Old Hollywood Movies for Halloween

Julia Forest

Copy Editor

If you have no interest in horror movies that keep you up at night but still want to watch films that put you in the Halloween mood, then old Hollywood is the place to go! Some of these are comedies and some are psychological thrillers, but none of these will have you bracing for a jump scare or looking away in terror from the screen.

“I Married a Witch” (1942)

The spirits of a sorcerer and his witch daughter, Jennifer, are released after 270 years of being trapped in a tree. They immediately seek revenge on Wallace Wooley, whose family burnt them at the stake centuries before for witchcraft, but instead, Jennifer and Wallace fall in love. Chaos ensues as the impact of witchcraft affects everyone’s relationships and norms. With its witty script and 1942 “special effects”, this movie is incredibly silly and adorable. Fredric March and Veronica Lake are great together, and there are plenty of slapstick and screwball comedy moments that will make you laugh out loud. If you like this movie, then you’ll probably enjoy “Blithe Spirit,” “The Ghost and Mrs. Muir,” “Arsenic and Old Lace,” and “The Thin Man” series.

“Double Indemnity” (1944)

Who knew that an anklet could lead to so many problems? One of the best unintentionally funny moments in cinema is Barbara Stanwyck trying to look discreet in a blonde wig and huge sunglasses in a store. But seriously, “Double Indemnity” is a fantastic film and a classic example of film noir. The plot follows Walter Neff and Phyllis Dietrichson as they try to get away with the murder of Phyllis’ husband. If you enjoy this film, try looking into more film noir movies, such as “Sunset Boulevard,” “The Maltese Falcon,” “Laura,” “Mildred Pierce,” “Dark Passage,” “Leave Her to Heaven” (this one’s in color!), and so many more! Stanwyck’s filmography is also worth checking out.

“Rebecca” (1940)

It wouldn’t be right if the “Master of Suspense,” Alfred Hitchcock, wasn’t included. Although all of his films are worth watching, especially during this time of the year, “Rebecca” is an excellent and haunting movie. Maxim de Winter remarries a young woman, who is never named, after the death of his first wife, Rebecca. Mrs. Danvers, who is Maxim de Winter’s housekeeper, makes it extremely difficult for the new Mrs. de Winter to escape the shadow of Rebecca. Even though Rebecca is dead, her memory continues to haunt the de Winter household. This film is full of drama and the ending will leave you in shock. If you’re looking for more films similar to “Rebecca,” look into “Portrait of Jennie,” “Gaslight,” (the modern day term comes from that movie!) and, of course, you can’t go wrong with more Hitchcock films!

“The Innocents” (1961)

“The Innocents” is a little more modern and definitely creepier compared to the other films that are featured here, but it’s a classic horror movie. Miss Giddens, played by Deborah Kerr, is a new governess to two children who are believed to be possessed. With the mix of supernatural activity within the estate increasing, the children’s behavior becoming more disturbing, and Miss Giddens losing her sanity at a rapid rate, this film will make you feel anxious, but hopefully it won’t give you nightmares! As the old popular media outlets liked to say, “Deborah Kerr rhymes with star” and this performance is no exception. If you enjoy this film, then you’ll like “The Haunting” and “The Night of the Hunter,” which is also totally worth watching if you love to study cinematography!

These recommendations barely scratch the surface of what old Hollywood has to offer. “The Bride of Frankenstein” and “Dracula” are also old Hollywood Halloween classics. Don’t let the age of starlets, glamor, and over the top musical numbers fool you! Those same studios knew how to create suspenseful, gothic, and even hilarious dark, but tame, movies that continue to be entertaining today.