When I was new to the world of classic film, I bought into the concept of 1939 as “Hollywood’s greatest year.” The truth is, the more my number of watched films grows, the more certain I am that one year can’t be pin-pointed as Hollywood’s greatest. Most years gave way to at least a few handfuls of great movies.

For today’s marathon playlist, we’re taking a look at a year that isn’t often discussed, but saw the release of some of my personal favorite classics, including Double Indemnity and Meet Me in St. Louis. These are the films of 1944!

The usual disclaimer: As much as I love watching movies, I don’t actually think that anyone should sit on the couch for 24 hours straight, watching films. So, this list is hypothetical, of course.

Cary Grant in Arsenic and Old Lace (Screen capture by Lindsey for TMP)
Cary Grant in Arsenic and Old Lace (Screen capture by Lindsey for TMP)
(Image via Film Affinity)
(Image via Film Affinity)

Arsenic and Old Lace – 118 minutes

Cover Girl – 107 minutes

Double Indemnity – 107 minutes

Gaslight – 114 minutes

Guest in the House – 121 minutes

The Keys of the Kingdom – 136 minutes

Laura – 88 minutes

 

(Image credit: Laura's Miscellaneous Musings)
(Image credit: Laura’s Miscellaneous Musings)

Meet Me in St. Louis – 112 minutes

Mr. Skeffington – 145 minutes

None but the Lonely Heart – 113 minutes

To Have and Have Not – 100 minutes

Tomorrow, the World!  – 86 minutes

This playlist of 12 films adds up to 1,347 minutes, or 22.45 hours, leaving 93 minutes for popcorn-popping and beverage-refilling!