Creatives nowadays are so obsessed with progress that we sometimes forget that new does not always mean better. Be honest: Do half the movies in theaters today really need to be released in 4-D, or is it perhaps another attempt to wave something exciting in front of an audience in an attempt to conjure enthusiasm?

Sure, trying something new can be a thrill, but we should also acknowledge that there is merit in older traditions. Classic films are considered classic for a reason. Though they may not be considered blockbusters if they were released today, they have their own special beauty that is worthy of admiration and respect.

The transition from black and white to color film seems like a simple change. However, some actors saw value in a black-and-white film. The simple color scheme allowed for more drama in filming; without color, shadows were bolder and lights were stronger. These qualities were important to an actor like Bette Davis, who understood how powerful a black-and-white film could be.

According to Bette Davis Speaks by Boze Hadleigh, Davis claimed that originally, Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? would be filmed in color. It was the film that revitalized Davis’ career; however, she insisted it be shot in black-and-white.

“They wanted to make Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? in color,” said Davis. “I said, ‘I won’t make it if it’s in color.’ I couldn’t possibly have worn the makeup in color...The shadows and the lights and all of those great cameramen, like Ernie Haller!”

A star of Old Hollywood, Davis was grateful to have starred in so many black-and-white classic films. “I feel very happy, too, that I was a black-and-white era woman,” said the actor. “Oh, yes. It gave you much more variety; color is so ‘pretty.’”