At different points in my viewing I got to thinking 1944 was a fairly weak year. Now that I look back at it, I find that there were many standouts from the year. Here are my ten favorite feature fiction films. These are my favorites, which change from day to day, and not a list of the “best” or “greatest” films of the year.
10. This Happy Breed (directed by David Lean)
9. Henry V (directed by Laurence Olivier)
8. The Suspect (directed by Robert Siodmak)
7. Murder, My Sweet (directed by Edward Dmytryk)
6. To Have and Have Not (directed by Howard Hawks)
5. The Children Are Watching Us (directed by Vittorio De Sica)
4. A Canterbury Tale (directed by Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger)
3. Miracle of Morgan’s Creek (directed by Preston Sturges)
2. Meet Me in St. Louis (directed by Vincente Minnelli)
1. Double Indemnity (directed by Billy Wilder)
Special Mention:
One of the very best films I saw from 1944 was a short called Jammin the Blues. I don’t see how it possibly could have been any better. It’s 10 minutes long and easily found on YouTube. I only wish I could find a still that would do it justice.
I agree. 1944 was not the greatest year; however, there were many bright spots. DOUBLE INDEMNITY is #1 with me. I ADORE the grocery store scene. And the grocery store!
I love the grocery store too. I wonder if it was really like that. So many pyramids!
Good list. I would have a hard time deciding between Double Indemnity and Murder, My Sweet. Also I doubt Meet me in St. Louis would get that high a place. There are some interesting films on that list that I do not know.
I don’t expect Meet Me in St. Louis would get that I a place from anybody but me! That’s why it’s my favorites. I don’t think you would be disappointed with any of the other films on my list even if they did not become your favorites.