Classic Film Guide

Classic Movie Kisses

Classic films offer us so many memorable moments. When asked recently what I thought some of the most unforgettable on-screen kisses were, I naturally thought instantly of Gone With The Wind (1939) and countless other movies starring Clark Gable. Then I thought of these:

Queen Christina (1933) - Greta Garbo, in the title role, kisses Countess Ebba (Elizabeth Young) full on the lips ... of course this was a pre-(morality) code film

The More the Merrier (1943) - Joel McCrea, sitting on the steps with Jean Arthur, practically undresses her as he caresses, touches, and otherwise fondles her in one of the sexiest scenes on film

To Have and Have Not (1944) - Lauren Bacall kisses Humphrey Bogart and he says "what did you do that for?", she responds that she'd been wondering what it would be like, he asks "what's the decision", she responds with "I don't know yet" and kisses him again, after which she says "it's even better when you help". The whole scene ends with her famous line "You know how to whistle, don't you, Steve? You just put your lips together - and blow."

Notorious (1946) - Cary Grant kissing Ingrid Bergman in a scene that Hitchcock designed to circumvent the censor's "3 second" rule ... they carry on a "conversation" in between kisses while embracing

It's a Wonderful Life (1946) - James Stewart and Donna Reed kissing at the bottom of the stairs, much to her mother's chagrin, while Reed's character has left Sam Wainwright "dangling" on the phone

Duel in the Sun (1946) - I don't want to spoil this one, for anyone who's not seen it, but the kiss at the end of this film between Jennifer Jones and Gregory Peck is not to be believed;-)

A Place in the Sun (1951) - put two of the most gorgeous people ever (Montgomery Clift & Elizabeth Taylor) together, direct it by George Stevens, and what do you get: sheer cinematic magic!

From Here to Eternity (1953) - what more needs to be said?

To Catch A Thief (1955) - Hitchcock directing Grant again, this time kissing Grace Kelly (who only made a dozen films!) on a couch with fireworks blazing after a very clever double entendre-laced conversation

The Sound of Music (1965) - Between Liesl (Charmian Carr) and Rolf (Daniel Truhitte), after singing Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Sixteen Going on Seventeen", Liesl goes running towards the camera exclaiming "wheeeeee!"

The Thomas Crown Affair (1968) - Steve McQueen and Faye Dunaway kissing while the camera circles them and the "Windmills of Your Mind" plays in the background

Diamonds are Forever (1971), I think - Sean Connery as James Bond, with back turned to camera, hands are fondling his neck and shoulder - he turns around to reveal that he's by himself

The Godfather: Part II (1974) - Michael Corleone (Al Pacino) putting both hands on the sides of his doomed brother Fredo's (John Cazale) face before delivering the telltale kiss (of death)!

Oh, and I'm sure there's one (no, probably several) with Barbara Stanwyck, where her character has just been grabbed and, at first, she resists until her passion (and his) overcomes her and she joins in.