The Movie Classics

1)The Shawshank Redemption, 1994

Morgan Freeman as Ellis Boyd “Red” Redding

Tim Robbins as Andy Dufresne

Bob Gunton as Warden Samuel Norton

William Sadler as Heywood

Clancy Brown as Capt. Byron Hadley

Gil Bellows as Tommy Williams

James Whitmore as Brooks Hatlen

Larry Brandenburg as “Skeet”

Neil Giuntoli as “Jigger”

Brian Libby as Floyd

David Proval as“Snooze”

Joseph Ragno as Ernie

I'd say, on the average, I still watch this movie once every six months. Now...given the fact that the movie came out in 1994, that's twice a year multiplied by 15 years plus add on the fact that when it came out of DVD I watched it once a day for sometime....K, so you get my point, I've watched it many times. The message is always clear...this is a movie of hope. This is a triumph of the human spirit. Morgan Freeman is brilliant as Ellis Boyd "Red" Redding in a dual capacity as one of the lead actors and a narration that would rival Robert Stack himself. Tim Robbins is magnificent in Steven King's greatest effort, "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption". For the most part, the characters develop in a chronological format over a long period of time and by the movies end, it's one of those films that you can sit and listen to the end title theme and soak it all in, never wanting it to end. The cast of supporting actors include James Whitmore as Brooks, William Sadler as Heywood. This movie is riddled with classic quotes that can only be spun by Morgan Freeman's enunciation. "Get busy living, or get busy dyin". I can still get to the very same level every time I watch this movie when Red is travelling on the bus to reach the border so that he can cross over and make contact with Andy once again. When Morgan Freeman has that look on his face as his arm is hanging out the window...ya feel me.? That's why I love this story. The point at which Andy accepts his circumstances and you are given that necessary "lift" that proves this is a film of hope is the roof tarring scene, goes something like this...

"And that's how it came to pass, that on the second-to-last day of the job, the convict crew that tarred the plate factory roof in the spring of '49 wound up sitting in a row at ten o'clock in the morning, drinking icy cold Bohemia style beer, courtesy of the hardest screw that ever walked a turn at Shawshank State Prison...The colossal prick even managed to sound magnanimous. We sat and drank with the sun on our shoulders and felt like free men. Hell, we could have been tarring the roof of one of our own houses. We were the Lords of all Creation. As for Andy, he spent that break hunkered in the shade, a strange little smile on his face, watching us drink his beer...You could argue he'd done it to curry favor with the guards, or maybe make a few friends among us cons. Me, I think he did it just to feel normal again, if only for a short while"

2)The Great Escape, 1963

Steve McQueen as “The Cooler King” Capt. Virgil Hilts

James Garner as “The Scrounger” Flight Lt. Bob Anthony Hendley

Richard Attenborough as “Big X” Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett

James Donald as “The SBO” Group Capt. Rupert Ramsey

Charles Bronson as “The Tunnel King” Flight Lt. Danny Velinski

Donald Pleasance as “The Forger” Flight Lt. Colin Blythe

James Coburn as “The Manufacturer” Flying Officer Louis Sedgewick

Angus Lennie as “The Mole” Flying Officer Archibald Ives

John Leyton as “The Tunneller” Flight Lt. William Dickes

Nigel Stock as “The Surveyor” Flight Lt. Denys Cavendish

Robert Graf as Werner “The Ferret”

Hannes Messemer as Commandant Colonel Von Luger

While my favorite actor of all time Steve McQueen is cast as the lead in this film, it's clearly an effort of equal status by such legends as Sir Richard Attenborough, James Garner, James Coburn, Charles Bronson, Donald Plesance and more.I'm sure there are a few web sites dedicated to telling you the story so I won't bore you with the details. Based on a true story of Allied POWS who mount a daring escape from a supposedly inescapable Nazi prison camp. What an amazing movie, seeing McQueen riding his motorcycle attempting to jump the barbed wire to get to freedom is entrenched in movie history. I recall the first time I saw this flick that I remarked it was two movies done together as the first part is relatively light hearted and somewhat comedic, it turns deadly serious once the actual escape has taken place. The huge roster, the hope that each has in this seemingly "escape-proof" prison keeps you hooked. Stalag Luft III was the German POW camp that Paul Brickhill was imprisoned inside in 1944. The plan called for a massive excape and while Brickhill was NOT one of those men due to his claustrophobia, he DID aid in the plans and documented what he saw and wrote a book in 1950. One of the tunnelers involved in the real "Great Escape" was Wally Floody and served as a technical advisor on the set, played in the movie by legendary tough guy Charles Bronson.

3)Rio Bravo, 1959

John Wayne as Sherriff John T. Chance

Dean Martin as Dude

Ricky Nelson as Colorado

Angie Dickinson as “Feather”

Walter Brennan as “Stumpy”

Ward Bond as Pat Wheeler

Claude Akins as Joe Burdette

The back of my DVD case says the following: "John Wayne is Chance in Rio Bravo, a lean western classic packing solid heroics and a strong emotional core. He's joined by Dean Martin as the deputy coming off a two year drunk, Walter Brennan as the old coot whose spirit outmatches his hobbled stride, Ricky Nelson as a youth out to prove himself and Angie Dickinson as a scarlet woman with her eye on Chance." This movie is one of my favorites for good reason. Dean Martin's portrayal of Dude is one of the more underrated in western movie history and then there's the American icon, John Wayne. Interesting note, this flick comes in two other aliases, Rio Grande in 1967 and Rio Lobo in 1970. The movie takes place for the most part in relatively confined circumstances and takes it's time delivering a story line that would have took other movies about 45 minutes to complete. That's what I like about it.

4)Cool Hand Luke, 1967

Paul Newman as Lucas “Luke” Jackson

George Kennedy as “Dragline”

J.D. Cannon as “Society” Red

Lou Antonio as Koko

Robert Drivas as Loudmouth Steve

Strother Martin as Captain

Morgan Woodward as Boss Godfrey

Dennis Hopper as Babalugats

Luke Askew as Boss Paul

Robert Donner as Boss Shorty

Clifton James as Carr

Marc Cavell as Rabbitt

Yep, another prison movie, that's a disturbing trend isn't it? This movie is what I consider the most trajic of all my favorites and with good reason. It may be considered another movie about a rebel standing up to authority, but look again. In the end, authority wins and you are left with Luke (played by Paul Newman) being nothing more than a cult hero to a band of chain gang prisoners and what did he get for his effort?, a bullet to silence what was amounting to a Christ-like personna in the eyes of his prisoner friends. The movie's appeal is Luke's spirit which slowly wins over his fellow prisoners and makes them believe, while alienating himself from the guards who feel they are losing respect among the men. The only course of action is to "break" Luke. As is the case with The Great Escape, prisonflicks.com has the dirt on this classic.

5)It's A Wonderful Life, 1946 Directed by Frank Capra.

James Stewart as George Bailey

Donna Reed as Mary Bailey

Lionel Barrymore as Mr. Potter

Thomas Mitchell as Uncle Billy Bailey

Frank Faylen as Ernie Bishop The Taxi Driver

Ward Bond as Bert The Police Officer

H.B. Warner as Mr. Gower

Frank Albertson as Sam Wainright

Todd Karns as Harry Bailey

Samual S. Hinds as Peter Bailey

Gloria Grahame as Violet Bick

This movie wouldn't have made it to the top 5 had it not been for James Stewart, who I consider to be the most versatile actor in movie history. The story itself has been used over and over again in different forms for years, examining what life for others would have been like had George Bailey not been born. I loved Stewart's sometimes over the top projections of himself and the transformation can be likened to Allistair Sim's metamorphasis in A Christmas Carol. Like so many Christmas classics, I have it set aside under the television from the rest of my movies and it gets the call every Dec 10th. I should be able to watch it about 10 times before the 25th rolls around. The Christmas message reads loud and clear but so does the development of the characters and that small town atmosphere that makes this kind of environment so appealing to be a part of.

6)The Bridge on the River Kwai, 1957

Alec Guinness as Colonel Nicholson

Sessue Hayakawa as Colonel Saito

Jack Warden as Major Warden

William Holden as Major Shears

James Donald as Major Clipton

Geoffrey Horne as Lieutenant Joyce

Andre Morell as Colonel Green

Peter Williams as Major Reeves

John Boxer as Captain Hughes

Percy Herbert as Grogan

I first saw this movie in Grade 11 history class when our wise teacher felt that it would serve to help in our understanding of the "casualties of war". Sir Alec Guiness, William Holden and Sessue Hayakawa play 3 very different characters all with very believable circumstances and destinies. The story takes place in Thailand during the second World War. Colonel Saito(Hayakawa) has to complete construction of a bridge and the only way to get it done in time is to use all his resources that includes all British prisoners of war enlisted and officers. That doesn't sit well with Colonel Nicholson (Guiness) who cites the Geneva convention as saying that officers are exempt from this labour. A war of wills takes place and the other side to this triangle is British and American intelligence officers including escapee Shears (Holden) conspire to blow up the structure. By this time, a sense of pride has overtaken the British colonel in his creation and you can guess the turmoil that transpires. Classic movie with phenomenal actors.

7)One Flew Over The Cuckoo's Nest, 1975, Jack Nicholson

Jack Nicholson as Randel Patrick McMurphy

Louise Fletcher as Nurse Mildred Ratched

Will Sampson as Chief Bromden

William Redfield as Harding

Danny DeVito as Martini

Josip Elic as Bancini

Christopher Lloyd as Taber

Brad Dourif as Billy Bibbit

Vincent Schiavelli as Frederickson

Alonzo Brown as Miller

Scatman Crothers as Orderly Turkle

Dean Brooks as Dr. Spivey

This film, set in a mental instituition, is a classic tale of the age old rebellion against oppressive bureauacy and stars Jack Nicholson as our anti-hero McMurphy. Louise Flether turns in a magnificent performance as Nurse Ratched, the face of instituitional authority and attitude that McMurphy fights against. Both Nicholson and Fletcher were not the first choices for their respective roles. OFOTCN swept the Oscars including best picture, actor and actress. I was given a copy of this movie back in 1994 by a good friend Bax, and it instantly became one of my favorites and like any favorite, I've watched it numerous times. You have to see this film!

8)The Roaring Twenties, 1939

James Cagney as Eddie Bartlett

Humphrey Bogart as George Hally

Gladys George as Panama Smith

Priscilla Lane as Jean Sherman (Hart)

Jeffrey Lynn as Lloyd hart

Frank McHugh as Danny Green

Paul Kelly as Nick Brown

Cagney and Bogey are WW1 buddies turned rivals in this classic gangster flick. When they come home to the states from the war, Eddie tries to no avail to get his job back, his pal Danny lets him drive his cab at night. A fare asks Eddie to deliver bootleg liquor, but Prohibition is in full swing and Eddie is arrested and thown in the clink. Eddie refuses to rat out the woman to whom he delivered the booze, speakeasy owner Panama Smith. Panama introduces Eddie to a life of crime and Eddie lives large in the world of bootleg hooch quite by accident. Eddie teams up with George (Bogart), a liquor smuggler who has a much darker side than his partner. Eddie is dragged into a life of racqueteering and murder. When Prohibition ends, Eddie loses everything and takes to the bottle. The final scene is a showdown with Bogey's character that results in the death scene that, to this day, has been copied like no other.

9)The Public Enemy, 1931

James Cagney as Tom Powers

Jean Harlow as Gwen Allen

Edward Woods as Matt Doyle

Joan Blundell as Mamie

Beryl Mercer as Ma Powers

Donald Cook as Mike Powers

Mae Clarke as Kitty

Mia Marvin as Jane

Leslie Fenton as Samual “Nails” Nathan

Robert Emmit O’Connor as Patrick J. “Paddy” Ryan

Murray Kinnell as Putty Nose

Snitz Edwards as Miller

Rita Flynn as Molly Doyle

This one caused a stir when it was released in 1931. James Cagney is featured in the rise and fall of a monstrous gangster. Cagney plays a professional criminal and follows his journey from in WW1 through the years of Prohibition. If this plot seems familiar, it was the 1930s and though it's dated, the plot contains a dark, edgy atmosphere, is ripe with sexual overtones and serves to imply violence as opposed to directly displaying it. Jean Harlow plays one of Cagney's girlfriends in the movie but the truly memorable scene is with Mae Clarke where Cagney smashes a grapefruit into her face. The Public Enemy received an Oscar nomination for Best Original Story.

10)The Adventures of Robin Hood, 1938

Errol Flynn as Sir Robin of Locksley

Olivia De Havilland as Maid Marion

Basil Rathborne as Sir Guy of Gisbourne

Claude Rains as Prince John

Patric Knowles as Will Scarlett

Eugene Pallette as Friar Tuck

Alan Hale as Little John

Melville Cooper as The Sherriff of Nottingham

Ian Hunter as King Richard

Considered by many to be the definitive screen adapted story of Robin Hood, Errol Flynn "steals from the rich and gives to the poor" in this classic version co-starring Olivia DeHavilland as Maid Marian. I don't think I have to spend any time explaining the story of Robin Hood to you, there have been many versions and good ones at that. Errol Flynn's portrayal of our cocky but charming hero is in direct contrast to Basil Rathbone's , Sir Guy of Gisbourne. Flynn would star in eight films with DeHavilland and a couple with Rathbone. This film has great choreography, a brilliant score and spectacular acting. Jeez...did Claude Rains star in every freakin' movie during this time...pretty close! James Cagney was originally cast as our hero but walked out on his contract. In retrospect, as much as I love Cagney, this was made for Flynn and not Jimmy. This movie has been parodied, spoofed, redone, imitated and the like. Douglas Fairbanks actually starred as Robin in 1922 but no one will ever beat Flynn's version. Matter of fact, Flynn had a knack for upstaging Fairbanks with his swashbuckling typecast.

11)Goodfellas, 1990, Ray Liotta, Robert DeNiro, Joe Pesci

Everytime I ponder my list of favorite movies, I wonder if I placed this wonderful movie too far fown on the ladder. Martin Scorsese's "Goodfellas" follows Henry Hill (Ray Liotta) from his teen years on the streets of New York through his time at the top in the world of wiseguys and his eventual exile in the witness protection program. While DeNiro was wonderful as Jimmy "The Gent" Conway and Joe Pesci was simply psycho as Tommy DeVito, I personally liked Liotta's career performance as Hill from his total indulgence in the mobster lifestyle to his natural everyday-Joe approach to the voice overs. My biggest surprise of the movie comes from Lorraine Bracco's performance as Karen Hill, the wife of Henry and her journey as the wife of a mobster

12)My Man Godfrey, 1936, Carole Lombard, William Powell

This screwball comedy from years past included one of my favorite female actors in Carole Lombard. Lombard received an Academy award nomination for best actress for her portrayal of the sweet but scatterbrained Irene Bullock, one of two daughters of a wealthy but wacky Manhatten family whos lives are transformed after Irene wins a high society "scavenger hunt" and produces what appears to be a "lost man", a tramp played by William Powell. His influence on Lombard and the family provide us with classic comedy and conscience. Just another one of those movies that I "accidently" watched. One of those nights when I couldn't sleep and it happened to be on T.V. The thirties was a magnificent decade because of the many exciting innovations and concepts that were being tested on the big screen.

14)Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, 1939, Jimmy Stewart, Claude Rains, Jean Arthur, Dir. by Frank Capra

Clearly Jimmy Stewart's film but had a supporting cast that lifted this film into another stratoshere in movie making. Stewart plays Jefferson Smith (God, even the name is patriotic), a naive young man who fights political corruption and complacency and stands for what he believes in. Seems a pretty simple plot right? There are plenty of twists and turns that keep you absorbed in a story about a man chosen by corrupt officials to simply sit as a token yet ends up fighting special interest groups that seek to defy the will of the people. You really should see see this film and try to understand how it's so incredibly easy to get caught up in the filibuster on the state senate floor. As the plot unfolds and Smith (Stewart) begins to figure out the political machine is merely trying to manipulate him, you are riveted by the classic "last resort" scene where, as long as he keeps talking and remains standing, he can hold the floor of the state senate.

15)Casablanca, 1942, Humprey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains

Ahhhh...So he finally comes to Casablanca and he placed it way down the ladder you say. If I had to make a list of the world's greatest actors or greatest movie accomplishments, I guess my list would be different. In the broad scope of things, my opinion is infinitestimal, but again, it's my opinion. Great movie and though Bergman is easy on the eyes, there's no doubting Bogey's a stud. Well...you know the plot or do we have to go through it? Paul Henreid as Victor Lazlo, Peter Lorre as Ugarte, and the incredible character actor Claude Rains as Captain Renault backed up Bogey (Rick Blaine) and Bergman (Ilsa) in this all time classic that few can leave out of their favorites list. It combines the love story with humour and wee bit of adventure, throw in some mystery and skeletons from the past and you have the perfect mix. Rick's saloon in the unoccupied French Territory of Casablanca , Morocco is a haven for a collection of colourful characters. Ugarte: "You despise me don't you?" Rick: " If I gave you any thought, I probably would"

16)A Christmas Carol, 1951, Allistair Sim, Gene Lockhart

There are many versions of the Charles Dicken's classic but few come remotely close to Allistair Sim's haunting rendition and eventual metamorphasis of Ebenezer Scrooge. I can't tell you how many times I've seen this movie and what's lacking in my yearly Christmas celebrations if I don't watch it at least 10 times. The 1939 version starring Reginald Owen deserves an honorable mention but this movie is the standard by which all others are measured. As the story goes, Scrooge is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve, Xmas past, Xmas present and Xmas yet to come. One of my all time favorite scenes in any movie is when he wakes the next morning and proclaims "the spirits did it all in one night". I love it when he says with joyful glee "I must stand on my head, I must stand on my head"!

17)Field of Dreams

Kevin Costner as Ray Kinsella

Ray Liotta as "Shoeless" Joe Jackson

Amy Madigan as Annie Kinsella

James Earl Jones as Terence Mann

Burt Lancaster as Dr. Archibald "Moonlight" Graham

As cheesy as this is, I want to ask you a question. Haven't you ever dreamed ? I love this movie for simplest of things. Based on W.P. Kinsella's novel Shoeless Joe, Kevin Costner plays Ray Kinsella, an Iowa farmer who hears those fateful words,"if you build it, he will come". He builds a beautiful baseball diamond in the middle of a cornfield and the movie sends Ray and those that watch on a journey across the country and through time. This is a movie about a crazy act of belief that turns into a miracle and it's easy to get caught up in it's comedy, drama and hope. This movie even has it's strengths with men in something that is totally unrelated to anything superficial, the feeling of unresolved issues with your father and many will vouch for that feeling. It's a modern classic! Of note, and something I know you'd have to agree...the town hall meeting at the local gymnasium where Annie Kinsella (Amy Madigan) gets into a heated argument with the rest of the hypocritical religious far right is a classic, she stole the show

18)The Breakfast Club, 1985

Emilio Estevez as “The Athlete “ “Sporto” Andrew Clark

Ally Sheedy as “The Basketcase” Allison Reynolds

Molly Ringwald as “The Princess” Claire Standish

Judd Nelson as “The Criminal” John Bender

Anthony Michael Hall as “The Brain” Brian Johnson

One of two movies on my favorites list from the "Brat Pack". Though the movie's budget required little funds apart from the actors paycheques, the movie did well in the theatres and has since become another modern classic. Imagine...making a movie out of a day in the life of 5 students in high school having to serve an entire day of detention, on a Saturday. This movie comes on the Superstation once every so often and I still pause to have a look. High School, from day one has had its stereotypical "classes" in the figurative sense and this movie exposes them all in true 80s fashion. I think I was probably close to the Emilio Estevez character if i had to chose one of these to liken myself to, although many of us can see several of these characters in our high school past. I got a tremendous kick out of Paul Gleason's portrayal of the hard ass high school principal who dutifully proclaimed that if he had to come in the room again "I'm crackin' skulls" . Funny, the characters and classes depicted in the film extend beyond the students themselves.

19)Back to the Future, 1985

Michael J Fox as Marty McFly

Christopher Lloyd as Doc Emmitt Brown

Crispin Glover as George McFly

Thomas F. Wilson as Biff Tannen

Lea Thompson as Lorraine Baines McFly

James Tolkan as Mr. Strickland

Ask me why "Casablanca" isn't in my top 5 when "Back to the Future" is holding steady in the top 20, I'll have a hard time explaining. I remember it from my youth, it still strikes a chord and it's a great fantasy flick about a subject that many us us have wondered about at one time or another. Even Stephen Hawking has wondered out loud, so I guess that justifies my excursion into sci fi. Michael J. Fox was entertaining as Marty McFly and being backed up the likes of Crispin Glover as George McFly and Thomas F. Wilson as Biff doesn't hurt either. Add to that a great soundtrack with Huey Lewis and you have a winner. I broke down, threw down the 40 bones, picked up the trilogy and have watched it numerous times. This movie brings me back to a time when I was very young, with no cares other than my own entertainment needs and this was one of many venues that provided an escape.

20)The Ten Commandments, 1956, Charleton Heston, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Edward G. Robinson

I won't waste your time explaining the story's plot because if you don't know the biblical story of the Hebrew Exodus from Egypt, you need to go back to Sunday school or read what's in the night stand the next time you stay at a hotel. This movie has to be considered a classic...why else would it be a necessary part of Easter Sunday on one of the big American networks. Charleton Heston is brilliant as Moses and Yul Brynner adds an air of style and confidence to his role as Rameses. Everything about this movie is larger than life which obviously adds to the magnitude of the story it's trying to lay out. I watch it every year. This movie can be accused of being a little campy at times but it remains as one of the untouchables in the history of movie making for me.

21)Citizen Kane, 1941, Orsen Welles

Those that follow, have an indepth knowledge of, or are simply part of the mainstream usually put this movie in their top three of all time. Every move that Charles Foster Kane makes seems to be a reaction to a life changing event that happened during his childhood, he was taken from his mom and raised as a ward of an industrialist.The story of his life is a series of flashbacks and for that matter flash- forwards depicting every side of his personality, his triumphs and mistakes on his way to that of a newspaper magnate. Orsen Welles directed and starred in this movie at the tender age of 26 and never duplicated its quality or success. Sheer acting ability is complemented by a wonderful score and combines to make this a truly memorable film. I remember when I first watched this movie as a teenager when I was forced to watch a movie that my parents were watching. I had no idea the quality of the movie at the time and have watched it numerous times since.

22)Gone with the wind, 1939, Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Olivia DeHavilland

Ever wonder where Clooney got that look? Clark Gable was the ultimate leading man in his day and no one could have pulled off the appeal of Rhett butler in this film but Gable. As far as today's generation is concerned, if you haven't seen this film and have maybe dimissed it as a "chick flick", then you are dead wrong. On most lists, this movie will score top 3 hanging with the likes of "Casablanca" and "Citizen Kane". A compelling movie with magnificent performances by the entire cast with a plotline that was infectious. Picture it, Atlanta during the Civil war and story of the passions, pains and entanglements of Rhett Butler, Scarlett O'hara and Ashley Wilkes...some say the greatest movie ever. C'mon, who wouldn't wanna look like the great Clark Gable, this guy had the total package, small wonder Clooney tries to look like him.

23)Miracle on 34th Street, 1947, Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O'Hara, Natalie Wood

While the 1994 version starring Sir Richard Attenborough and Elizabeth Perkins certainly was a valiant attempt, the original had something just a little bit extra. Edmund Gwenn is brilliant as Kris Kringle and Maureen O'Hara is wonderful as the self made lady who hires this man to play Santa at Macy's Dept. store. What ensues is a man that truly believes he is Santa Claus and by movie's end has the audience asking, Why Not? Gene Lockhart(Bob Cratchit from the 1939 version of "A Christmas Carol") and William Frawley (Fred Mertz from "I Love Lucy) add clout in their supportive roles. A young Natalie Wood shows why she had the makings of a Hollywood legend and John Payne plays Mr. Bailey, the lawyer with something many ambulance chasers don't have: heart!

24)Angels With Dirty Faces, 1938, James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart

Some consider this flick to be the greatest gangster movie in history, doesn't matter to me as long as you chose Cagney. The "Dead End Kids" idolize him, his childhood friend, Father Jerry Connelly wants to set the kids on the path of the straight and narrow, and Rocky Sullivan (Cagney) goes astray of the law once again after being released from prison. The cut of the crime related profits is at stake so Rocky guns down his former partners Frazier (played by Bogie) and Keefer (played by George Bancroft) and what we are left with is the often parodied actions, language and style of classic Jimmy Cagney. While some say the ending was a bit silly, it's still one of the most unforgettable and worth the price of the DVD. Humphrey Bogart is great as the psycho gangster who is Rocky's ex partner in crime. Cagney rules!

25)The Towering Inferno, 1974, Steve McQueen, Paul Newman

This movie contained two of my all time favorites in Steve McQueen (fire chief Michael O'Hallorhan) and Paul Newman (architect Doug Roberts). Steve McQueen was anxious to have the role he wanted and the number of lines necessary to have top billing over Paul Newman and he got his way. On the movie billing, McQueens name appeared on the left but below Newmans, while Newman's appeared on the right, slightly higher. It's apparent though, that McQueen got top billing. Why am I explaining this? I take us through this torture simply because even though it's the best disaster movie in history, the plot is pretty simple so why waste time explaining its inner workings. A brand new 135 story building catches fire during its dedication ceremony and we're left with a cast of superb actors taking us through their reactions, desperation and their circumstances intersecting with one another. Other notables in this movie were Fred Astaire, Richard Chamberlain and Faye Dunaway.

26)The African Queen, 1952, Humphrey Bogart, Katherine Hepburn

An undisputed classic starring two of the greatest actors in history according to many. The movie was filmed in Africa and the scenery is magnificent. When the Germans invade their small town in East Africa in 1914, one of its missionaries Rose Sayer (Hepburn) meets up with Charlie Allnut (Bogie) and boards his boat The African Queen. She convinces the rough-around-the-edges boozehound to take his rickety 30 foot river boat down a treacherous river to destroy a German gunboat patrolling the lake at the end of the river. It's a tale of courage, intelligence and mutual respect as we view the transition in the relationship between Rosie and Charlie from ordinary people at opposite ends of the spectrum to a formidable team, in fact a love story at that. Update: I watched it again on January 28, 2004...Damn, this movie should be higher on my list. I still think Bogey's Oscar should have come in 1948 instead of for this movie and Hepburn should have beaten Vivien Leigh for the prize for her performance as Rosie

27)Caddyshack, 1980, Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Ted Knight.

I still howl everytime I watch this flick and another one that probably won't make that all important elite list of movies in history. Bill Murray's Dali Llama bit, Chevy Chase's "be the ball" tutoring to Danny, Rodney Dangerfield's one liners aimed at the judge and his goofy hat and let's not forget the man that stole the show, Ted Knight. I can distinctly remember the first time I saw his over the top reaction to the gopher on the golf course and the countless other times during the movie's duration that he made me laugh. This movie, along with "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" ushered in a new wave of comedies in the early 80s that stick to me like glue, bold and full of laughs! The sequel to this classic didn't pack the same clout as the first and paid for it dearly in its legacy.

28)Ace Ventura, Pet Detective, 1994, Jim Carrey, Courney Cox, Dan marino

...and damn proud of it too. This movie is on my list because to this day, I have never laughed at a movie as much or wanted to view it over and over again obsessively as Ace. This is by far my best example of how an absurd movie can make anyone's favorite list. My stomach hurt for days from muscle contraction due to constant laughter from Jim Carrey's own unique brand of physical, over the top humour. This movie clearly had an effect on me and I still find myself mimicking many of the facial expressions, mannerisms and one liners from the funniest movie of all time. The appeal, like Monty Python, may not be as strong now but that's only because I've seen it over 200 times at least. I can't stress to you how much I make it a point to watch this guy's movies, he's incredible! If you didn't laugh at this movie or found Jim Carrey too silly to respond to then you have far bigger issues in your life than Jim carrey, you need to laugh at yourself first.

29)Groundhog Day, 1993, Bill Murray, Andy McDowell, Chris Elliot

Funny how the previous few movies made it into a list that contains such immortal classics as Shawshank, Cool Hand Luke, Mr. Smith, etc. Bill Murray illustrates some of the best comedic timing, deadpan facial expressions and classic sarcasm that I alone worship simply because it's such a sweet aversion to total physical comedy like that of John Ritter or Jim Carrey. Everytime I watch, and I do continuously, I can imagine what I'd like to do if given that outrageous situation. Bill Murray is "spot on" as a man who is forced to live Groundhog Day over and over again. Murray is superb as a contemptuous jerk who would like nothing better than to scrap the human interest story he's been sent to Punxutawney, Pennsylvania to cover in what he describes as "one time where cameras can't truly capture the effect of a big rat predicting the weather".

30)North By Northwest, 1959, Cary Grant, James Mason, Eve Marie Saint

A Hitchcock classic starring Cary Grant as a funny, "haven't-got-a-clue" advertising man Roger Thornhill who is mistaken for a spy who just happens to be trailing a man named Van Damme(James Mason). Grant is not the spy in question (the name being George Kaplan) but Van Damme believes otherwise and attempts to kill him. Grant spends the rest of the movie's duration trying to figure who the spy really is while mason and his gang try to "off" him. In the middle of all this drama, comedy and excitement, Grant's character meets Eve Marie Saint, a sexy, beautiful woman who may or may not be who she says she is. The classic crop duster plane scene is one of moviedom's best in a memorable movie that takes us all around the U.S. including the finale at Mount Rushmore

31)Trading Places, 1983, Eddie Murphy, Dan Akroyd, Don Ameche, Jamie Lee Curtis, Ralph Bellamy.

Once again, a movie that probably won't make it to most critics "best of..." list. Thankfully, I don't listen to most critics, a group of people that no doubt got pushed in a lot of lockers in high school. Randolph and Mortimer Duke (Ameche and Bellamy) are disgustingly rich commodity brokers who make a bet. Randolph thinks he can take a common street urchin (Eddie Murphy) and turn him into a success. The plan is to have Louis (Akroyd) stripped of all his possessions and put Billy Ray Valentine (Murphy) in his place complete with money and his home. To pull this off, they set up Louis for a crime he didn't commit to see if he will resort to crime once all his good fortune has been taken away. This is a terribly funny movie with great performances by all.

32)Monty Python and the Holy Grail, 1975, Eric Idle, John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Terry Jones, Terry Gilliam, Michael Palin

I recall the first time I saw this movie. I'm living in Humber Park in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia and it was a Friday night. I wasn't even a teenager at that point in 1979 so how I got to stay up until 3 in the morning to watch this flick is still a bit of a mystery. My mom was always pretty strict when it came to bedtime. Two things still register with me about this experience, first, the hilarious movie itself and second, becoming overtired and not being able to sleep after the fact. I remember growing up as a teenager and being a huge fan of these guys when most people my age scarcely knew of their existance, much less their comedic genius. I can now boast to enlightening my young brother in law to the talents of this legendary British group. Watch this movie and escape punchline humour and the rest of the dreaded similiarities among so many of todays sad attempts at a comedy movie. The movie holds far less appeal to me these days but I still judge it on it's effect on me then and what it's meant since.

33) Liar, Liar, 1997, Jim Carrey, Maura Tierney, Cary Elwes, Justin Cooper, Jennifer Tilly.

A classic tale where your biggest asset becomes your biggest liability. Jim Carrey plays Fletcher Reede, a young, successful, albeit ambulance chaser of a lawyer who wants to be a good father to his son but allows his work to consume him. His estranged wife Audrey, (Maura Tierney) tries her best to bridge the gap and bring her separated husband closer to his son but to avail. One day, after countless letdowns by his dad, his son Max makes a wish that he won't be able to lie for 24 hours...that's where the story becomes hysterical. Audrey and Max are planning to move to Boston with her new boyfriend much to Fletcher's chagrin. Oh, and BTW, I have plenty of movies I can insert as we make our way down the list for sheer quality, but Liar, Liar was incredibly funny and vintage Jim Carrey. Let's face it, he's the funniest man that ever lived. I nearly had an accident the first time I saw it especially when he is trying to force out a sentence to the opposing counsel played by Swoosie Kurtz, look for her in the outakes at the end.

34) The Empire Strikes Back, 1980, Marc Hamill, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Billy Dee Williams, Anthony Daniels

The second Star Wars movie to be released but Chapter 5 for all you Sci-Fi geeks who are sure to correct me quickly. I remember it like it was yesterday going to the Casino theatre in Halifax as a pre-teen and watching this movie. The ending wasn't exactly what I was looking for at that age or any age if you support good over evil but this is my favorite of the Star Wars flicks that have been released. Luke Sywalker and the rebel forces are up against Lord Vader and the Imperial forces who are looking for revenge. With Yoda, a jedi master teaching Luke how to harness "the force", Luke has a huge problem in controlling his new found power and an even bigger issue in the final confrontation with Darth Vader. This was an example of a movie, that for me, was larger than anything I had ever seen before and still gives me that feeling. I love all the Star Wars movies but it was this one that clearly beat out all the others.

35) The Mortal Storm, 1940, Jimmy Stewart, Margaret Sullavan, Robert Young, Robert Stack, Frank Morgan

The interesting thing about this movie is that it was released before America was brought into World War 2 and did not meet with a good response from Adolf Hitler who banned all MGM movies in Germany. Times were tough in 1930's Germany as it was in many nations and the German people were anxious to embrace a fostering dictatorship lead by Adolf Hitler. The story tells of the Nazi regime's rise to power in Germany. Professor Roth and his family live a tranquil rewarding life in pre Nazi Germany until word spreads that Hitler has become Chancellor. Roth's son's and his daughter's fiance are quick to support the overwhelming manipulative ways of the new Germany but his daughter and friend of the family Martin Bretiner (Jimmy Stewart) aren't thrilled at the prospects. The movie follows the divisions that arise among friends and family, being torn apart and remaining true to a realistic albeit trajic ending. This movie was extraordinary especially Stewart's and Morgan's performances. It was also a shot in the head seeing Robert Young ("Father Knows Best") playing a convincing Nazi officer. Stewart, Sullavan and Morgan would team again in another great film from that very same year: "The Shop Around the Corner"

36) Cat On A Hot Tin Roof, 1958, Paul Newman, Elizabeth Taylor, Burl Ives

Now, lets start at the beginning. It's no stretch to any man that within the first 20 minutes of the movie, we're treated to Elizabeth Taylor changing her nylons and dress with plenty of close up action on her legs. I must admit, the first time I watched the movie, I hung on hoping for more that shameful voyeuristic pubescent excitement. Then, alas, the story kicked in and it made you sit up, forget your hormones and pay attention. Did I mention that Liz was freakin' incredible?!!?!!!. K...back to the story, and it was a classic. This dysfunctional family masterpiece was adapted from the play from Tennessee Williams. It carried with it 6 Oscar nominations including best acting for Liz and Newman. Sexually frustrated Maggie (Liz Taylor) "the cat" and Paul Newman plays Brick, her alcoholic, injured husband still smarting from the death of his friend Skipper and holding Maggie responsible for an episode of infedelity with no forgiveness in sight. All this tension takes place on the 65th birthday of Big Daddy, the patriarch of the family. The family is rich, having owned a plantation and who find themselves embroiled in what is to become of Big Daddy's inheritance as the truth of his terminal illness becomes apparent. That's as close to the film as I want to describe because the tensions and plotlines that evolve become rather complicated. To add to this, the movie is at contrast to the play itself when it comes to the true relationship between Brick and his departed friend and the real reasons for Maggie's attempted rendevous with him. Burl Ives was incredible as Big Daddy, while Newman was classic as a brooding pathetic shell of a man. As I grew up, I often wondered why the tabloids were so obsessed with Elizabeth Taylor, after all, to me she wasn't such a big deal. All you have to do is go back to her movies of this generation and simply look at her. She wouldn't have to speak a word, just her look and body language would surely drive a man to drink...that is...if he couldn't have her.

37) Life Of Brian, 1979, Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Jones, Eric Idle, Michael Palin, Terry Gilliam

I guess for a good Christian like myself, putting a controversial, blaspemus, sacriligious flick like this on my Top 40 probably won't heighten my chances at getting to Heaven. For Monty Python fans like myself we often find ourselves approaching comedy from a different angle than standard, punchline, predictable pretenders. Because he was born on Christmas Day, next door to the stable of Christ himself, Brian goes through life being mistaken as the Messiah. You have to see the movie and try not to laugh at scenes like: "Bigus Dickus", "Big Nose", "The People's Front of Judea", and the final credits sing along. Once again, a movie that doesn't appeal to the broad base but if you think you understand the true meaning and range of comedy, you must like this movie. If you're a Christian and you don't like to walk that line, you may want to steer clear...this one's still walking the tightrope after all these years. I recently introduced my young brother in law to Monty Python and he's become a dedicated fan. Thankfully there are a few out there who are open to something a wee bit different and whos comedy is not based on a superficial template that has been tried and beaten to death. Monty Python's comedy, even by today's standards is still very unique.

38)St. Elmos Fire, 1985, Judd Nelson, Rob Lowe, Demi Moore, Ally Sheedy, Emilio Estevez, Andrew McCarthy, Mare Winningham

Perhaps known more for the soundtrack than the actual plot, this is another one of those 80's favorites I can't seem to shake. The "Brat Pack" are together again but this time, it's college and things are a little more complicated. Each character has his/her own personal problem or demon and it's exploited to the fullest in all it's vanity in this flick. This is clearly an example from my list of a movie that won't end up on AFI's Top 100 but certainly remains on mine. A classic coming of age movie with an all star cast that has all the ingredients of a soap opera with age-old cliched sub plots. I realize that some parts are over the top like Emilio Estevez's obsession with Andie McDowell, but it adds to the splendor of the group's eventual coming together at the very end.

39) It Happened One Night, 1934, Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connelly, Roscoe Karns

When I watched this flick for the first time, I managed to escape as I'm sure the film had intended. I guess I had a weak spot for Frank Capra films and this is a true romantic screwball classic where the King of all leading men, Clark Gable shows us his amazing ability to captivate. Some of the scenes in this movie which was essentially a road trip are among the most memorable in movie history. The sleeping arrangement between Colbert and Gable, the doughnut dunking lesson given by Gable, the classic hitchhiking scene will stay with you as it has with many who have watched this gem. Word has it, that Bugs Bunny's carrot chomping mannerisms were based on Gable's munching display in this movie. You really should see this one...makes you adore Colbert and be like Gable. Oh...I should mention, the story goes like this....rich kid, on the lam from her family, meets up with and is aided by a man who is really just a reporter looking for a hot story.

40) Ferris Buellers Day Off,1986, Matthew Broderick, Alan Ruck, Jeffrey Jones, Jennifer Grey, Edie McLurg

This movie has to be one of your favorites too...right. Please tell me I'm not alone. It was the simplest of plot lines. High School student Ferris Bueller(Broderick) is determined to have a day off from school and goes to great lengths to con the system while looking at the camera and addressing you as he describes his next move. I think we all identified with the movie, lived the dream through Ferris, aspired to be him and wanted to see it play out in the most grandiose of styles. What are the chances that your "school con" will land you in the middle of a downtown parade with you as the centre piece singing "Twist and Shout"?...Hardly likely, but we sure liked the looks of it. Jeffrey Jones and Edie McLurg were hilarious as the bumbling school principal and his secretary and Alan Ruck turns in a memorable perfomance as Ferris' reluctant co-conspirator and best buddy Cameron Frye.

41) The Philadelphia Story,1940, Katherine Hepburn, Gary Grant, Jimmy Stewart

After being labeled as "box office poison" by Photoplay Magazine in 1938, it was almost a miracle that Kate resurrected her career the way she did. But the part she played in the Philadelphia Story must've played on the attitude that America was feeling about her at the time. I must admit, I absolutely hated Bringing up baby, one of two previous movies she starred in with Grant...it just didn't amuse me. This movie had the right ingredients and I was always a sucker for any movie that exploited the never ending clash of the classes. I want to feel good about the Best Actor nod from the Academy that went to Jimmy Stewart, but I think he should have won it for the movie he made in the previous year...Mr. Smith goes to Washington. For a guy that pans these awards shows, I sure do mention them alot eh? Truth is, Stewart maybe shouldn't have won it in 1940, because Henry Fonda was brilliant in The Grapes of Wrath. K, here's the plotline, rich snooty heiress is on her way to the alter for the second time choosing a complete opposite of a gentleman (John Howard) over her previous marriage, a dapper, colorful stud like Cary Grant. Grant shows up prior to the nuptials in a paternal mode hoping to shelter her from Stewart, the exciteable newsboy who plays into the love triangle the day before the ceremony. Sound complicated, it isn't and worth seeing because it's much easier that reading my spiel.

42) Some Like It Hot,1959, Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis, Marilyn Monroe, Joe E. Brown, Pat O'Brien

Y'know, I can't figure out which interested me more, this movie's spoof on gangster films or my adoration for one of the sexiest women that ever had a heartbeat. FYI, the woman in question is not Lemmon or Curtis in drag...but rather Marilyn. This was a cross dressing flick and though countless were produced, this is the all time classic. What is it about Jack Lemmon that seems to bring out the best in his co-stars? The plot is simple, 2 musicians, lots of talent, no money dress up as women and gain entry to an all girl dance band heading to Florida. It's good they opted for the train ride after witnessing a shooting with the mob on their tale to eliminate a couple of witnesses. In a different year, this movie may have won a few trophies since it was certainly nominated for a few Oscars, but the mountain it had to climb was Ben Hur, not an easy task. I don't think this film would have went as far had they went with the original cast of Mitzi Gaynor, Bob Hope and Danny Kaye...I fear it would have been a step back in time.

43) All Quiet On The Western Front,1930, Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, Arnold Lucy, John Wray, Owen Davis Jr, Scott Kolk, Ben Alexander, Walter Rogers, Richard Alexander, Pat Collins.

Another one of those movies that our history teacher showed us back in the 80s to outline her stance on the "casualties of war". It had an impact on me back then and today still does and quite remarkably so considering it was probably the first of many anti-war films that have become a mainstay of Hollywood's movies with a message. Like other cinematic achievements of its kind, it was condemned by Hitler and his regime, not surprisingly considering the plot. Young german soldiers are shown in the trenches of the Great War and all it's dissillusionment and futility. There is nothing triumphant in this film and clearly shows from the enlistment of young german boys to their deaths during and after the war, that war itself is pointless and trajic. It's a soldiers point of view that many today have seen examples of in films like Saving Private Ryan. This was one of the first "talkies" that set the bar. Whatever side of the pond you were from back then didn't matter, the "enemy" was no different than us in many cases and only thing that separated us was bad governments.

44) Mutiny On The Bounty,1935, Clark Gable, Charles Laughton, Franchot Tone, Eddie Quillan, Herbert Mundin, Tehanni

Another epic that has been remade, redone, repackaged and regurgitated on numerous occasions. Like A Christmas Carol, there's only one true classic. Many of today's movie "know-it-alls" would say that Charles Laughton's over the top portrayal of Captain William Bligh was a bit much, but as much as I loved Gable, this guy stole the movie. On a voyage to the South Seas, The Bounty and her crew headed by the merciless Capt. William Bligh must transport breadfruit from Tahiti to the West Indies as a cheap source of food for slave laborers. that was the intention at least, until we come face to face with Blighs sadistic insatiable appetite for cruelty. He treats his crew like dogs, cuts their rations, has them flogged for no reason until First Mate Fletcher Christian declares a mutiny and fixes his hide. For pure historical fact, don't refer to this movie but if you'd like a Hollywood epic that remains to this date an true accomplishment with a larger than life presentation, watch this flick. Even to this day, it looks like a lot of money was spent and the acting is quite good. While the title suggests the plot and it's inevitablity, the second part of the show is when Bligh (cast adrift by Christian and the mutineers with little food) attempts to avenge what has happened to him by returning and hunting down the crew that turned against him. A great classic.

45) Spartacus,1960, Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Peter Ustinov, Charles Laughton, Tony Curtis

In that true classic Ben Hur mold, Kirk Douglas plays Spartacus, a soldier who leads a revolt against the Roman Empire that enslaved him and his people. While it's not one of director Stanley Kubrick's favourites, it's certainly one of mine. Nice balance here between epic masterpiece and some of the best battle scenes ever put together and the sensitive, emotional development of its central character. Peter Ustinov was wonderful as Batiatus the slave trader who cuts more lines than Hawkeye in M*A*S*H. Jean Simmons plays Spartacus' wife Varinia and a welcome addition and contrast to the characters we're exposed to ( not to mention her beauty). It's a story of bravery, wit, love, sexuality, obsession and greed as Laurence Olivier and his portrayal as Crassus would clearly display as only Olivier could muster. The plotline is simple, intertwined with a good deal of realism and Hollywood in a broad screen majestic version as it should be viewed. Unlike Ben Hur, this film seems to explore the underlying reasons, feelings and often ignored skeletons we harbor inside giving light and insight to its eventual outcome. It's little wonder that movies such as Braveheart and Gladiator did so well in past few years.

46) Deliverance,1972, Burt Reynolds, Jon Voight, Ned Beatty, Ronny Cox, Billy Redden

Hey, no heckling...I know Jon Voight got first billing but you're talking about Burt Reynolds here...Burt always goes first. Four guys go on a canoe trip on the Cahulawassee River that soon turns into a retreat to horror. One of the most striking things about the film is the contrasting of characters which begs the question...who cast this film? I ask this because, that person had to know what the hell they were doing...as they picked some of Holywoods best actors to portray them. I think this film is cult status because it gives one the impression that this movie was no walk in the park to film and judging from some of the scenes (the two mountain men who want to sodomize Ed and Bobby), not an easy one to ad lib again. The fact that no insurance company would lend its name to the production of this movie also adds to its legend. There are many movies with the same theme that focuses on the"fish out of water" scenario, but none more brilliantly played than Deliverance. It's an excursion into the extreme where four men embark on a simple macho male bonding trip that goes awry. At the very least, Burt's the man and I had no other movie that had him included.

47) Rocky,1976, Sylvester Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers,

It's rags to riches, root for the underdog, million to one shot makes it big movie and in 1976 we must've been thirsting for a movie like this...a sleeper like this. In between Spielberg's Jaws and Lucas' Star Wars comes a a flick with a million dollar budget and a 100 million dollar return, sounds like the plot of the movie itself. Yes, the studio wanted DeNiro, Burt Reynolds or James Caan to star in it, But Stallone wrote it and sold it as a complete package...his way or the highway. Well, he got his way and the rest is history and 5 more films. It beat a couple of heavies like Taxi Driver and All The President's Men for Best Picture at the Oscars. Stallone has one nomination for best actor in his career and this was it. Rocky Balboa, whose previous job was as a loan shark collection stiff until he went the distance in a world heavyweight title fight with the champion Apollo Creed, Jesus, even the name is powerful. C'mon guys get on board, you know you wanted the Rocky collection for Christmas.

48) Rocky II,1979, Sylvester Stallone, Burgess Meredith, Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers.

Many would probably agree with my choice of Rocky in my favorites list but the sequel, Rocky II may be a tougher one to explain. I view these two movies of the Rocky collection as part n' parcel. In the first, he went the distance, in the second, he did the job. Let's face it, it may have rehashed alot from three years previous, but I thought it was a necessary evil and proved a worthy sequel as far as sequels are concerned. Hell, I would've probably put Rocky IV on the list had it not been for the death of Apollo Creed. Back to my points, first and foremost, it was a legitimate part two with the development of Rocky's fight potential, his relationship with Adrian, and Mickey and finally the world title. The series turned a corner with Rocky III with Mr. T falling short of Carl Weathers performance as his opponent especially in acting ability. Let's not pick this apart too much, part two was important, he won the strap!

49) Star Wars,1977, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, Harrison Ford, Alec Guiness, James Earl Jones

Ahhh...the memories of Princess Leia with two bagels strapped to the sides of her head while holding on to a young Luke Skywalker (damn, didn't this guy end up being her brother?) and a movie that made all others look like a local cable network's after school special. This movie was a big deal in the seventies and still manages to maintain a high interest today. It was just so big, it was at that time tough to categorize. Here's what I remember: The voice of Darth Vader from the unmistakable James Earl Jones, the legendary Sir Alec Guiness as the wise Jedi master Obi Wan "Ben" Kenobi, a young arrogant but cool Harrison Ford, the special effects and the grand spectacle. "A long time ago in galaxy far, far away". So much was included in this movie but you had to feel that above all, the story was what captivated you and the way it was illustrated through cutting edge effects. Granted, today's special effects would most certainly date this epic but looking at it recently, it was still pretty cool. Besides all these strengths, the banter and comedy between Leia and Solo as well as C3PO and R2D2 was wonderful. Sorry, it was pretty one sided between the robots as we only understood "Three PO". I guess I remember the Star Wars movies during my childhood and how I believed they were strictly in their own league and above so many others.

50) Star Trek The Wrath of Khan,1982, William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, DeForest Kelley, James Doohan, Walter Koenig, George Takei, Nichelle Nichols.

I recall watching the re-runs of the 60s series, Star Trek growing up in the late 70s and 80s. I was always more than just a mainstream fan but not enough to be considered a "trekkie". I like others, wasn't even remotely interested when the first movie was released especially after being exposed to Star Wars. In it's defense, the first Trek movie was a box office success. This movie will probably appeal to more of the mainstream than the others but it was also a very violent film that dealt with deep human emotions like hate and revenge. This was clearly a superior film to Star Trek, The Motion Picture and took from the original series in its pairing of Kirk versus his nemesis Khan, played by Ricardo Montalban (Mr. Roarke from Fantasy Island). Khan is looking to avenge the time he was imprisoned by Captain Kirk in years previous. Admiral Kirk (as he has now been promoted to) must protect the Genesis Device, an experimental secret Star Fleet invention that, when enabled, can provide life support for entire planets. What's interesting about this is, Kirk's old flame and mother of his estranged son , had a hand in it's development. Khan wrestles the Enterprise crew for the Genesis project and exacts his revenge on Kirk with the "death" of Spock. A wonderful movie with a great cast, in particular, the performances of Shatner and Montalban as the mortal enemies.

51) The man who shot Liberty Valance,1962, John Wayne, James Stewart, Lee Marvin, Vera Miles, Edmond O'Brien, John Carradine, Andy Devine, Strother Martin, Denver Pyle, Lee Van Cleef

Dorothy M. Johnson was an acclaimed Western fiction writer responsible for the short story that this movie was adapted from. You'd think that having John Wayne and Jimmy Stewart together in a movie would be enough to get on my favorites list, but there was more. Sure, maybe there are a pile of empty headed Western films from years past but this isn't one of them. Jimmy Stewart plays Ransom Stoddard, a well educated attorney who longs for the day when law and order is a given and doesn't live by who has the largest gun. But, alas, this is the old west where this type of society was in its infancy and guys like Liberty valance could cut fear into just about anyone he chooses. John Wayne stars as Tom Doniphon, a man who causes the same effect in the lawless nature of Valance. Long story short, Stoddards legend grows as folks believe, including himself, that he had the nerve to stand up to, and kill Liberty Valance. The story opens and closes as Stoddard is en route to the funeral of Doniphon, a man who competes for the hand of the fair Haillie(Vera Miles). Great acting, great story.

52) My Darling Clementine,1946, Henry Ford, Walter Brennan, Linda Darnell, Victor Mature, Cathy Downs, Tim Holt, Ward Bond, John Ireland.

There's as many adaptations of the famous "gunfight at the OK Corral as there are versions of Robin Hood. History has done little to help us understand or for that matter draw a line as to who was the "righteous" side in this feud that culminated in Wyatt Earp, family and Doc Holliday battling the McLaury's and the Clantons in Lot 2, Block 17 behind the Corral in Tombstone, Arizona Territory, USA. The fight lasted all of 30 seconds on October 26, 1881. My Darling Clementine is my favorite adaptation of the incident and events leading up to it. Directed by John Ford, this version of that "cultural event" in US history is perhaps altered for the purposes of selling a movie but nonetheless, similiar to actual events. The reason I like the movie so much besides Walter Brennan's performance as Old Man Clanton was the awkward manner at which Wyatt Earp reacts to the circumstances he finds himself in and how it is so brilliantly played out on the screen by the legendary Henry Ford. The actual fight is but a small but crucial climax of the film. I was first prompted to watch this movie after seeing clips of it in one of my favorite episodes of M*A*S*H entitled Movie Tonight.