As Dooley Wilson sang in “As Time Goes By” from the classic 1942 film, Casablanca, “You must remember this, a kiss is just a kiss.” But in true Hollywood fashion, some cinematic kisses became much more memorable than others. Naturally, we can chalk some of this up to behind-the-scenes romances that spilled over into on-screen chemistry. For others though, the power and emotions of the storyline made the kiss one to remember. Here are some of the most memorable cinematic kisses of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
From Here to Eternity
The moment Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr lock lips on the beach as the Hawaiian surf washes over them has become one of the most iconic scenes in film history. The 1953 wartime drama, From Here to Eternity, is a poignant reminder that the servicemen and women stationed at Pearl Harbor in the months leading up to the Japanese attack were seizing their moments of happiness … even if that amounted to a steamy, adulterous make-out session in the sand.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s
In the 1961 romantic comedy, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, the audience clearly sees that Holly and Paul, played by Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, have fallen hopelessly in love with each other, but neither character can figure this out. Each believes the other is in love with someone else. The growing sexual tension between them finally culminates in a passionate kiss on a New York sidewalk in the pouring rain, set to the tune of “Moon River.” And let’s not forget that super patient cat stuck in the middle of their embrace.
Gone with the Wind
The passionate kiss between Clark Gable’s Rhett Butler and Vivien Leigh’s Scarlett O’Hara during the burning of Atlanta was used on promotional posters for the 1939 epic, Gone with the Wind, but it wasn’t the only memorable kiss in the film. One of our favorite kissing scenes in this movie is the one that skips over the actual kiss. As Rhett and Scarlett are so close that a kiss seems inevitable, Rhett pulls away and tells Scarlett he doesn’t think he will kiss her after all. But he notes, “You should be kissed, and often, and by someone who knows how.”
Casablanca
Audiences spent most of the time watching the 1942 film Casablanca hoping that Isla, played by Ingrid Bergman, and Rick, played by Humphrey Bogart, would finally get together. When Isla finally gives into her feelings and begs Rick to “Kiss me. Kiss me as if it were the last time,” movie goers swooned.
Bus Stop
In the 1956 Bus Stop, worldly Cherie, played by Marilyn Monroe, has been around the blocks a few times but is longing for the respect of a good man and a long-term relationship based on true love. Shy Beau, played by Don Murray, has no experience with women but knows an angel when he sees one. It takes most of the film before they realize that what they both need is each other. The film ends with a sweet and romantic kiss that gives off a ‘love conquers all’ vibe.
It’s a Wonderful Life
In the 1946 drama, It’s a Wonderful Life, George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart, takes an important telephone call at the home of his love interest, Mary, played by Donna Reed. George and Mary have to lean close together so they can both listen to the phone call, but that just causes things to heat up between them. When the call is over, the pent-up tensions are released and the two share a mad, frantic kiss.