The Best Movies Featuring Judy Holliday, Loretta Young, Shirley Jones, Vera Farmiga, and Helen Hayes

Explore the top films from Judy Holliday, Loretta Young, Shirley Jones, Vera Farmiga, and Helen Hayes. Each of these talented actresses has delivered memorable performances across various genres, showcasing their incredible range and skill. Here’s a guide to their best movies, categorized by genre.

Classic Comedies and Dramas

Judy Holliday

1. Born Yesterday (1950) – NR – IMDb: 7.8

• Holliday shines as a charming but naive showgirl in this comedy, winning an Oscar for her role in this story of personal transformation.

1. It Should Happen to You (1954) – NR – IMDb: 7.3

• Holliday’s comedic brilliance is on full display in this film about a woman who wants to make a name for herself, providing both laughs and a thoughtful narrative.

1. The Solid Gold Cadillac (1956) – NR – IMDb: 7.6

• A witty satire featuring Holliday as a shareholder taking on corporate corruption, blending humor and social commentary effortlessly.

1. The Marrying Kind (1952) – NR – IMDb: 7.1

• Holliday’s portrayal of a woman reflecting on her marriage offers both humor and heart in this classic romantic comedy.

1. Love Me or Leave Me (1955) – NR – IMDb: 7.2

• Holliday stars as a singer in this biographical drama about the tumultuous life of Ruth Etting, showcasing her exceptional talent.

Loretta Young

1. The Bishop’s Wife (1947) – NR – IMDb: 7.7

• Young plays the charming angel who helps a bishop and his wife in this delightful Christmas fantasy film.

1. Come to the Stable (1949) – NR – IMDb: 7.3

• Young stars as a nun who, along with her companion, attempts to build a children’s hospital in this heartwarming film.

1. The Story of Alexander Graham Bell (1955) – NR – IMDb: 7.0

• Young’s performance as Mabel Hubbard Bell in this biographical film about the inventor of the telephone is both engaging and inspiring.

1. The Farmer’s Daughter (1947) – NR – IMDb: 7.5

• In this charming comedy, Young plays a farm girl who finds herself in the world of politics and romance.

1. The Stranger (1946) – NR – IMDb: 7.6

• Young gives a compelling performance in this film noir about a mysterious man who disrupts a small town’s tranquility.

Musicals and Family Films

Shirley Jones

1. Oklahoma! (1955) – G – IMDb: 7.2

• Jones stars as Laurey Williams in this classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, known for its catchy songs and vibrant performances.

1. Carousel (1956) – G – IMDb: 7.0

• As Julie Jordan, Jones delivers a memorable performance in this emotionally rich musical about love and redemption.

1. The Music Man (1962) – G – IMDb: 7.8

• Jones plays Marian Paroo in this beloved musical about a con man who wins over a town with charm and music.

1. Elmer Gantry (1960) – NR – IMDb: 7.7

• In this drama, Jones portrays a woman caught up in the world of evangelism, adding depth to this film about religious hypocrisy.

1. April Love (1957) – NR – IMDb: 6.6

• Jones’ performance in this musical romance showcases her versatility and ability to enchant audiences.

Horror and Thriller Films

Vera Farmiga

1. The Conjuring (2013) – R – IMDb: 7.5

• Farmiga delivers a chilling performance as Lorraine Warren in this supernatural horror film, known for its suspenseful atmosphere.

1. The Conjuring 2 (2016) – R – IMDb: 7.3

• Continuing her role as Lorraine Warren, Farmiga’s gripping performance helps make this sequel a standout in the horror genre.

1. Bates Motel (2013–2017) – TV-14 – IMDb: 8.1

• Farmiga excels as Norma Bates in this TV series, providing a deep and complex portrayal of the iconic character from Psycho.

1. The Judge (2014) – R – IMDb: 7.4

• In this drama, Farmiga plays the wife of Robert Downey Jr.’s character, delivering a compelling performance in this family legal drama.

1. Up in the Air (2009) – R – IMDb: 7.4

• Farmiga shines as a fellow traveler in this drama about life and personal connections, offering a nuanced portrayal of her character.

Classic and Period Films

Helen Hayes

1. Airport (1970) – PG – IMDb: 6.7

• Hayes delivers a standout performance in this disaster film as an elderly woman who becomes entangled in a plane crisis.

1. The Sin of Madelon Claudet (1931) – NR – IMDb: 7.6

• Hayes won an Oscar for her role in this melodrama about a woman’s sacrifices for her son, showcasing her dramatic prowess.

1. A Farewell to Arms (1932) – NR – IMDb: 7.2

• In this adaptation of Ernest Hemingway’s novel, Hayes plays the tragic heroine in a story set against the backdrop of World War I.

1. Her Cardboard Lover (1938) – NR – IMDb: 6.7

• Hayes stars in this romantic comedy about a woman who pretends to be in a relationship to fend off unwanted suitors.

1. The White Cliffs of Dover (1944) – NR – IMDb: 7.4

• Hayes plays a British woman reflecting on her life during World War II, delivering a poignant and powerful performance.

Conclusion

From Judy Holliday’s charming comedies to Loretta Young’s classic dramas, Shirley Jones’s musicals, Vera Farmiga’s thrilling performances, and Helen Hayes’s iconic roles, these films offer a rich tapestry of cinema. Each actress has contributed uniquely to their respective genres, making these movies essential viewing for fans and film enthusiasts alike. Dive into these top picks and appreciate the exceptional talent of these legendary stars.