The 1950s was a decade that saw a wild series of intense transformations. There was the rise of rock ‘n’ roll, that carried on into the golden era of Hollywood and the impressive birth of suburban America. Even though so many of the era’s most notable moments were captured in black and white photos, colorization is able to deliver a refreshing perspective to these historical snapshots. We’ll take a look at 25 colorized photos from the 1950s taht are able to transport us right back in time.
1. Robert Oppenheimer, 1950s
A familiar enough name.
2. A self-portrait of Nina Leen, in New York during the 1950s.
Out there stunning everyone.
3. Amsterdam in the 1950s.
Nothing like a romantic moment in the snow.
4. London, 1950s: Thomas William Clench’s newsagent
What a fun aesthetic.
5. Grace Kelly with her dog in 1956
This photo is giving all of the elegant vibes.
6. Buster Keaton in the 1950s
Cheer up, Buster.
7. A young Waylon Jennings in the 1950s
Waylon already had that mischievous smile about him.
8. Children in the streets of New York in the 1950s
They’re keeping a close eye on their dolls.
9. Flight attendant posing with a Turkish Airlines DC-3 in the 1950s
A solid outfit.
10. “The Birthplace of Rock ‘N’ Roll” – Sam Phillips Sun Studio 1950s
Lookin good.
11. Teenagers and their first car in the 1950s
Nothing quite like that moment that you get your first car, and it doesn’t matter what decade we’re talking about.
12. Carl Jung in his office in Switzerland in the 1950s
One can only imagine what kind of feedback Jung was giving on those papers.
13. Bunny Yeager’s self-portrait in Miami in the 1950s
The beach self-portraits just hit different.
14. 1950s Frenchman trying out some soda
It’s unclear whether he’s a newly converted fan, or utterly disgusted by it.
15. Billy Eckstine at Club Bop in 1950
Billy looks like he knew how to keep everyone laughing.
16. Swedish soldier reporting for duty back in the 1950s
Just a tad bit terrifying there, sir.
17. A boy and his fox out in Sweden during the 1950s
If you know anyone who has had a pet fox, they’re likely built different.
18. A chipper young fellow back in the 1950s
He looks like he’s having a decent enough day.
19. Teens hanging out at a standard diner in the 1950s
You’ve got to love the throwback diner moments. Comfort food and easy conversation to be had by all.
20. Playing a game of romantic chess, around the 1950s
It’s all romance and fun until someone calls checkmate.
21. Elvis Presley signing autographs for a group of fans in the 1950s
There Elvis goes, looking timelessly cool as ever.
22. Marlon Brando in 1950
Speaking of cool, Brando was on another level of cool himself.
23. Mexican painter and muralist Diego Rivera with his xoloitzcuintle dog
That dog looks like they have something important to say.
24. Montgomery Clift in the 1950s
Montgomery looking quite stoic in this particular headshot.
25. Sidewalk cafe, 423 Duval Street, Key West in the 1950s
Easy and slow-moving times out in Key West.
26. Elvis and Scotty Moore in 1957
Elvis nailed it with the red shirt too.
27. A young Clint Eastwood looking uncharacteristically cheery.
Clint isn’t scowling. Very strange, indeed.
28. The beautiful Marilyn Monroe, circa 1953.
Marilyn knew how to strike a pose.
29. Marlon Brando looking dark and broody.
Marlon could put some serious emotion into his shots.
