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1. Black Sunday (a.k.a. "The Mask of Satan") (1960)
Barbara Steele was FINE. "Bride of the Devil" or no, she was FINE.
The Premise: Two travelers wake a slumbering vampire on their way through scenic Moldavia.
Overall: Another horror classic from Mario Bava. This movie has more atmosphere than most horror movies today, and could easily serve as a template for how to make a great scary film with a limited number of sets, costumes and other resources. The Italians, at the height of their powers, contributed a lot to the genre.
Fun Fact: This movie was Bava's directorial debut. It was in many ways a direct response to Hammer Films' 1958 movie Dracula, though I think Black Sunday is the better film of the two.
2. John and Mary (1969)
Ah, the late 60s. So many battle of the sexes-type movies.
The Premise: A man and a woman come to terms after a one night stand.
Overall: The voiceovers were completely unnecessary, but Dustin Hoffman and Mia Farrow are great together. A little too much like a play for my taste, but charming regardless.
Peter Yates, it should be said, not only directed 1968's Bullitt but also went on to direct several notable movies during the 70s. The Friends of Eddie Coyle, Mother, Juggs & Speed, The Deep and Breaking Away are all worth a look.
3. The Flight That Disappeared (1961)
The Premise: Three passengers aboard a plane are confronted with the consequences of future decisions.
Overall: A very schlocky attempt at science fiction that doesn't make much sense.
4. Boom! (1968)
The Premise: Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor chew their way through a Tennessee Williams play, this particular Tennessee Williams play being about a rich, reclusive woman living on an island.
Overall: I'm guessing a lot of alcohol (and a lot of whatever else was available) was consumed by both stars in the course of filming. It's weird enough to be interesting, but to call this film a vanity project would be an understatement.
Fun Fact: John Waters is a big fan of this movie. Makes sense to me!
5. The Fast Lady (1962)
Speaking of Elizabeth Taylor, Julie Christie was among the crop of newer, younger actresses that eclipsed Taylor as the 60s wore on. In my opinion she never appeared in anything half as interesting as Taylor's better movies, but she was very beautiful and the public is always fickle.
The Premise: A young Scotsman tries to impress a girl by buying a Bentley he's unable to drive.
Overall: It's not a movie you're likely to remember, and its zany brand of humor hasn't aged well, but it passes by pleasantly enough.
6. Thunder Alley (1967)
"Track tramps!" They're a problem!
And is it fair to call Fabian "Elvis Lite?" I could be wrong, but I feel like just a few years earlier Elvis would have starred in this movie. Same look, same breezy charm. The script would have been a little risqué for The King, but of course The Colonel could have demanded rewrites.
The Premise: A NASCAR driver accused of recklessness finds redemption in the stock car circuit.
Overall: Annette Funicello is super cute, and Fabian is an engaging lead. The surprising thing about this movie (if you'll excuse the pun) is how racy some of the scenes are. That party seems to be headed toward orgy town, and some of interactions between male and female characters were definitely pushing boundaries.
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