black and white film
/ˌblæk ən ˈwaɪt fɪlm/
Meaning
A black and white film is a movie shot without color, showing images only in shades of grey, black, and white. This was the standard format before color technology became widespread.
Examples
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My grandfather prefers watching an old black and white film to modern action movies.
My grandfather prefers watching an old black and white film to modern action movies.
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The director decided to shoot the drama as a black and white film for an artistic effect.
The director decided to shoot the drama as a black and white film for an artistic effect.
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We watched a classic black and white film from the 1940s last night.
We watched a classic black and white film from the 1940s last night.
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Even though it is a black and white film, the story is incredibly powerful.
Even though it is a black and white film, the story is incredibly powerful.
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Many young people find it hard to enjoy a black and white film because they are used to modern special effects.
Many young people find it hard to enjoy a black and white film because they are used to modern special effects.
Common Mistakes
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✗ I like watching black-white movies.
✓ I like watching black and white films.
You must include the conjunction 'and' between 'black' and 'white'.
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✗ This is a white and black film.
✓ This is a black and white film.
The word order is fixed. Native speakers always say 'black and white', never 'white and black'.
Related Expressions
Practice
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Casablanca is a very famous ___ from 1942.
💡 A movie without color.
Show answer
black and white film
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Some directors still make a ___ to give it a vintage look.
💡 A movie shot in shades of grey.
Show answer
black and white film