1963, what a year! Pt3 Notable films

 

There were some big movies released in 1963 as well, some that are still being watched today, being restored and re-released on 4k, that surely speaks of the longevity.

What was once a staple Christmas movie The Great Escape is, and will always be a classic, the based on the "true story" of a group of Allied POWs who attempt to escape from a German escape proof prison camp. They pulled together a fantastic cast for this movie with the lead going to the as ever uber cool Steve McQueen but more than ably supported by James Garner, Richard Attenborough, Charles Bronson, James Coburn, James Donald and of course a wonderful performance by Donald Pleasence. 

The name's Bond, James Bond, '63 saw the release of From Russia with Love Sean Connery's second outing as the suave secret agent with a licence to kill but this time he's been targeted by S.P.E.C.T.R.E. and they intend to use Robert Shaw to do the job! Grant's (Robert Shaw) backstory is really quite interesting in the Flemings original novel, here's the audiobook.

Cleopatra has rightly been called an epic, in more ways than one, originally running at just over 4 hours and the first of 11 outings for the original Hollywood power couple, Elizebeth Taylor and Richard Burton it is beyond epic, and I must admit that it's not really for me, sorry!

The Sword in the Stone is almost the forgotten Disney classic, never seems to get the love it deserves, perhaps there's not enough princesses involved! The wizard duel scene has got to rate as one of the greatest ever produced by the studio, and you can't forget the squirrels!

I'm going to finish off this section with what I consider one of the wackiest, funniest and outright silliest movies ever made, it's a joy to watch and stars some of the biggest names of the time (not going to list them, just follow the link!). It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World is a road movie, a chase movie, a treasure hunt and overall slapstick comedy that is timed to perfection, it's the sort of movie you never want to end, except perhaps to save your ribs that have been tickled so much!