As the 1940s faded into history, Hollywood found itself under siege—from the courts, from television, from political paranoia, and from artists who refused to play by the old rules. A landmark 1948 Supreme Court decision dismantled the studio system. Television lured audiences away from theaters. Independent filmmakers challenged studio power. And blacklists and boycotts cast long shadows over careers and creativity.
Out of this upheaval came one of the most fascinating decades in film history. The Hollywood of 1960 would be almost unrecognizable from the Hollywood of 1950—and the movies were never the same again.
“Hollywood and the 1950s” is a five-part, 90-minute course that dives into this thrilling period of transformation through lively lectures, group discussion, and unforgettable film clips.
Together we’ll explore:
- The electrifying arrival of nonconformist “Method” actors like Marlon Brando and James Dean
- The rise of the modern sex symbol, from Marilyn Monroe to Rock Hudson
- The explosion of new and daring genres, including film noir and 1950s science fiction
- How the slow collapse of the Production Code allowed Hollywood to tackle more provocative themes
- The uneasy, love-hate relationship between movies and the new rival medium of television
- And the seismic cultural impact of Elvis Presley, when rock ’n’ roll met the silver screen
We’ll watch and discuss clips from classics such as Rebel Without a Cause, The Wild One, The Seven-Year Itch, Giant, Roman Holiday, The Killing, The Asphalt Jungle, Imitation of Life, The Creature from the Black Lagoon, Jailhouse Rock, and many more.
Designed for curious, engaged adult film lovers, this class blends cultural history with spirited conversation. If you enjoy classic movies, behind-the-scenes stories, and understanding how Hollywood reinvented itself under pressure, join us for a dynamic and wide-ranging journey through a decade that reshaped American cinema forever.