1950-1959

Staggeringly good drama, with top performance from Brando, and cinematographer (Boris Kaufman) and director (Elia Kazan)

An influential film, at least technically, with a narrative gimmick that no longer surprises. Was it worth it? ('Rashomon' refers to the city gate under which three characters share the tale of an alleged rape and murder.)

The Seventh Seal in the Book of Revelations marks the approach of the Day of Judgement. For a film about such a gloomy prospect, there is a surprising note of optimism.

Bogart's most psychologically ambiguous role as a down-on-his-luck screenwriter suspected of murdering the girl who has read the book he's going to use to revive his fortunes. Until he meets Gloria Grahame!