It was originally released in 1.37:1, as was the standard at the time. But some older movies were released in 1.85:1 or 2.20:1. 1.33:1 seems like everything on the sides is cropped.
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We never really grow up, we only learn how to act in public.
Widescreen did not come around until the mid '50s. All the films prior (except one or two) were filmed in the 1.37 aspect ratio. The aspect ratio here is the proper framing. There is no information lost on the sides. If this were matted in the 1.78 aspect ratio would crop off top and bottom of frame and you actually lose information on the sides because of the enlarged frame to make it a fake widescreen. Look at Dial M for Murder. I always felt this would work better in widescreen, but full frame you do get more picture on the sides and no information was matted out on top and bottom of the frame. Look at Rope being more claustrophobic with the black bands on the side and more head room at the top.
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