Kim Novakis among the most iconic actresses from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Debuting in the mid-1950s, Novak quickly became a box office draw following her scene-stealing supporting turn in 1954’sPhffft. She went on to appear in several critical and commercial hits before going into quasi-retirement in the mid-1960s.
Although never nominated for an Oscar, Novak delivered many award-worthy performances in multiple films, having worked with some of Hollywood’s greatest talents. She might lack the same name recognition as some of her contemporaries, but Novak’s career is full of acclaimed projects, many of which have become outright classics of American cinema.
10’The Mirror Crack’d' (1980)
Guy Hamiltondirects an all-star cast in the 1980 mystery filmThe Mirror Crack’d. Based on Agatha Christie’s novelThe Mirror Crack’d from Side to Side, it follows intrepid sleuth Jane Marple investigating the death of a movie star while a major Hollywood production films a movie. The cast includesAngela Lansbury,Elizabeth Taylor,Rock Hudson,Tony Curtis, and Novak.
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Kim Novak is stellar as the vapid Lola Brewster, who shares an intense rivalry with the equally superficial Marina Judd, played by Taylor. The two iconic actresses go at each other with unrestrained gusto, spewing venom at one another like they were born for it.
9’Phffft (1954)
Jack LemmonandJudy Holidaystar in the 1954 romantic comedyPhffft, directed byMark Robson. The plot follows Robert and Nina, a recently divorced couple whose first experiences in the dating world prove that their marriage might’ve not been that bad. Novak plays Janis, a blonde bombshell who Robert dates.
Phffftis cute, if not necessarily funny. Lemmon and Holiday do their best to elevate the screenplay and largely succeed, receiving considerable help from the supporting performances. Novak is amazing as Janis, making the most of her screen time and creating a sweet portrayal of what could easily be a superfluous role.
8’The Legend Of Lylah Clare' (1968)
Directed byRobert Aldrich,The Legend of Lylah Clarestars Novak in multiple roles. The plot centers on Elsa Brinkmann, whose remarkable appearance to the late Lylah Clare makes her a shoo-in for an upcoming biopic about the deceased star. The film is directed by Clare’s former husband, who falls in love with Brinkmann as he coaches her to become Clare.
The Legend of Lylah Clareis a bizarre film. Not quite great and yet not one of thosebeloved so-bad-they’re-good movies; instead, it’s just okay. It has flashes of brilliance, but Aldrich’s approach feels half-baked. Novak does her best, but she comes across as giving half a performance, always aware that she is playing two roles. Still, she succeeds through sheer will, elevating the film and turning it into an uneven but entertaining experience.
7’Strangers When We Meet (1960)
Kirk Douglasand Novak co-star inRichard Quine’s romantic dramaStrangers When We Meet. The plot follows two married neighbors who begin an affair, encouraging each other’s dreams while attempting to keep things secret from their significant others.
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Strangers When We Meetis very much a soap opera, but the melodrama never feels tired or corny. This is largely because of Novak and Douglas, who create a layered and bittersweet portrayal of longing and doomed romance that rescues the film from simplicity.Strangers When We Meetis the perfect proof that the simplest idea can work with the right actors and an enduring testament to Novak’s strength as a leading lady.
6’Kiss Me, Stupid' (1967)
Legendary Golden Age directorBilly Wilderchose Novak for his 1967 sex comedyKiss Me, Stupid. The actress stars oppositeDean Martinin the story of a mechanic who intentionally wrecks a famous singer’s car to coerce him into singing his compositions. He then hires a prostitute to pretend to be his wife so the singer doesn’t hit on his real wife.
Kiss Me, Stupidis not the film fans would expect from the man who directedDouble IndemnityandSunset Boulevard. It’s crass, silly, and full of double-entendres, a wicked satire that thrives on its vulgarity. Novak is a spitfire as Polly, the Pistol, delivering one of her most effortless and audacious performances.
5’Bell, Book, And Candle' (1958)
Richard Quine’s fantasy rom-comBell, Book and Candlestars Novak oppositeJames Stewartand Jack Lemmon. The plot centers on a witch who casts a love spell on a dashing publisher. However, things get complicated when she begins to fall for him, threatening her powers.
Bell, Book and Candleis amongthe best witch movies, anchored by Novak’s stellar turn as the deviously charming Gillian Holroyd. Novak is a delight as the witch, with a performance so winning that it inspired many other similar projects, most notablySol Sak’sBewitched. Coupled with Stewart’s perfect everyman schtick,Bell, Book and Candleis a triumph and one of Novak’s most beloved movies.
4’Pal Joey' (1957)
George Sidney’s musical comedyPal Joeyput Novak alongsideFrank SinatraandRita Hayworth. Loosely based on the eponymous musical, the film tells the story of Joey Evans, a philandering singer who must decide between his affection for a lovely chorus girl and his attraction for a wealthy widow that can finance his dreams.
Pal Joeybelongs entirely to Sinatra, who cooly handles the film through charm and immense vocal talent. However, Novak is also a standout as the sweet Linda English, perfectly contrasting with Hayworth’s fiery Vera Simpson. She doesn’t do her own singing, but her performance is nonetheless a triumph, makingPal Joeya funny and romantic endeavor.
3’The Man With The Golden Arm' (1955)
Sinatra and Novak’s first collaboration was inOtto Preminger’s 1955 dramaThe Man with the Golden Arm. The plot follows Frankie, a drug addict who gets clean during a stint in prison but struggles to resist temptation once he is released. Novak plays Molly, Frankie’s old fling who encourages his dreams of being a drummer.
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The Man with the Golden Armwas controversial upon release due to its depiction of drug addiction; however, it was a critical and commercial hit. As inPal Joey,The Man with the Golden Armis Sinatra’s show, and everyone else is there to support him. However, Novak is a much-needed hopeful presence in what is essentially a bleak and difficult watch.
2’Picnic' (1955)
Joshua Logan’s 1955 romantic comedy-dramaPicnicis among the most famous films of the 1950s.William Holdenstars as Hal Carter, a drifter who arrives at a small Kansas town to reconnect with Alan, an old friend, during the Labor Day celebrations. However, trouble arises when Hal’s charms threaten Alan’s relationship with the sweet Madge.
Picnicis very much a product of its time, featuring a very sanitized version of edginess. However, it remains a fascinating watch if looked at through a non-judgmental gaze. Novak and Holden are great as the main couple, delivering a corny but irresistible romance that might not rank amongcinema’s all-time great love stories, but it sure makes for an entertaining two-hour film.
1’Vertigo' (1958)
Widely considered among the all-time best movies in American cinema,VertigoisAlfred Hitchcock’s seminal masterpiece. James Stewart stars as Scottie Ferguson, a former police detective hired to follow an acquaintance’s wife, Madeleine Elster, who is behaving strangely.
Vertigois a cinematic triumph in every sense of the word. Novak is the epitome of the Hitchcock blonde, delivering her most iconic performance in the dual roles of Judy Barton and Madeleine Elster. Alluring, elusive, and mesmerizing, Novak is among cinema’s great femme fatales, a creature of secrets and half-truths and one of Hitchcock’s greatest characters.
