Here are my favorite Natalie Wood films in no particular order.
LOVE WITH THE PROPER STRANGER (1963) A mix of comedy and drama with Natalie as a young woman who considers an abortion after becoming pregnant by an irresponsible jazz musician, played by Steve McQueen. One of Natalie's trademark films from the 60's.
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947) Of course this holiday classic was gonna be on my list. How could it not. Natalie as the young girl who believes that a department store Santa is the real Santa. A classic.
THE GREAT RACE (1965) Epic comedy in the style of It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World with Natalie teaming up with Tony Curtis to win the auto race to end all auto races. They have to match wits with the nefarious Professor Fate, played by Jack Lemmon. Funny as can be.
THE SEARCHERS (1956) Terrific western with Natalie as John Wayne's niece Debbie being abducted by Indians. Natalie doesn't get too many talking scenes but this is one of the best films she ever appeared in.
THIS PROPERTY IS CONDEMNED (1965) Pairing with golden boy Robert Redford for this drama with Natalie playing the town flirt who falls in love with Redford's character.
REBEL WITHOUT A CAUSE (1955) Of course this is more notable for James Dean, but Natalie is there too and does quite a good job.
SEX AND THE SINGLE GIRL (1964) This was the first movie that Natalie and Tony Curtis made and it's a typical 60's romantic comedy that works mainly because of Natalie and Tony make such a great team.
BOB & CAROL & TED & ALICE (1969) Another 60's sex comedy that was one of the first R-rated films to come out. And it's a very funny film. And I must also add that Natalie is a knock-out.
INSIDE DAISY CLOVER (1965) Another solid film with Natalie as a tomboy dreaming of stardom in Hollywood of the 1930's. A great performance by Natalie.
GYPSY (1962) Powerhouse acting from Natalie as Gypsy Rose Lee, the stage actress who battles with her mother (played by Rosalind Russell). Sit back and enjoy the fireworks.
So there you have it, ten of my favorite Natalie Wood films. Many of you may ask where is West Side Story. And I must say that I'm not a fan of that movie. I did think Rita Moreno was awesome in it, but that's about it.
Ha! I love GYPSY!! - But I think there could have been much more burlesque scenes! ;")
ReplyDeleteMonty, My favorite movies from your Natalie's list of films are:
ReplyDeleteLOVE WITH THE PROPER STRANGER (1963)
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1947)
THE SEARCHERS (1956)
I love natalie wood and all her films but am also a fan of the old classics starring the truly great actresses such as Bette davies and joan crawford, etc....
ReplyDelete