Greatest 20 Biography Movies Must-See Released in 1953

Fictional account of French artist Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. Get info on Moulin Rouge / IMDB / YouTube

The opening scene of the movie describes it best: Once upon a time there lived in Denmark a great storyteller named Hans Christian Andersen. This is not the story of his life, but a fairy tale about the great spinner of fairy tales. Read about Hans Christian Andersen / IMDB / YouTube

From his beginnings as a wildman carnival act to the internationally famous feat of escaping from a locked trunk in an ice-jammed river, the great Harry Houdini emerged as the world's most captivating magician and escape artist. Find out about Houdini / IMDB / YouTube

The early life of Elizabeth I, from her childhood until her accession to the throne of England in 1558. Look into Young Bess / IMDB / YouTube

Biopic of Australian swimming champ and entertainer Annette Kellerman. After overcoming polio, Kellerman achieves fame and creates a scandal when her one-piece bathing suit is considered indecent. Get info on Million Dollar Mermaid / IMDB / YouTube

This is an account of the real life experience of actress/playwright Ruth Gordon. Find out about The Actress / IMDB / YouTube

After being released from prison, former gun-fighter John Wesley Hardin hopes to have his autobiography published in order to rehabilitate his tarnished reputation. Look into The Lawless Breed / IMDB / YouTube

Col. Paul Tibbets piloted the plane that dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima in World War II. Learn about Above and Beyond / IMDB / YouTube

The story of president Andrew Jackson from his early years, the film begins when he meets Rachel Donaldson Robards. The plot concentrates on the scandal concerning the legality of their marriage and how they overcame the difficulties. Details on The President's Lady / IMDB / YouTube

A film biography of the composer John Philip Sousa, from his early days in the Marine Corps Band through the Spanish-American War in 1898. See more about Stars and Stripes Forever / IMDB / YouTube

The exploits of nineteenth-century pioneer Jim Bowie after settling in New Orleans. Check out The Iron Mistress / IMDB / YouTube

The life and career of Heavyweight Champion Joe Louis, who held the title for 12 years--longer than any other boxer in history--and who had to not only battle opponents inside the ring and racism outside it. Explore The Joe Louis Story / IMDB / YouTube

A documentary about the life and art of wood-block artist Katsushika Hokusai. More about Hokusai / IMDB / YouTube

In 44 BC, after the assassination of the leader of Rome Julius Caesar, Egyptian Queen Cleopatra and one of the highest ranking Roman generals and Caesar's possible successor Mark Anthony begin a tragic love affair. Get info on Serpent of the Nile / IMDB / YouTube

The Victorian-era theatrical partnership of English librettist William S. Gilbert and English composer Arthur Sullivan produced fourteen comic operas to great public acclaim, yet they clashed on both personal and creative levels. Find out about Gilbert and Sullivan / IMDB / YouTube

Biopic of opera star Grace Moore, who was killed in a plane crash in 1947. More about So This Is Love / IMDB / YouTube

During the Korean War, a United States Air Force nurse with the Medical Air Evacuation Unit flies on C-47 transport aircraft based in Japan where she ferries servicemen wounded in combat. Read about Flight Nurse / IMDB / YouTube