Movies and TV in the 50s


Movies and TV shows can be very influential towards young girl’s minds, so if Lolita saw any of these shows or movies while growing up, then she may have been swayed to think that her “relationship” with Humbert was normal.

“I Love Lucy” (1951-1957) produced by Desilu Productions (Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball)
I Love Lucy Cast
photo from https://ilovelucyandricky.fandom.com/wiki/%27%27I_Love_Lucy%27%27_series_cast
      This show is supposed to be a picture-perfect family of a husband and wife highlighting their adventures being married. A show like this would be one that any girl would see and immediately want to have a relationship like the one portrayed in the show. Theoretically, Lolita could have seen this show and therefore thought that her relationship with Humbert was okay because she may have wanted a similar relationship to that which Lucy and Desi had on TV. She could also have felt similar to Lucy in that she would get into trouble or do troublesome things yet Humbert would bail her out or help her. If Lolita was being bad, Humbert would almost reward her by buying her things to make sure she doesn’t run away or tell anyone about their relationship.  Arguably Desi is mentally abusive in that he always critiques Lucy and treats her like she’s a child since he thinks that she should come to him before doing anything for herself like buying something.  This could also lead a young girl to believe that an abusive relationship is both normal and to be expected.

“Vertigo” (1958) directed by Alfred Hitchcock
VERTIGO (1958) 25372 Paramount Pictures Original U.S. One Sheet Poster Linen-Backed Very Fine Condition Linen Backed
Photo from https://www.movieart.com/vertigo-1958-25372/
·       This movie normalizes men obsessing over women which can cause young girls to think that this is normal and maybe to be desired. This film can justify Humbert’s obsession with Lolita, and if Lolita says this film, she may have been influenced to think that her relationship with Humbert is not strange.  Humbert wants to control Lolita and that can be harmful to her not only in the moment but also for her future relationships because she will now think that this is what love looks and feels like.


“A Street Car Named Desire” (1951) directed by Elia Kazan
Vivien Leigh and Marlon Brando in A Streetcar Named Desire (1951).
Photo from https://www.britannica.com/topic/A-Streetcar-Named-Desire-film-1951
      This film portrays a rocky marriage where the man is clearly in control of his wife.  He’s abusive much like Humbert which again which shows that abusive relationships of either physical or emotional nature are normal and to be expected. The controlling, overbearing man that is portrayed in the film would hit close to home if Lolita watched it since it’s exactly how Humbert acts towards her. Though it wasn’t directly shown, the rape scene could have been very triggering for Lolita since she was raped multiple times by Humbert throughout their relationship. Films like these shape young girl’s minds- especially when the main male character is exceptionally attractive- into thinking that abuse is normal which it never should be.




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