enjoy, agree, disagree and debate - Here is 1928-1949

1928 – Wings (**)

Impressive for its photography at the time but the film really does feel tedious now. At well over 2 hours the film outstays its welcome.

What should have won?

Wings – Because I haven’t seen any of the other nominees.

1929 – The Broadway Melody (***)

Some impressive theatrical numbers and choreography but hindered by a relatively weak story. A little forgettable now unfortunately.

What should have won?

The Broadway Melody - Because I haven’t seen any of the other nominees.

1930 – All Quiet on the Western Front (*****)

A true masterpiece. War told from the point of view from the enemy (the Germans). Emotional, violent and very intelligent. Way ahead of its time.

What should have won?

All Quiet on the Western Front – It would have taken a lot to beat it.

1931 – Cimarron (***)

A hit and miss Western with a strong central character. The story goes a little wayward at times but Richard Dix’s Yancey Cravat manages to keep it entertaining.

What should have won?

Cimarron – Again, the only nominee I’ve seen.

1932 – Grand Hotel (***)

Exciting to see so many stars in one place but couldn’t hold a candle to other ensemble single setting films of the decade such as Renoir’s Le Regle du Jeu.

What should have won?

Grand Hotel – The achievement of gathering so many stars in one film must have been pure lightening in its day.

1933 - Cavalcade (***)

A quiet film of progression that is a little too mild mannered for its own good.

What should have won?

Cavalcade – It is the only nominee I have seen but other nominees included the acclaimed I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang and The Private Life of Henry VIII.

1934 – It Happened One Night (*****)

Film doesn’t get much more enjoyable and joyful as this. Clark Gable is incredible and so many hallmarks for romantic comedies for years to come are sewn here.

What should have won?

It Happened One Night – Although not epic or grand the film is impressive on so many other levels.

1935 – Mutiny on the Bounty (****)

Another Gable starring film, a messy first act gives way to an exciting tale of mutiny at sea.

What should have won?

Mutiny on the Bounty – A fine film indeed.

1936 – The Great Ziegfeld (***)

Too long and indulgent but still an impressive biopic of theatre maestro Florenz Ziegfeld.

What should have won?

Dodsworth – A quietly impressive and perfectly mannered film starring Walter Huston.

1937 – The Life of Emile Zola (****)

Paul Muni is excellent as political writer Emile Zola in this passionate and challenging film.

What should have won?

The Life of Emile Zola – An excellent decision.

1938 – You Can’t Take It With You (****)

Frank Capra’s film is pure joy with excellent performances from Jean Arthur James Stewart and particularly, Lionel Barrymore.

What should have won?

Grand Illusion – As good as You Can't Take It With You is, it doesn’t match the excitement and craftsmanship of Jean Renoir’s incredible Grand Illusion.

1939 – Gone With The Wind (*****)

Truly breathtaking. The scope and ambition is matched by the lavish and detailed production and filled with laughs, emotion and lines to die for.

What should have won?

Gone with the Wind – One of if not thee strongest year in OSCAR history. Wind beat Goodbye Mr. Chips, Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, Ninotchka, Stagecoach, Wuthering Heights and The Wizard of Oz. But in my opinion, justifiably so.

1940 – Rebecca (****)

Dark, moody and thrilling. One of Hitchcock’s best.

What should have won?

The Grapes of Wrath – Henry Fonda is the soul at the heart of John Ford’s masterpiece. Moving and powerful and the artistry of Hitchcock’s film is certainly match here too.

1941 – How Green Was My Valley (****)

Ford’s film won out here for the very good Welsh set drama How Green Was My Valley. A communal film that feels authentic and cared for.

What should have won?

Citizen Kane – Hindsight can be a great tool. Welles’ film was not only groundbreaking technically but emotional, moving and perfectly crafted.

1942 – Mrs. Miniver (*****)

Apparently Winston Churchill said ‘this film had done more for the war effort than a flotilla of destroyers.’ And it’s not hard to see why. Yes it is patriotic and laced with propaganda but that does not take anything away from the gut punch of emotion the film delivers.

What should have won?

Mrs. Miniver – Even with The Magnificent Ambersons and Yankee Doodle Dandy in the nominees, this film stands above them in achievement.

1943 - Casablanca (*****)

A masterpiece through and through in every aspect.

What deserved to win?

Casablanca – There aren’t many better films in history never mind fellow nominees.

1944 – Going My Way (****)

Leo McCarey’s charming and winning film features a lovely central turn from Bing Crosby. Easy going and sure to put a smile on even the sternest face.

What should have won?

Double Indemnity – Despite the joy of Going My Way the excitement and intrigue of Billy Wilder’s noir would have tipped my vote.

1945 – The Lost Weekend (*****)

Billy Wilder again. A truly horrific drama about the affects of alcoholism. Ray Milland is truly breathtaking in the lead role. This is a dirty and dangerous film in a time when that wasn’t allowed. Remarkable.

What should have won?

The Lost Weekend – For every reason I have pointed out. A brave decision.

1946 – The Best Years of our Lives (*****)

A complex and respectful film on the psychology and affects of war on a group of veterans. The wonderful characters lead us through an engaging and thoughtful film.

What should have won?

It’s A Wonderful Life – Despite every positive I bestow on The Best Years of our Lives, the achievements of It’s A Wonderful are unprecedented. I couldn’t name another film that has brought more tears to my eyes. A beautiful film.

1947 – A Gentleman’s Agreement (****)

Gregory Peck is fantastic in this eye opening and moving film on bigotry and hatred and Elia Kazan matches the emotion with great technical assurance.

What should have won?

Great Expectations – David Lean’s film is the finest adaptation of Dickens’ masterpiece. Taut, exciting and exquisitely produced.

1948 - Hamlet (***)

I struggle to overlook the problems I have with Shakespeare’s play and the ego of star/director Laurence Olivier. The film is still very entertaining and looks brilliant. But I was still left somewhat unsatisfied.

What should have won?

The Treasure of the Sierra Madre – John Huston’s twisted and hypnotic film of obsession and madness is a huge undertaking and one that will leave you flawed.

1949 – All the King’s Men (****)

Broderick Crawford’s towering central performance is just the tip of the iceberg in this detailed film of power and corruption.

What should have won?

All the King's Men – Intelligent and hugely debatable whilst remaining entertaining. A hard feat to achieve.