Documentaries About Classic Hollywood
by Devinm1978 | created - 10 Apr 2020 | updated - 3 days ago | PublicAll about old Hollywood - the films, studios, performers, writers, artists, technicians, craftsmen, directors, and executives.
There is also lots of wonderful content made by YouTube creators on that platform, but since virtually none of these have IMDb.com entries, they do not appear below. Here are a few individual documentaries that I highly recommend (the channels themselves are great too - check out their content while you're there):
* DeMille Is Hollywood by Cecil B. DeMille Film Series
* Fave Film Fashion: Now, Voyager by The Ultimate Fashion History
* Gail Russell, The Uninvited, and the Creation of the Modern Haunted House on Film by Cinema Cities
* The History of Silent Serial Queens by Miriam's Vintage Classics
* The Short Career and Long Life of Luise Rainer by Fritz and the Oscars
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1. Acting for Douglas Sirk: 'Written on the Wind' and 'The Tarnished Angels' Remembered (2008 Video)
22 min | Documentary, Short
The stars and director of 'Written on the Wind' and 'The Tarnished Angels' talk about director Douglas Sirk's techniques.
Directors: Robert Fischer, Eckhart Schmidt | Stars: Rock Hudson, Robert Stack, Dorothy Malone, Douglas Sirk
Votes: 17
2. Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (2002 TV Movie)
89 min | Documentary
This documentary on the history of short subjects was first shown on the Turner Classic Movies (TCM) cable network. It surveys the genre from the beginning of the movies in the 1890's, when... See full summary »
Director: John Griffin | Stars: Chevy Chase, Kenneth Anger, Richard L. Bare, Nat Benchley
Votes: 74
3. The Adventures of Errol Flynn (2005 TV Movie)
90 min | Documentary
A documentary about the life of Errol Flynn, with recollections from friends and family.
Director: David Heeley | Stars: Ian Holm, Errol Flynn, Charles Chauvel, Patrice Wymore
Votes: 421
4. The Adventures of Robin Hood: Robin Hood Through the Ages (2003 Video)
7 min | Documentary, Short
Short on the portrayal of Robin Hood as found in the cinema.
Stars: Rudy Behlmer, Douglas Fairbanks
5. The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones Documentaries (2007–2008)
Documentary, History
A series of documentaries covering a wealth of historical epochs touched upon in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (1992).
Stars: Danny Shorago, H.W. Brands, Michael Neiberg, David Silbey
Votes: 81
episodes about classic Hollywood-era personalities: Ben Hecht: Shakespeare of Hollywood (2008) Erich Von Stroheim: The Profligate Genius (2008) Irving Thalberg: Hollywood's Boy Wonder (2008) Paul Robeson: Scandalize My Name (2008) The Rise of the Moguls: The Men Who Built Hollywood (2008) The World of John Ford (2008)
6. Affairs to Remember: Cary Grant (2008 Video)
Documentary, Short
Director: Lisa Van Eyssen | Star: Cary Grant
Votes: 10
7. Affairs to Remember: Deborah Kerr (2008 Video)
Documentary, Short
Deborah Kerr's husband Peter Viertel expresses his gratitude for their "affair" that turned into four decades of a very happy marriage.
Director: John Cork
Votes: 10
8. AFI Life Achievement Award (1973– )
Documentary
The Award is the highest honor for a career in film and celebrates an individual whose career has greatly contributed to the enrichment of American culture.
Stars: Carole Bayer Sager, George Stevens Jr., Jack Nicholson, Gregory Peck
Votes: 50
9. AFI's 100 Years... 100 Stars: America's Greatest Screen Legends (1999 TV Special)
135 min | Documentary
The spectacular CBS special! Shirley Temple Black hosts the festivities as 50 of today's top stars count down the 50 greatest screen legends of all time. Features Clint Eastwood, Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine, Kevin Spacey and many others.
Directors: Gary Smith, Dann Netter | Stars: Shirley Temple, Kevin Bacon, Alec Baldwin, Drew Barrymore
Votes: 525
10. The Age of Ballyhoo (1973 Video)
Not Rated | 45 min | Documentary
A documentary about the film industry, narrated by 'Gloria Swanson', in the period between World War I and World War II. Included are clips from a variety of films of that period.
Director: David Shepard | Stars: Gloria Swanson, Clara Bow, Calvin Coolidge, Grace Coolidge
Votes: 30
11. The Age of Believing: The Disney Live Action Classics (2008 TV Movie)
TV-PG | 80 min | Documentary
Along with his legendary cartoons, Walt Disney produced a marvelous array of live action classics that came about through the use of his singular style, hard work and an unwavering belief in this vision.
Director: Peter Fitzgerald | Stars: Angela Lansbury, Kurt Russell, Walt Disney, Dick Van Dyke
Votes: 114
12. The Hollywood Collection: Alan Ladd: The True Quiet Man (1999 TV Movie)
58 min | Documentary, Biography
In the 1942 This Gun For Hire, he was only a supporting actor. But his portrayal of a cold, ruthless killer with a core of gentle sadness had an impact on audiences everywhere. Teamed with ... See full summary »
Director: Gene Feldman | Stars: Sue Carol, Anthony Caruso, Jeff Corey, Edward Dmytryk
Votes: 40
13. Alfred Hitchcock: The Ultimate Spymaster (2008 Video)
13 min | Documentary, Short
Director: John Cork | Stars: Rudy Behlmer, Ingrid Bergman, Peter Bogdanovich, John Cork
Votes: 20
14. Alfred Hitchcock's Lifeboat: The Theater of War (2005 Video)
20 min | Documentary, Short
'Making of' featurette about director Alfred Hitchcock masterpiece classic Lifeboat (1944). Narrated by the director's daughter and granddaughter, a Hitchcock scholar and a John Steinbeck specialist.
Director: Peter Ventrella | Stars: Patricia Hitchcock, Mary Stone, Drew Casper, Robert DeMott
Votes: 65
15. Alice Faye: A Life Off Screen (2007 Video)
19 min | Documentary, Short
Directors: John Cork, Lisa Van Eyssen | Stars: Roy Bishop, Jane Lenz Elder, Alice Harris, Phyllis Harris
Votes: 13
16. Aliens, Dragons, Monsters and Me (1983)
60 min | Documentary
Documentary about the life and work of Ray Harryhausen.
Director: Richard Jones | Stars: Forrest J. Ackerman, Eric Boardman, Ray Bradbury, Ray Harryhausen
Votes: 24
17. All About Bette (1994 TV Movie)
48 min | Documentary, Biography
Jodie Foster narrates a profile of actress Bette Davis.
Director: Susan F. Walker | Stars: Jodie Foster, Bette Davis
Votes: 463
18. All About Mankiewicz (1983)
103 min | Documentary
Joseph L. Mankiewicz discusses his career in a feature-length interview recorded at his New England home and the 1983 Berlin Film Festival.
Director: Luc Béraud | Stars: Michel Ciment, Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Votes: 40
19. All About 'the Birds' (2000 Video)
80 min | Documentary
A wonderfully informative 80-minute documentary combining current interviews with archival materials and scenes from the film. Hitchcock's daughter Pat, production designer Robert Boyle, ... See full summary »
Director: Laurent Bouzereau | Stars: Alfred Hitchcock, Patricia Hitchcock, Robert F. Boyle, Evan Hunter
Votes: 354
20. Amazing! Exploring the Far Reaches of Forbidden Planet (2006 Video)
27 min | Documentary, Short
A documentary about the making of, and legacy of, the Forbidden Planet movie.
Stars: Dennis Muren, Joe Dante, Leslie Nielsen, Alan Dean Foster
Votes: 93
21. The Amazing Road to 'Move Over, Darling' (2007 Video)
10 min | Documentary, Short
Director: John Cork | Stars: Drew Casper, Sarah Churchwell, Marion Shaw
Votes: 9
22. Amazing Worlds of Science Fiction and Fantasy (1991 Video)
75 min | History
Join "Mr. Science Fiction", Forrest J. Ackerman, on a star-studded romp through 75 years of classic sci-fi and fantasy film magic.
Director: Ray Ferry | Stars: Forrest J. Ackerman, John Agar, Rick Baker, Ray Bradbury
Votes: 13
23. America at the Movies (1976)
PG | 116 min | Documentary
A compilation of scenes from 83 films, divided into 5 segments: The Land, The Cities, The Families, The Wars, The Spirit.
Director: George Stevens Jr. | Stars: Woody Allen, Alan Arkin, Martin Balsam, Anne Bancroft
Votes: 176
24.
America in Color (2017– )
Episode:
Hollywood's Golden Age
(2018)
TV-PG | 48 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The movie industry was born in West Orange, NJ in 1893 by Thomas Edison. Within thirty years, Hollywood grew into America's fourth largest, and by far most glamorous, industry. Revisit the ... See full summary »
Stars: Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle, Desi Arnaz, Lucille Ball, Max Beesley
Votes: 25
25. American Cinema (1995–1996)
55 min | Documentary
The history of Hollywood and filmmaking comes alive in this spectacular nine hour celebration of movie magic.
Stars: John Lithgow, Matthew Modine, Kathleen Turner, Cliff Robertson
Votes: 274
26. American Experience (1987– )
TV-PG | 120 min | Documentary, Biography, History
A series showcasing documentaries on American history.
Stars: David McCullough, David Ogden Stiers, Michael Murphy, Oliver Platt
Votes: 2,206
episodes about classic Hollywood-era personalities and events: The Battle Over Citizen Kane (1996) Mary Pickford (2005) Midnight Ramble (1994) Walt Disney - Part 1 (2015) Walt Disney - Part 2 (2015)
27. American Masters (1985– )
TV-14 | 90 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Documentary series focusing on great American artists and personalities.
Stars: Martin Scorsese, Peter Bogdanovich, Tony Bennett, Dick Cavett
Votes: 1,173
episodes about classic Hollywood-era personalities: Billy Wilder: The Human Comedy (1998) Bing Crosby Rediscovered (2014) Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2018) Cary Grant: A Class Apart (2004) A Conversation with Gregory Peck (1999) D.W. Griffith: Father of Film (1993) Dalton Trumbo: Trumbo (2009) Danny Kaye: A Legacy of Laughter (1996) Directed by William Wyler (1986) Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer (2002) George Cukor: On Cukor (2000) George Stevens: A Filmmaker's Journey (2005) Goldwyn: The Man and His Movies (2001) Harold Lloyd: The Third Genius (1989) Hitchcock, Selznick and the End of Hollywood (1998) James Dean: Sense Memories (2005) John Ford/John Wayne: The Filmmaker and the Legend (2006) Judy Garland: By Myself (2004) A Letter to Elia (2010) Lillian Gish: The Actor's Life for Me (1988) Lon Chaney: A Thousand Faces (2002) Mae West: Dirty Blonde (2020) Marilyn Monroe: Still Life (2006) Preston Sturges: The Rise and Fall of an American Dreamer (1990) Sidney Poitier: One Bright Light (2000) This Is Bob Hope... (2017) You Must Remember This: The Warner Bros. Story - Part 1 (2008)
28. The American West of John Ford (1971 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 52 min | Documentary, Biography, Western
The Western films of iconic director John Ford are fondly remembered by stars James Stewart, Henry Fonda, and John Wayne, with whom he shoots a scene in Monument Valley.
Director: Denis Sanders | Stars: John Ford, John Wayne, James Stewart, Henry Fonda
Votes: 292
29. And the Oscar Goes to... (2014 TV Movie)
87 min | Documentary, History
The history of the Academy Awards.
Directors: Rob Epstein, Jeffrey Friedman | Stars: Anjelica Huston, Billy Crystal, Tom Hanks, Cher
Votes: 1,525
30. Angels with Dirty Faces: Whaddya Hear? Whaddya Say? (2005 Video)
22 min | Documentary, Short
Documentary covering the Warner Bros. James Cagney /Pat O'Brien classic Angels with Dirty Faces (1938), hosted by film historian Rudy Behlmer.
Directors: Karen Hillhouse, John Rust | Stars: Lincoln Hurst, Rudy Behlmer, Drew Casper, Mark Vieira
Votes: 89
31. Anna May Wong, Frosted Yellow Willows: Her Life, Times and Legend (2007)
50 min | Documentary, Biography
Director: Elaine Mae Woo | Stars: Philip Ahn, Kevin Brownlow, Charles Chaplin, Conrad Doerr
Votes: 21
32. The Hollywood Collection: Anthony Quinn an Original (1990 TV Movie)
60 min | Documentary, Biography
Born in Mexico, he became the main family provider when his father died in an accident. So began the story of a man who had a "thousand jobs" before acting in a film of Cecil B. DeMille - ... See full summary »
Directors: Gene Feldman, Suzette Winter | Stars: Anthony Quinn, Federico Fellini, Anthony Franciosa, Giancarlo Giannini
Votes: 44
33. Anthony Quinn: The Final Words (2001 Video)
Documentary, Biography
In a historical interview only a few months before his death, the harger-than-life star of Zorba the Greek seaks frankly about his memorable role, his tumultuous marriages and 13 children, ... See full summary »
Director: John Rowe | Stars: Alan Bates, Paul Hollingdale, Alex A. Quinn, Anthony Quinn
Votes: 20
34. Arena (1975– )
60 min | Documentary
Wide-ranging arts program.
Stars: Gavin Millar, Kenneth Tynan, John Walters, Jonathan Miller
Votes: 320
episodes with classic Hollywood-era personalities: Alec Guinness: A Secret Man (2003) Bette Davis: A Basically Benevolent Volcano (1983) Billy, How Did You Do It? - Part 1 (1992) Billy, How Did You Do It? - Part 2 (1992) Billy, How Did You Do It? - Part 3 (1992) Budd Schulberg - A Contender (2001) Calling Hedy Lamarr (2005) Fred Zinnemann - A Director's Life (1990) Hollywood Babylon (1991) Howard Hawks (1978) Huston's Hobby (1981) In Search of Oz (1994) Jayne Mansfield (1999) Louise Brooks (1986) Nicolas Roeg - It's About Time (2015) The Orson Welles Story: Part 1 (1982) The Orson Welles Story: Part 2 (1982) The Peter Sellers Story: As He Filmed It (2002) The Peter Sellers Story Part 1: Southsea to Shepperton (1995) The Peter Sellers Story Part 2: Jack to Jacques (1995) The Peter Sellers Story Part 3: "I Am Not a Funny Man" (1995) Screen Goddesses (2012) Shadowing the Third Man (2004)
35. The Art of Disney Animation (1988 TV Movie)
30 min | Documentary, Animation
Director: Robert Heath | Stars: John Lithgow, Glen Keane, Roy Edward Disney, Walt Disney
Votes: 16
36. Arthur and Lillie (1975)
29 min | Documentary, Short
Arthur Mayer and his wife, Lillie, look back on his long career as a movie publicist, as they lecture at colleges and find ways to continue making artistic contributions.
Directors: Jon Else, Kristine Samuelson | Stars: Arthur Mayer, Lillie Mayer
Votes: 12
37. Arthur Miller: Painter with Light (2008)
8 min | Short
Examination of his artistry as black and white cinematographer for which he garnered 3 Oscars. Particular attention is paid to both The Gunfighter and How Green Was My Valley (for which he won an Oscar) with footage from both included.
Director: Steven C. Smith | Stars: Howard A. Anderson III, Rudy Behlmer, Caleb Deschanel, William A. Fraker
38. Astaire and Rogers: Partners in Rhythm (2006 Video)
76 min | Documentary
A brief documentary looking at the much-beloved musical partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Director: Tara Tremaine | Stars: Fred Astaire, Ava Astaire-McKenzie, Richard Barrios, Pandro S. Berman
Votes: 48
39. Attack of the 50 Foot Monster Mania (1999 TV Movie)
Unrated | 56 min | Documentary, Horror
An hour of gargantuan gorillas, deadly dinosaurs, one-eyed giants & colossal beasts!
Stars: Bill Mumy, Cassandra Peterson, Forrest J. Ackerman, Ronald V. Borst
Votes: 150
40. Audrey Hepburn Remembered (1993 TV Movie)
60 min | Documentary, Biography
Audrey Hepburn was one of movies best-loved stars, blessed with beauty, talent, an elegant sophistication, and an enduring aura of youthful innocence. As Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, she... See full summary »
Directors: Gene Feldman, Suzette Winter | Stars: Roger Moore, Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire, Richard Attenborough
Votes: 199
41. Ava Gardner: Life Is Bigger Than the Movies (2017 TV Movie)
55 min | Documentary
A barefoot contessa, a screwed-up princess, an exquisite drunk, a bawdy aristocrat, a nightmare for puritanical U.S. and MGM moguls, Ava Gardner turned women green, made men sweat, and rejected with all her power the bulwark of normality.
Director: Arnaud Xainte | Stars: Nicole Calfan, Michael Garady, Ava Gardner, Mickey Rooney
Votes: 74
42. The Awful Truth: From Slapstick to Screwball (2018 Video)
24 min | Short
Critic Gary Giddins discussing the career of film director Leo McCarey and his 1937 screwball comedy 'The Awful Truth'. On Criterion Collection blu ray release of the Awful Truth.
Star: Gary Giddins
43. Baby Peggy, the Elephant in the Room (2012 Video)
58 min | Documentary, Biography, History
Documentary about an extraordinary lady, Diana Serra Cary. In the early 1920's she was one of Hollywood's first major child stars, Baby Peggy.
Director: Vera Iwerebor | Stars: Baby Peggy, Hobart Bosworth, Jack Earle, Jack Montgomery
Votes: 190
44. Back in Bed with Pillow Talk (2009 Video)
Short
Stars: Samantha Cook, Daniel M. Kimmel, Judith Roof, David Thomson
Votes: 8
45. Back to the Black Lagoon: A Creature Chronicle (2002 Video)
40 min | Documentary, Short
Hosted by film historian David J. Skal, this in-depth documentary examines the 50-year Creature phenomenon and revisits the production of the classic movie and its sequels.
Director: David J. Skal | Stars: David J. Skal, David J. Schow, Ben Chapman, Julie Adams
Votes: 203
46. Backlot USA (1976 TV Movie)
Music
Director: Dwight Hemion | Stars: Dick Cavett, Gene Kelly, Mickey Rooney, John Wayne
Votes: 21
47. Backstory (2000– )
Documentary
As seen on AMC, "Backstory" is a series that takes a provocative and in-depth look at the making of popular motion pictures. Stars, directors, producers and other Hollywood players provide ... See full summary »
Stars: Rino Romano, Rudy Behlmer, Richard D. Zanuck, Red Buttons
Votes: 178
episodes about classic Hollywood-era films: An Affair to Remember (2001) All About Eve (2000) Anastasia (2001) Bus Stop (2001) The Day the Earth Stood Still (2001) Gentleman's Agreement (2001) How Green Was My Valley (2000) Hush Hush Sweet Charlotte (2001) The Longest Day (2000) Miracle on 34th Street (2001) Peyton Place (2000) The Robe (2001) The Seven Year Itch (2000)
48. Barbara Stanwyck: Fire and Desire (1991 TV Movie)
50 min | Documentary
Sally Field hosts this thorough documentary about actress Barbara Stanwyck. Highlights include Ball of Fire (1941), Double Indemnity (1944) and Sorry, Wrong Number (1948).
Director: Richard Schickel | Stars: Sally Field, Barbara Stanwyck, Humphrey Bogart, Richard Chamberlain
Votes: 166
49. Because of the Wonderful Things It Does: The Legacy of Oz (2005 Video)
26 min | Documentary, Short
The magical influence that The Wizard of Oz (1939) had on future entertainment and continues to have on audiences, writers, collectors, and more.
Stars: Brittany Murphy, John Fricke, Drew Casper, Peter Glassman
Votes: 68
50. Becoming Attractions: The Trailers of Humphrey Bogart (1997 TV Movie)
45 min | Documentary
Robert Osbourne hosts this television special, in which many trailers for Humphrey Bogart's films are presented here to show how he established himself in Hollywood. Trailers featured are ... See full summary »
Director: Tony Barbon | Stars: Robert Osborne, Humphrey Bogart
Votes: 105
51. Becoming Attractions: The Trailers of Judy Garland (1996 TV Movie)
46 min | Documentary
Director: Tony Barbon | Stars: Robert Osborne, Judy Garland
Votes: 60
52. Becoming Attractions: The Trailers of Lana Turner (1996 TV Movie)
Documentary
Director: Tony Barbon | Star: Robert Osborne
53. Becoming Cary Grant (2017)
TV-PG | 85 min | Documentary, Biography
For the first time one of Hollywood's greatest stars tells his own story, in his own words. From a childhood of poverty to global fame, Cary Grant, the ultimate self-made star, explores his own screen image and what it took to create it.
Director: Mark Kidel | Stars: Mark Kidel, Cary Grant, Frank Sinatra, Judy Balaban
Votes: 1,123
54. Becoming John Ford (2007 Video)
93 min | Documentary
A documentary focusing on Ford's time at Fox and his relationship with Darryl F. Zanuck.
Director: Nick Redman | Stars: Rudy Behlmer, Janet Bergstrom, James D'Arc, Lem Dobbs
Votes: 103
55. Before the Fact: Suspicious Hitchcock (2004 Video)
22 min | Documentary, Short
Some of the stories behind Hitchcock's 1941 masterpiece.
Director: Laurent Bouzereau | Stars: Peter Bogdanovich, Richard Franklin, Patricia Hitchcock, Christopher Husted
Votes: 70
56. Before the Nickelodeon: The Early Cinema of Edwin S. Porter (1982)
Not Rated | 60 min | Documentary, Biography, History
This documentary is produced by one of the world's foremost authorities and biographers of Edwin S. Porter. Since little is known of Porter's personal life, the emphasis here is on his ... See full summary »
Director: Charles Musser | Stars: Blanche Sweet, Jay Leyda, Rob Issen, Robert Sklar
Votes: 136
58. Ben-Hur: The Epic That Changed Cinema (2005 Video)
57 min | Documentary
Current filmmakers such as Ridley Scott and George Lucas reflect on the importance and influence of the Film.
Director: Gary Leva | Stars: William Wyler, Bruce Crawford, Ben Burtt, Ridley Scott
Votes: 109
59. Ben-Hur: The Making of an Epic (1994 Video)
58 min | Documentary
The story behind the masterpiece.
Director: Scott Benson | Stars: Christopher Plummer, Rudy Behlmer, Gore Vidal, J.J. Cohn
Votes: 201
60. Bette Davis and William Wyler (2003 TV Movie)
26 min | Documentary
Director: Laurent Preyale | Stars: Bette Davis, William Wyler
Votes: 244
61. Bette Davis: Größer als das Leben (2017 TV Movie)
52 min | Documentary, Biography
Director: Sabine Carbon | Stars: Susan Batson, Marci Bing, Kim Carnes, Larry Cohen
Votes: 50
62. Between Two Worlds: Erich Wolfgang Korngold (2005 TV Movie)
90 min | Documentary
Director: Barrie Gavin | Stars: Rudy Behlmer, Brendan G. Carroll, Alexander Frey, Danny Gould
Votes: 6
63. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt: Making '12 Angry Men' (2008 Video)
23 min | Documentary, Short
Stars: Michael Asimow, Scott Ellis, Jami Floyd, Patricia King Hanson
Votes: 33
64. Beyond Doubt: The Making of Hitchcock's Favorite Film (2000 Video)
35 min | Documentary, Short
This is a documentary about the making of Alfred Hitchcock's Shadow of a Doubt (1943).
Director: Laurent Bouzereau | Stars: Patricia Hitchcock, Peter Bogdanovich, Teresa Wright, Hume Cronyn
Votes: 167
65. Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel (2001 TV Movie)
59 min | Documentary
Profiles the first Oscar-winning African-American performer.
Director: Madison D. Lacy | Stars: Whoopi Goldberg, Jean Arthur, Fay Bainter, Willie Best
Votes: 39
66. Billy Wilder Speaks (2006 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 71 min | Documentary
Billy Wilder discusses his life and films in interviews filmed by Volker Schlondorff over two weeks in 1988.
Directors: Gisela Grischow, Volker Schlöndorff | Stars: Jean Arthur, Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, Gary Cooper
Votes: 457
67. Billy Wilder, wie haben Sie's gemacht? (1991– )
183 min | Documentary, History
Director Billy Wilder is interviewed by German critic Hellmut Karasek and director Volker Schlöndorff about his movies.
Stars: Billy Wilder, Volker Schlöndorff, Hellmuth Karasek
Votes: 107
English title: "Billy Wilder, How Did You Do It?"
68. Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire: A Couple of Song and Dance Men (1975 TV Special)
60 min | Documentary, Music
Ava Astaire McKenzie in conversation with Ken Barnes. Memories of their past performances and lifestyle images. Provided also are some entertainment clips from the early years providing a good video biography of them both.
Stars: Bing Crosby, Fred Astaire, Harry Lillis Crosby Jr., Harry Crosby
Votes: 24
69. Bing Crosby: His Life and Legend (1978 TV Movie)
120 min | Documentary, Biography
Director: Marshall Flaum | Stars: William Holden, Fred Astaire, Frank Capra, Rosemary Clooney
Votes: 37
70. Biography (1987– )
TV-14 | 60 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The life stories of various historical figures and celebrities are told.
Stars: Jack Perkins, Peter Graves, Harry Smith, Robert J. Thompson
Votes: 2,087
episodes about classic Hollywood-era personalities: Abbott & Costello Meet Biography (1996) Alice Faye: The Star Next Door (1996) Angela Lansbury: A Balancing Act (1998) Ann Miller: I'm Still Here (2000) Anthony Perkins: A Life in the Shadows (1999) Anthony Quinn: A Lust for Life (1998) Audie Murphy: Great American Hero (1996) Audrey Hepburn: The Fairest Lady (1997) Ava Gardner: Another Touch of Venus (2004) Barbara Stanwyck: Straight Down the Line (1997) The Barrymores (2002) Bela Lugosi: Hollywood's Dark Prince (1995) Bette Davis: If Looks Could Kill (1994) Betty Grable: Behind the Pin-up (1995) Bill Robinson: Mr. Bojangles (1998) Bing Crosby: America's Crooner (1993) Bob Hope: America's Entertainer (1998) Boris Karloff: The Gentle Monster (1995) Burt Lancaster: Daring to Reach (1996) Buster Keaton: Genius in Slapshoes (1995) Carmen Miranda: The South American Way (1996) Carole Lombard: Hollywood's Profane Angel (2001) Cary Grant: Hollywood's Leading Man (1993) Cecil B. DeMille (2005) Cesar Romero: In a Class by Himself (2000) Charlie Chaplin: A Tramp's Life (1998) Charlton Heston: For All Seasons (1995) Clara Bow: Hollywood's Silent Sexpot (2002) Clark Gable: The King of Hollywood (2003) Darryl F. Zanuck: 20th Century Filmmaker (1995) Deborah Kerr: Getting to Know Her (2000) Dick Powell: Thanks a Million (2000) Don Ameche: Hollywood's Class Act (1999) Donald O'Conner: Make 'Em Laugh (2000) Donna Reed: I'll Take the Moon (1998) Doris Day: It's Magic (1998) Dorothy Dandridge: Little Girl Lost (1999) Edith Head: Design for Living (2000) Edward G. Robinson: Little Big Man (1996) Elizabeth Taylor (1993) Elizabeth Taylor -New Version (1995) Elizabeth Taylor: Facets (2003) Ernest Borgnine: Hollywood's Uncommon Character (2000) Fatty Arbuckle: Betrayed by Hollywood (1998) Frances Farmer: Paradise Lost (2000) Frank Capra: Mr. Capra Goes to America (1994) Fred MacMurray: The Guy Next Door (2016) Gene Autry: America's Singing Cowboy (1993) Gene Tierney: A Shattered Portrait (1999) Grace Kelly: Hollywood Princess (1998) Greta Garbo: The Mysterious Lady (1998) Henry Fonda: Hollywood's Quiet Hero (1997) Howard Hughes (1992) Humphrey Bogart (2003) Ida Lupino: Through the Lens (1998) Ingrid Bergman: A Passionate Life (1999) Jack Benny: Now Cut That Out! (1996) Jack Palance: From Grit to Grace (2001) James Cagney: City Boy, Country Gentleman (1992) James Dean: Outside the Lines (2002) James Garner: Hollywood Maverick (2000) Jimmy Stewart: His Wonderful Life (1997) Jane Russell: Body and Soul (1997) Jane Withers: Hollywood's Best Gal (2003) Janet Gaynor: A Star Was Born (2001) Janet Leigh (2003) Jayne Mansfield: Blonde Ambition (2004) Jean Harlow: Platinum Bombshell (1996) Jean Simmons: Picture Perfect (2001) Jennifer Jones: Portrait of a Lady (2001) Jerry Lewis: The Last American Clown (1996) Joan Crawford: Always the Star (2016) John Ford: An American Vision (1993) John Wayne: American Legend (1998) Judy Garland: Beyond the Rainbow (1997) Katharine Hepburn: On Her Own Terms (1996) Kirk Douglas: A Lust for Life (1997) Lana Turner: Hollywood's Screen Siren (2000) Lee Marvin: Hollywood's Straight Shooter (2001) Linda Darnell: Hollywood's Fallen Angel (1999) Lloyd Bridges: Lights, Camera, Action (1998) Lon Chaney: Son of a Thousand Faces (1995) Loretta Young: Hollywood's Heavenly Beauty (1998) Louis B. Mayer (2004) Mae West... And the Men Who Knew Her (2016) Marilyn Monroe: The Mortal Goddess (1996) Marlene: Inventing Dietrich (2000) Marlon Brando: The Agony of Genius (2005) Martha Raye: In Love and War (1999) Maureen O'Hara: Wild Irish Rose (2000) Mickey Rooney: Hollywood's Little Giant (1995) Mitzi Gaynor: Hollywood's Cockeyed Optimist (2001) Montgomery Clift: The Hidden Star (1998) Myrna Loy: A Class by Herself (1998) Natalie Wood: Child of Hollywood (2003) The Nicholas Brothers: Flying High (1999) Pat Boone: Born Again to Be Wild (2002) Paul Newman: Hollywood's Charming Rebel (1995) Paul Newman: Hollywood's Cool Hand (2005) Peter Lorre: The Master of Menace (1996) Rex Harrison: The Man Who Would Be King (1998) Ricardo Montalban: Pride and Passion (2003) Richard Burton: Taylor Made (2002) Richard Widmark: Strength of Characters (2000) Robert Mitchum: Poet with an Ax (2002) Robert Wagner: Hollywood's Prince Charming (1999) Rock Hudson: Acting the Part (1999) Roddy McDowall: Hollywood's Best Friend (1998) Roy Rogers: American Legend (1994) Rudolph Valentino: The Great Lover (1996) Sal Mineo: Hollywood's Forgotten Rebel (1999) Samuel Goldwyn (2004) Sandra Dee: Sophisticated Baby (2000) Shelley Winters: Full Disclosure (2001) Shirley MacLaine: This Time Around (2000) Shirley Temple: The Biggest Little Star (1996) Shirley Temple: Hollywood's Little Princess (1997) Sonja Henie: Fire on Ice (1997) Sophia Loren: Actress Italian Style (1997) Spencer Tracy: Triumph & Turmoil (1999) Stooges: The Men Behind the Mayhem (1994) Susan Hayward: The Brooklyn Bombshell (1998) Tippi Hedren: Magnificent Obsession (2004) Tony Curtis: Tony of the Movies (2001) Tyrone Power: The Last Idol (1996) Vincent Price (1993) Vincent Price: The Versatile Villain (1997) Vivien Leigh: A Delicate Balance (2000) W.C. Fields: Behind the Laughter (1994) William Holden: An Untamed Spirit (1999) Yvonne DeCarlo: Gilded Lily (2000)
71. Birth of Hollywood (2011)
60 min | Documentary, History
Paul Merton looks at the pioneers of early Hollywood and how they laid down the blueprint for the modern cinema industry.
Stars: Paul Merton, Carla Laemmle, Angela Lansbury, Will Green
Votes: 62
72. The Birth of the Tramp (2013 TV Movie)
52 min | Documentary, Biography
A look back at Charlie Chaplin's early life and career, from his rough childhood and music hall success in England to his early Hollywood days and the development of his enormously popular "Little Tramp" character.
Directors: Serge Bromberg, Eric Lange | Stars: Peter Hudson, Kate Guyonvarch, Kevin Brownlow, David Robinson
Votes: 355
73. Black Shadows on the Silver Screen (1975 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 52 min | Documentary
Ossie Davis narrates a history of "race films," films made before 1950 which catered to a primarily black audience.
Director: Steven York | Stars: Ossie Davis, Fredi Washington, George Johnson, Lorenzo Tucker
74. Bob Hope: Hollywood's Brightest Star (1996 Video)
67 min | Documentary, Biography
Directors: Les Brown Jr., Tom Weshelski | Stars: Bud Abbott, Desi Arnaz, Hy Averback, Lucille Ball
Votes: 16
75. Bob Hope: The Road to Laughter (2003 TV Movie)
Documentary
Before he was an icon, before he was a legend, before he spent every Christmas with the troops... before he was a fixture on TV and the Academy Awards... Bob Hope's journey on the road to ... See full synopsis »
Directors: David Leaf, John Scheinfeld | Stars: Fred Applegate, Larry Gelbart, Mort Lachman, Leonard Maltin
Votes: 15
76. Bob Hope's Overseas Christmas Tours: Around the World with the Troops - 1941-1972 (1980 TV Movie)
Comedy, Documentary, War
A tribute to Bob Hope's 31 years of entertaining American troops overseas. This program includes footage - previously unreleased - which was obtained from various armed services sources, as... See full summary »
Director: Malcolm Leo | Stars: Bob Hope, Anna Maria Alberghetti, Ursula Andress, Ann-Margret
Votes: 196
77. Bogart (1967 TV Movie)
60 min | Documentary
Director: Marshall Flaum | Stars: Ingrid Bergman, Joan Blondell, Humphrey Bogart, Charlton Heston
78. Bogart: The Untold Story (1997 TV Movie)
TV-G | 46 min | Documentary
Stephen H. Bogart narrates the rise to fame of his father, Humphrey Bogart through the use film clips, written material and interviews of friends and co-workers, emphasizing how he got to know him better.
Director: Chris Hunt | Stars: Humphrey Bogart, Stephen H. Bogart, Robert Sklar, Rose Hobart
Votes: 119
79. Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story (2017)
88 min | Documentary, Biography, History
The life and career of the hailed Hollywood movie star and underappreciated genius inventor, Hedy Lamarr.
Director: Alexandra Dean | Stars: Hedy Lamarr, Mel Brooks, Jennifer Hom, Anthony Loder
Votes: 4,305 | Gross: $0.82M
80. Boris Karloff: The Man Behind the Monster (2021)
99 min | Documentary, Biography
Karloff, examining his illustrious 60-year career in the entertainment industry and his enduring legacy as one of the icons of 20th century popular culture.
Director: Thomas Hamilton | Stars: Ron Perlman, Guillermo del Toro, Christopher Plummer, Stefanie Powers
Votes: 361
81. Boris Karloff: The Rest of the Story (2022 Video)
120 min | Documentary
Boris Karloff: The Rest of the Story takes a deeper look at the life and career of Boris Karloff, from 1931 to 1969, exploring films such as The Ghoul, The Walking Dead (1936), Charlie Chan... See full summary »
Director: Thomas Hamilton | Stars: Peter Asher, Diane Aubrey, Orson Bean, Jaymz Bee
82. Boulevard! A Hollywood Story (2021)
85 min | Documentary
Dickson Hughes and Richard Stapley, two young songwriters and romantic partners, find themselves caught in movie star Gloria Swanson's web when she hires them to write a musical version of "Sunset Boulevard."
Director: Jeffrey Schwarz | Stars: Muhammad Ali, Steve Allen, Brooke Anderson, Julie Andrews
Votes: 234
83. The Boys (2009)
PG | 101 min | Documentary
Their music is unforgettable. Their name is legend. Delve into the lives and cinematic legacy of the prolific songwriting duo whose music has been featured in classic movies such as Mary Poppins (1964) and The Jungle Book (1967).
Directors: Gregory V. Sherman, Jeff Sherman | Stars: Richard M. Sherman, Robert B. Sherman, Roy Edward Disney, Julie Andrews
Votes: 1,312 | Gross: $0.05M
84. Brando (2007 TV Movie)
165 min | Documentary, Biography
The life and legacy of Marlon Brando and how he changed acting.
Directors: Mimi Freedman, Leslie Greif | Stars: Marlon Brando, Edward R. Murrow, Janet Aemisegger, Betty Gossell
Votes: 734
85. Brother Can You Spare a Dime (1975)
PG | 103 min | Documentary
A nostalgic look back at the Great Depression with contemporary archival footage and film clips picturing James Cagney as an American Everyman.
Director: Philippe Mora | Stars: Laverne Andrews, Maxene Andrews, Patty Andrews, Fred Astaire
Votes: 417
86. The Brothers Warner (2007 TV Movie)
Not Rated | 94 min | Documentary, Biography, History
An intimate portrait and saga of four film pioneers--Harry, Albert, Sam and Jack who rose from immigrant poverty through personal tragedies persevering to create a major studio with a social conscience.
Director: Cass Warner | Stars: Dennis Hopper, Cass Warner, Bette-Ann Warner, Harry M. Warner
Votes: 674
87. Bud Abbott and Lou Costello Meet the Monsters! (2000 Video)
34 min | Short
A behind the scenes documentary by Universal studios about the movie Bud Abbott Lou Costello Meet Frankenstein (1948).
Director: David J. Skal | Stars: David J. Skal, Ron Palumbo, Chris Costello, Bob Burns
Votes: 258
88. Budd Boetticher: A Man Can Do That (2005 TV Movie)
TV-PG | 86 min | Documentary, Biography
A profile of the filmmaker ("The Tall T," "Seven Men from Now") who, notes narrator Ed Harris, "made his mark in one of America's greatest art forms.the Western movie." Included: comments by admiring colleagues
Director: Bruce Ricker | Stars: Ed Harris, Peter Bogdanovich, Larry Cohen, Andrew Sarris
Votes: 207
89. Bullets Over Hollywood (2005 TV Movie)
70 min | Documentary, History
"Bullets Over Hollywood" chronicles the blood-soaked landscape and enduring appeal of the American gangster movie - - from its origins in the silent film era to modern times.
Director: Elaina Archer | Stars: Warren Beatty, Humphrey Bogart, Marlon Brando, Joseph Breen
Votes: 160
90. Busby Berkeley (1974)
96 min | Documentary
This tribute to Busby Berkeley features candid interviews with his friends and associates: Ruth Donnelly recalls the frantic filming of _Footlight Parade (1933) _. 'Debbie Reynolds' talks ... See full summary »
Director: Russ Jones | Stars: Alan G. Barbour, Ruth Donnelly, Joan Fontaine, Russ Jones
Votes: 16
91. Busby Berkeley: A Journey with a Star (2007 Video)
20 min | Documentary, Short
Director: John Cork | Stars: Rick Jewell, Miles Kreuger
Votes: 16
92. Busby Berkeley: Going Through the Roof (1998 TV Movie)
Documentary, Biography, Music
Director: David M. Thompson | Stars: Busby Berkeley, Larry Robinson, Kenneth Anger, Richard Barrios
Votes: 58
93. Buster Keaton: A Hard Act to Follow (1987)
160 min | Documentary, Biography
A series about the life, career and works of the movie comedy genius.
Stars: Lindsay Anderson, Charles Lamont, William R. Cox, Loyal T. Lucas
Votes: 559
94. Buster Keaton: Head Over Heels in Hollywood (2008 Video)
9 min | Documentary, Short
Patricia Elliot Tobias, president (2008) of the International Buster Keaton Society, discusses Keaton and his career.
Director: John Cork | Star: Buster Keaton
Votes: 14
95. Buster Keaton Rides Again (1965)
TV-PG | 55 min | Documentary, Biography
This film is a documentary about the filming of one of Buster Keaton's movies: The Railrodder (1965).
Director: John Spotton | Stars: Buster Keaton, Eleanor Keaton, Gerald Potterton, Michael Kane
Votes: 508
96. Buster Keaton, the Genius Destroyed by Hollywood (2016 TV Movie)
53 min | Documentary, Biography
A documentary about how the most talented comic genius of all time Buster Keaton fell prey to the Hollywood Studio system machinery in 1930s which curbed his artistic freedom, leading to ... See full summary »
Director: Jean-Baptiste Péretié | Star: Buster Keaton
Votes: 237
97. Call the Usual Suspects: The Craft of the Character Actor (2006 Video)
23 min | Short, History, Biography
Stars: Judith Anderson, Lauren Bacall, Rudy Behlmer, Humphrey Bogart
98. Calling Hedy Lamarr (2004)
71 min | Documentary
A Face, a Tag Line, an Invention. Two facets that don't seem to belong to the same woman. A Hollywood star as an ingenious inventor piques our curiosity. The director Georg Misch is ... See full summary »
Director: Georg Misch | Stars: Hedy Lamarr, Anthony Loder, Denise Loder-DeLuca, Charles Stansel
Votes: 132
99. Cameraman: The Life and Work of Jack Cardiff (2010)
Not Rated | 86 min | Documentary, Biography
In 2001 Jack Cardiff (1914-2009) became the first director of photography in the history of the Academy Awards to win an Honorary Oscar. But the first time he clasped the famous statuette ... See full summary »
Director: Craig McCall | Stars: Jack Cardiff, Martin Scorsese, Kirk Douglas, Lauren Bacall
Votes: 1,348 | Gross: $0.02M
100. Cameramen at War (1943)
15 min | Documentary, Short, War
This short showcases the work of the cameramen who filmed the battles of WWI and early WWII. We also get to see the faces of many of the men who took the pictures. This includes director ... See full summary »
Stars: Raymond Glendenning, Harold Alexander, Teddy Ashwood, Edward Candy
Votes: 106
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