The Cream of the Crop

I know, I know, you've been waiting an entire two weeks to see this list! This week the finale to my Top 50 is revealed.  These films have had long-standing spots in this coveted group, unlike the other 35 I have shared over the past two weeks that have vacillated from time to time, jockeying for position. The youngest film on this list is from 1993, so it has been a very long time since a movie has captured a 'favorite' spot such as these.  If you are a new reader to my blog, you will need to see the past two weeks of blogging to see the list up to this point (#16-50) and the criteria I set to create this entire list.  So without any further ado or added suspense, here I go!

The Count of Monte Cristo

#15 – The Count of Monte Cristo (1975)

Entering the top 15 is again, what I call a ‘cheat,’ but since it is a long-time favorite, it makes its appearance this high on the list.  This made-for-television film is far better than most of the versions I have ever seen, and since it is a favorite novel of mine, I deem this the best of the best.  The 2003 version starring Jim Caviezel and Guy Pearce holds no candle to this [close to] ‘by the book’ production; don’t get me wrong, I enjoy both these actors, but the screenwriter must have confused this Alexandre’ Dumas genius classic mixed up with some other Hollywood happy ending.  This version stars Richard Chamberlain (and co-stars more great faces), and indeed does show that revenge is never the best answer and we do not always get what we want in life, no matter how financially wealthy we may become. And well, this Edmund Dantes is just - yummy!

How the West Was Won

#14 - How the West Was Won (1961)

Those who know me, know I love 1) westerns, 2) sweeping epics and 3) well, there’s John Wayne…duh!  Long before I used many segments of the film to show my students of the hardships the pioneers of America endured to make our land great, I fell in love with this amazing film for those reasons. And as the years progress, I have learned a great deal on the film.  There were injuries aplenty, and some to great extent, at that.  It was the second film filmed for the Cinerama™ phenomenon. Starring one of the largest big name casts, directed in three segments by three directors, and spanning 162 minutes of film with the surround-screen effect, it takes me from the families leaving the East down the Erie Canal to a 3^rd generation, through the Civil War, and on into the 1880’s  ‘new west of Arizona.’ So many of my favorite classic actors and actresses are here. There is a great score by the John Williams of his day, Alfred Newman, and narration by Spencer Tracy, it’s no wonder why this make my top 15.

The Natural

#13 – The Natural (1984)

I have visited this film several times over the past year. Why is it a favorite? Revisit it at my blog of May 10, “A Knight in Shining Jersey.”

White Christmas

#12 – White Christmas (1954)

Recently featured on my blog, “The Nice List” (November 29), this is not only a Christmas holiday favorite, but an all-time favorite as well.

Big

#11 - Big (1988)

Without much detail, this film was featured in my blog of tearjerkers from November 2, entitled, “A Good Cry.”  But it makes the all-time list for more than just that.  The youthful Tom Hanks (remember reading that I knew his Aunt Hilda?) portrays a boy trapped in a 30-something body so believably, that when he realizes how good life truly is as a 12-year old, I believe it, too.  It stirs up every feeling I have of childhood lost and how quickly my own years have flown by, wishing that I, too, could recapture that age of innocence.  With a background scoring of the song “It’s in Every One of Us,” watching the scene with the ‘elder’ Josh Baskin realizing these truths make all the great re-quotable funny lines, sight gags, and laughter from the previous 90+ minutes all come to a climax with the realization that I can have that childlike feeling even in my older self.

Raiders of the Lost Ark

#10 – Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

The first time I saw this was on a date night.  I left the theatre shaking, trembling, and almost in a full state of tears.  What did that do to me?  Well, I went back to see it two more times, of course!  I have to put this Indiana Jones adventure in the Top 10.  There is just so much that could be said, and so much that has been said that if you have never seen this film (which I hear there are people who have not seen it), it is just a ‘must.’  The homage to the great film serials, adventure seekers and treasure hunters of the early days of film comes right off the screen in this Steven Spielberg true classic gem.  Everything about it is perfection – casting, scoring, direction, artistic direction, script (and improvised script) makes for a recipe that is oh, so delicious!

Holiday Inn

#09 – Holiday Inn (1944)

Another film recently featured on my blog, “The Nice List” (November 29), this is my favorite Christmas holiday film.  Come New Year’s Eve, I know what I will be watching!

Ben-Hur

#08 - Ben-Hur (1959)

This epic Biblical-era classic was actually written by Civil War General Lee Wallace.  I have mentioned Ben-Hur in earlier blogs, (“Deja-View,” July 5 and “Tradition,” July 21) as I not only watch this film every Easter season, but also have had that wonderful opportunity to see this film on the big screen as it was in its original release.  And yes, Charlton Heston’s eyes were really that blue! It sweeps us through the life of a well-to- do Jewish man, who takes the punishment for a perceived crime against another), and how he comes to prominence in a Roman world unlike his own.  As the story unfolds, our hero ‘s life collides with that of another historical figure’s, and Judah Ben-Hur will never be the same. Nor am I, as I am brought to tears several times throughout the 3-½ hour “Tale of the Christ.”

The Four Seasons

#07 – The Four Seasons (1981)

If you’ve ever been a friendship with a group of friends, you may find this film either enlightening & hysterically funny or thinking it’s “so truthful, it hurts.” Written and directed by Alan Alda, the introspective on three couples’ friendships is nothing but the truth.  His use of Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons" is the backdrop of these four portraits in these couples' relationship.  You may find yourself as one of the characters, or separate yourself from any of the archetypes and just enjoy it for what it is. But I (along with my spouse) closely identify with one of the couples and we just laugh, cry, and say, “Uh huh!” over and over as we watch this voyeuristic film on the nature of adult friendships.  It may be a bit ‘dated,’ but the truths therein are as clearly current as they were over 30 years ago.

On Golden Pond

#06 – On Golden Pond (1984)

Another film of which I identify closely is this story of long-lasting love that comes with its own baggage. When I began revealing my top 50, I mentioned that there were criteria for what makes these movies my favorite.  Almost every one of those questions is a resounding “yes” when it comes to the story of the Thayers and their needing approval adult daughter, Chelsea. Not only are the Oscar-worthy (and won) performances some of the best on screen, but the screenplay is written by the original playwright, Ernest Thompson (of “Sierra” television [not so] notoriety.  With a score by Dave Grusin, this end-of-life seasoned story is so poignant that I am prepared to cry with those first few piano notes in the opening scene.  I’ve always been a believer that “life imitates art,” but in this case, when Ethel says, “Don't you think that everyone looks back on their childhood with a certain amount of bitterness and regret about something?”, I can’t help but know that is art imitating life.

Well, here they are Denise’s Top 5 Favorites of All-Time:

 #05 – Tombstone (1993)

Coming in at #5 is the heavy-handed tale of the “Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.”  It isn’t exactly word for word out of the history book, but it does its best (and does) to bring the heroism and true character of one of America’s greatest legends, Wyatt Earp, to the screen.  Sweepingly told in epic style, great camera work, and a musical score by one of my favorite screen composers, Bruce Broughton, the textbook characters of Earp, his brothers, and Doc Holliday command the screen with every shot – literally!  Val Kilmer’s delivery of Doc Holliday can be seen in my blog of February 25, “Memories of Oscar” (he did not receive even a nomination) – this bad-ass (yes! I said it) four-some rocks the streets of Tombstone in their dusters and time-period facial hair.  “I‘ve got two guns – one for each of ya’.”

 #04 – The Great Race (1965)

My blog of April 19 “Fashion (License) Plate” was the centerpiece of discussing the ever-beautiful Natalie Wood’s wardrobe of said film. “Tradition” of July 21 also made a mention of it, as well. A long-standing favorite of mine, this homage to the early days of screen heroes stars a second pairing of the always-gorgeous Tony Curtis and the ever-brilliant Jack Lemmon.  With music by Henry Mancini and directed by Blake Edwards, this is screwball send-up to the first days of film comedy.  It is actually dedicated to “Mr. Laurel and Mr. Hardy.” Knowing this film so well, it’s like an ‘old friend,’ and the 2 hours 40 minutes run time seems to now be but just a few.

 #03 – Silverado (1984)

With an earlier score by Bruce Broughton, here another homage film (this time to the great film westerns) written to perfection by Lawrence and Mark Kasdan, another foursome of larger-than-life heroes fills the widescreen.  When I saw this film in the theatre, we were late, and the seats remaining in the once ever-popular Cinedome, Orange (“You Must Remember This” blog, January 14) were right down in front!  So everything really was   ‘larger than life’! The horses moving in perfect timing, the gun fights, the poker games, the final shoot-out all spanned the screen in sweeping glory.  Another perfect cast with Kevin Kline, Scott Glenn, Kevin Costner, Danny Glover, and Brian Dennehy, another perfect supporting cast, and score. I know practically every line and every move of this black versus white western. And as Cobb might tell you after a sinister laugh, “That ain’t the half of it, friend. Welcome to heaven.”

 #02 – 9 to 5 (1980)

It’s the mother of all comedies. Well, to me, anyway.  December 31, 1980 - after a full day at Disneyland and dinner at the Jolly Roger on Katella Avenue, Anaheim, my now husband and I spent the rest of New Year’s Eve at the Cinedome, Orange.  A story originally conceived by Jane Fonda to be a drama based on horror stories told by secretaries regarding their bosses, her idea turns these interviews into one of those “you can’t make this stuff up” complete farces about what secretaries would really love to have happen! And so it becomes this white-collar classic!  With an office manager who can’t break through the glass ceiling, a sexpot-no one-will-be-her-friend executive secretary, and a newly-divorced- needing-a-job flunky, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda take me on a laugh-a minute ride to the executive suite!  Another film running rampant with re-quotable lines and could-never-happen shtick, these ladies make it possible to believe that anything’s possible when you have a complete jerk for the man who signs your paycheck!

#01 – Funny Girl (1968)

At last, I reach the number one spot, and there for many years holds the title of “crowned jewel.” “Huh?” you asked, as you scratch your head wondering why it isn’t some ‘great’ film, but this is, for me, the greatest film.  I first saw Funny Girl on televise as the “ABC Sunday Night Movie,” (remember that?) I must have been 13 or so, and I was so awestruck at the talent of Barbra Streisand singing songs that were “me” (and I was only 13!) that I wanted to be her (or Fannie Brice, anyway)! With the best make-up in showbiz (with a close second going to both Natalie Wood and Elizabeth Taylor), lavish costuming, a wonderful supporting cast with Omar Sharif as the beautiful, yes beautiful, Nick Arnstein, and original music by Jule Styne, this film stands the test of time. I truly wish I had seen Barbra on stage playing the multi-talented Brice prior to her Oscar-winning (tie with Katherine Hepburn) performance on the screen. I remember asking my maternal grandmother about Fannie Brice and enjoying the stories she remembered of Fannie’s undying love of Nick Arnstein. It made the whole affair so much more real and brought it even closer, knowing my grandmother was alive to remember those days of early entertainment. Granted, the storyline of the film was been altered quite a bit, as the story could not be told in full disclosure do to legal issues. Never the less, Funny Girl is another film that answers my qualifying criteria with resounding  “Yeses!”  Okay, you can say I have a big ego, go ahead, but I cannot tell you how many times I would entertain myself singing, “I’m the greatest star, I am by far, but no one knows it!,” because I felt that way about myself (theatre in the blood that won’t ever leave me), and I loved the fact I connected with a (written for film to characterize the star) song that felt the same way as I did.  “These are facts, I’ve got no axe to grind!” And since it’s my favorite film, I’ll close with one more Funny Girl lyrics line: “Don’t bring around a cloud to rain on my parade!”

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When I was teaching and would begin a new book with the students, I might often say, “This is one of my favorites.” One year, I had two students (almost in stereo) say, “Mrs. Harvey, EVERY book is your favorite!”  They were right!  And it is true with movies, too.  I love so many movies that you just might hear me say, “I love that movie!” Again, that would be right.  There are so many that tickle my fancy.  They are not forgotten here.  They are just part of that bigger picture of the world I love so called the Cinema.  See you next week for one last blog.