Expert: Mel - 11/2/2008

Question
I recommended this movie THE INNOCENTS an older 1960's ghost story
movie to a friend, who absolutely loved it.  I'd told her that it's one of the few
black and white films that was shot in the correct widescreen 2:35:1 ratio.  
(Naturally there have been countless color films that have been shot like this
before and certainly since)  She asked me for other examples, and my mind
went blank.  The only ones I could think of were Billy Wilder's THE
APARTMENT and Robert Wise's THE HAUNTING.  and David Lynch's THE
ELEPHANT MAN.  (not even SCHINDLER'S LIST was shot in this ratio and that's
the most current major black and white release I can remember)  If you can
think of any other examples, I'd definitely appreciate it.  

p.s. An bigger question: were there any black and white films shot in 70mm
film stock, or was this the sole province of color?  Thanks!

Answer
Hello,

"When a Woman Ascends the Stairs" ("Onna ga kaidan o agaru toki") a 1960 Japanese film was shot in 2:35:1 and black & white.

"The Big Trail", from 1930, was shot in 70mm black & white.

Here's an interesting article about the subject.......

http://www.in70mm.com/newsletter/2002/67/splendour_of_70mm/index.htm


Glad to be of help. Cheers......Mel.