what is a B movie?

Answer 1

The term B-movie originally referred to a motion picture, made on a low or modest budget, intended for distribution as the less-publicized, bottom half of a double feature during the so-called Golden Age of Hollywood. Although double features largely disappeared over the course of the 1950s, the term B-movie continues to be used in a broader sense, referring to any low-budget commercial motion picture not intended as an arthouse film.

Answer 2

Before the invention of multi screen theatres and before television became widely used, you would go to a program of entertainment, which would typically consist of the main (A)feature, a newsreel, one or more shorts (such as a travelogue or a cartoon) and a B feature.

This B feature would typically be shorter and more cheaply made than the main feature and would be sold to theatres in the same way that rubbish TV is sold to networks today - distributors would have to buy the dross as part of a package deal to get the good stuff. It was good economics for the studios in those days because all the people involved in making movies (directors, writers, actors and crew) were on contract and were being paid anyway and the studios owned the sets costumes and props. Often they would even borrow footage from other movies, particularly to save on spectacular stunts and things like fires and earthquakes (I can recall a cattle stampede and also the cavalry charging to the rescue which popped up in numerous westerns in my childhood).

So the major additional cost of a B movie would be the film stock and they had the added advantage of being a training ground for the people involved. Many B movies were fairly ordinary, although others, particularly in the 'film noir' genre are now considered very favourably. French critics particularly regard directors such as Sam Fuller and films such as DOA to be classics. Then again they think Jerry Lewis is a genius.

B movies died out in the sixties, primarily because of the demise of the studio contract system, which meant there were no more 'free' actors and directors. I believe the term is now used primarily to describe a bad movie. I would use it to describe movies made in the fashion of the old B movies - without huge stars, without huge special effects and to a genre. The most common B movie genre is probably series comedies. Police Academy, Porky's, American Pie and Weekend at Bernies particularly spring to mind.

Answer 3

A B movie is a low budget movie, with sub par special effects and less well known or less popular actors. Many of these films are released direct to video. There are many horror and sci fi films that are B movies.

Answer 4

It is a movie produced on a low budget that does not get the normal studio promotion. Often a limited release. 40 years ago it generally referred to a cowboy or science fiction movie.

Answer 5

A B movie is a cheaper, lamer version of the A movies you see coming out in theaters every week. B movies are know to go straight to video. And they almost never have any recognizable actors.

Answer 6

A B movie is usually a badly written, low budget movie with "B" list actors.

Today, they are mostly called "straight to video" releases.

Answer 7

A "B" movie is a low budget movie, usually with a mostly unknown cast (because they can't afford to hire stars).

Answer 8

it is a movie that was so CRAPPY it didnt make it in the theatres so it just came out on Video& DVD w/out antone knowing about it

Answer 9

a movie that never made it to theathers