Best Picture for 1956

 

What can one say about the year, 1956, when it comes to the big winner..one of the worst winners won most of the awards. Many do agree that this was one of the worst to win and, without further adieu, here is the list of 3, the one that won, the one that should have won and the one that was nominated.

1. AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

This was a Mike Todd Production starring David Niven, as Phileus Fogg who wagers a bet tht he can circumnavigate the world in 80 days. Along with his trusty valet, Catinflas, and, later, Shirley MacLaine  as a rescued princess, who encounter all sorts of roadblocks along with many film cameos from Frank Sinatra to Marlene Dietrich, as they try to get back to the club before the 80 days gone bye bye. I love David Niven but this is one slog of a picture. In fact, every time I sit to watch this movie, I flake right out. I consider this the 2nd worst best picture ( the first is The Greatest Show On Earth) winner in Academy history. Zzzzzz

2. THE SEARCHERS

This is a great film, directed by John Ford, which stars John Wayne, who deserved the Oscar for this role, as Ethan, a man who visits his brother and his family. Soon after, while Wayne is gone, his brother’s home is raided by the Comanches headed by Scar. Wayne finds his brother and nephew dead as well as his brother’s wife, the woman he loved. The 2 girls have been taken so Wayne, along with the adopted son of his brother,  start a 5 year search for the girls. The older girl is found, dead, but the little girl is alive so they trek onwards hoping g to find her. The adopted brother wants to  rescue her but you don’t know if Ethan wants to rescue her or kill her since his hatred of  Indians is well known. This has a great story, well rounded characters, beautiful cinematography and excellent acting. This should have won the best picture, best actor( I mentioned that before), director and cinematography. Such a shame this film was so overlooked.

3. THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 

Yes, this epic string Charlton Heston as Moses who is woofed at by Anne Baxter who, in turn, is woofed at by Yul Brynner. Moses is making great strides creating a city making sure the downtrodden get every Sunday off and eat much better by going after the grain in The Priests’ possession. Moses finds out he is Hebrew and sent adrift into the desert. He doesn’t die but is found by a tribe which includes the chief’s 7 daughters. He takes Yvonne DeCarlo as his wife before venturing back to his home. He ends up in Battles with Yul  and, after the Angel of Death visits, his people are let go.  These bastards are not appreciating their freedom because they get into an uproar headed by Edward G. Robinson, ready to throw Moses to the wolves before being shown how the sea is separated allowing them to escape Yul’s clutches. Does that work? Nope! While Moses is receiving the 10 Commandments, the nut jobs are having a grand orgy worshipping a golden calf. This is a famous flick that we see each year around Easter and wouldn’t be the same without this movie.

Just so you know, the other films nominated that year were, “Friendly Persuasion”, “Giant”, and “The King and I”. 

Do you agree with this or would you choose another film? Let me know.