The 1950s was a decade of classic Hollywood cinema, with a number of iconic films that have stood the test of time. It was also the era when the television sets first became popular in American homes, and audiences were hungry for content.
The decade saw everything from classic whodunits to film noir on the big screen, and suspenseful, thrilling, and mysterious shows that had viewers on the edge of their seats on the small screen. As writers and directors experimented and pushed the boundaries of these emerging entertainment mediums, the 1950s set the tone for what mystery fans would expect from visual mysteries for decades to come.
Here are some of the 1950s classics still worth watching today.
1950s Mystery Movies
Strangers on a Train (1951)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Strangers on a Train follows a chance encounter between two strangers (Farley Granger and Robert Walker) who agree to commit murder for each other, but things quickly spiral out of control. With a clever and suspenseful plot, groundbreaking visual design, and unforgettable performances from Granger and Walker, Strangers on a Train is a classic of the mystery and suspense genres.
Sunset Boulevard (1950)
Directed by Billy Wilder, Sunset Boulevard stars William Holden as a struggling screenwriter who becomes involved with a faded silent film star (Gloria Swanson). With a script that is as witty as it is biting, and unforgettable performances from Holden and Swanson, Sunset Boulevard is a classic of the mystery and film noir genres.
The Asphalt Jungle (1950)
Directed by John Huston, The Asphalt Jungle follows a group of criminals who team up for a daring heist. With a complex and suspenseful plot, standout performances from Sterling Hayden and Marilyn Monroe, and a gritty and realistic tone, The Asphalt Jungle is a classic of the crime and mystery genres.
The Big Heat (1953)
Directed by Fritz Lang, The Big Heat follows a detective (Glenn Ford) who becomes embroiled in a dangerous plot involving a powerful crime syndicate. With a gritty and realistic tone, groundbreaking visual design, and standout performances from Ford and Gloria Grahame, The Big Heat is a classic of the film noir and mystery genres.
Rear Window (1954)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Rear Window stars James Stewart as a photographer who becomes obsessed with watching his neighbors through his rear window after breaking his leg. With a clever and suspenseful plot, groundbreaking visual design, and a career-making performance from Grace Kelly, Rear Window is a classic of the mystery and suspense genres.
The Night of the Hunter (1955)
Directed by Charles Laughton, The Night of the Hunter stars Robert Mitchum as a sinister and manipulative preacher who becomes obsessed with a widow and her children. With a haunting and atmospheric visual style, groundbreaking use of music, and standout performances from Mitchum and Lillian Gish, The Night of the Hunter is a classic of the mystery and horror genres.
Rebel Without a Cause (1955)
While not strictly a mystery film, Rebel Without a Cause is a classic of the psychological drama and mystery genres that explores the dark and often troubled world of teenagers in the 1950s. Directed by Nicholas Ray and starring James Dean in his most iconic role, Rebel Without a Cause follows a group of teenagers who are struggling to find their place in the world and dealing with issues of identity, peer pressure, and family dysfunction.
Touch of Evil (1958)
Directed by Orson Welles, Touch of Evil stars Charlton Heston as a Mexican drug enforcement agent who becomes embroiled in a dangerous plot involving a corrupt police chief (Welles). With a groundbreaking visual style, a complex and thought-provoking script, and standout performances from Heston and Welles, Touch of Evil is a classic of the film noir and mystery genres.
Anatomy of a Murder (1959)
Directed by Otto Preminger, Anatomy of a Murder follows a lawyer (James Stewart) who defends a man accused of murdering the man who raped his wife. With a complex and thought-provoking script that explores themes of justice and morality, and standout performances from Stewart, Lee Remick, and Ben Gazzara, Anatomy of a Murder is a classic of the mystery and courtroom drama genres.
Vertigo (1958)
Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, Vertigo stars James Stewart as a detective who becomes obsessed with a woman (Kim Novak) he is hired to follow. With a complex and thought-provoking script, stunning visual design, and unforgettable performances from Stewart and Novak, Vertigo is a classic of the mystery and psychological thriller genres.
1950s Mystery TV Shows
Suspense (1949-1954)
Suspense was a radio program that was adapted for television in the 1950s. The show featured a range of mystery, horror, and suspense stories, and it had a rotating cast of actors. Some of the most famous actors of the time appeared on the show, including Vincent Price, Agnes Moorehead, and William Conrad. Suspense was known for its thrilling and chilling stories, and it was one of the most popular shows of its time.
The Adventures of Ellery Queen (1950-1952)
The Adventures of Ellery Queen was a mystery show that was based on the novels of the same name. The show featured the titular detective, Ellery Queen, as he solved a range of crimes and mysteries. The show was known for its clever writing and intricate plots, and it was a popular show during its run.
Dragnet (1951-1959)
Dragnet was one of the most influential and popular TV shows of the 1950s. The show was a police procedural drama that focused on the work of the Los Angeles Police Department. The show’s creator, Jack Webb, played the lead role of Detective Sergeant Joe Friday. Dragnet was known for its gritty realism and attention to detail, and it was one of the first shows to use actual police cases as the basis for its stories.
The Whistler (1954-1955)
The Whistler was another radio program adapted for television in the 1950s. The show featured a mysterious narrator who would tell stories of crime and suspense. The narrator was known as the Whistler, and he would whistle a haunting tune at the beginning and end of each episode. The show was known for its dark and moody atmosphere, and it was a popular show during its run.
Alfred Hitchcock Presents (1955-1962)
One of the most iconic mystery shows of all time, Alfred Hitchcock Presents was created and hosted by the legendary director, Alfred Hitchcock. The show was a mix of crime dramas, thrillers, and horror stories that were presented in a unique and captivating way. Each episode started with Hitchcock introducing the story, and he would often make a cameo appearance in the episode. Some of the most memorable episodes of the show include Lamb to the Slaughter, The Case of Mr. Pelham, and The Perfect Crime.
M Squad (1957-1960)
M Squad was a police procedural drama that focused on the work of the Chicago Police Department. The show featured Lee Marvin in the lead role of Detective Lieutenant Frank Ballinger, and it was known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of crime in the city. The show’s theme song, M Squad, was composed by the legendary jazz musician Count Basie.
Perry Mason (1957-1966)
Perry Mason was a legal drama that was based on the novels by Erle Stanley Gardner. The show featured Raymond Burr in the lead role of the titular lawyer, Perry Mason. The show was known for its intricate plots and twist endings, and it was one of the most popular shows of the 1950s and 1960s. Perry Mason was a trailblazer for legal dramas on television, influencing even modern hits like Law & Order and The Good Wife.
The Thin Man (1957-1959)
The Thin Man was a detective comedy that was based on the novels by Dashiell Hammett. The show featured Peter Lawford and Phyllis Kirk in the lead roles of Nick and Nora Charles, a wealthy and charming couple who solved crimes together. The show was known for its lighthearted and witty tone, and it was a popular show during its run.
One Step Beyond (1959-1961)
One Step Beyond was a supernatural and mystery show that was hosted by John Newland. The show featured a range of stories that were based on paranormal and supernatural events. The show was known for its eerie and suspenseful atmosphere, and it was one of the first shows to explore the supernatural on TV.
The Twilight Zone (1959-1964)
The Twilight Zone is a classic science fiction and mystery show that was created by Rod Serling. The show featured a mix of drama, horror, and suspense, and each episode was a self-contained story with a twist ending. The Twilight Zone tackled a range of themes, from social commentary to existentialism, and its influence can still be seen in modern TV shows and movies. Some of the most iconic episodes of the show include Time Enough at Last, To Serve Man, and Eye of the Beholder.
The 1950s defined classic mystery cinema and television, including a number of iconic mysteries that continue to captivate audiences to this day. And thanks to modern day streaming media, access to this classic era of entertainment is just a few remote clicks away.
