Playing Favorites by Tim Smith

I read a list compiled by a film fan site of what they considered to be the 100 Greatest Films of All Time. I don’t know what criteria they used or who they polled for their results, but I was surprised that I had not seen a fair number of them. Admittedly my taste in movies leans more toward popular entertainment versus “artistic” filmmaking, but I appreciate innovative accomplishments like “Citizen Kane” or “2001.” I decided to put together my own list of 10 Favorite Films, in no special order. How many of these have you seen?

“The Godfather” (1972) – This is still one of the finest films ever made, based on a terrific bestselling novel. The focus is on family, and not just in the mafia sense of the word. Amidst all the carnage, we see the importance of trust, loyalty and honor. It’s beautifully staged and photographed, complemented by a perfect cast delivering great performances, an engrossing story, and some memorable lines--“I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse.” “Keep your friends close but your enemies closer.” And who can forget “Leave the gun. Take the cannoli.”

“The Maltese Falcon” (1941) – This was the third version of Dashiell Hammett’s private eye novel, and it’s the best. It ushered in the style known as film noir, with its shadowy scenes and dark sinister characters. All of the elements are here, from the “hero” who may not be as noble as he should be, to the femme fatale who probably isn’t playing straight, either. Add a gang of double-crossing murderous thieves pursuing a priceless object d-art and you have a classic caper film. Humphrey Bogart as Sam Spade set the standard for every actor who played a shamus afterward. For a great double feature, pair this one with Bogart’s 1946 “The Big Sleep,” where he played another iconic literary detective, Phillip Marlowe.

“Bullitt” (1968) – Steve McQueen, colorful San Francisco locations, a story that holds your interest until the end, and what is arguably one of the greatest car chases ever filmed. What else do you need? This is one of the best cop movies of all time, thanks to solid performances by a cast of pros and a script that makes the drudgery of police work seem interesting. Keep an eye on Robert Vaughn as a politically ambitious prosecutor who tries to manipulate McQueen’s murder investigation for his own good.  

“Anatomy of a Murder” (1959) – This Otto Preminger film was controversial when it came out because of the frank treatment of its subject matter. An Army officer kills his wife’s rapist then pleads temporary insanity. This wasn’t something moviegoers were accustomed to seeing in 1959. What really raised eyebrows was James Stewart, as the defense attorney, using graphic language to describe the sexual assault. A majority of the film takes place in the courtroom as we watch the trial, but it never gets dull. Look for legendary jazz musician Duke Ellington playing piano in a nightclub scene. He wrote the score for the film and was given a cameo for kicks.

“North by Northwest” (1959) – One of Alfred Hitchcock’s best suspense thrillers, with just the right touch of humor and romance. Cary Grant has never been better as a man who gets mistaken for a spy, framed for murder, then must travel cross-country to prove his innocence. Along the way he encounters Eva Marie Saint, who agrees to help him—but can he trust her? There are red herrings galore, unexpected “Gotcha!” moments, and the love scenes between the two leads are downright erotic. My favorite bit is Grant’s clever exit from an auction gallery where the bad guys are waiting to kill him.

“Farewell My Lovely” (1975) – Years after the film noir era ended, along came this atmospheric 1940s-era private eye caper, faithfully based on Raymond Chandler’s novel. Robert Mitchum turned in the most accurate portrayal of Phillip Marlowe to date, just like Chandler wrote him – middle-aged, weary, and more than a little skeptical of the human race. Watch for a pre-“Rocky” Sylvester Stallone in a small role.

“Holiday Inn” (1942) – I love musicals and it was tough to pick just one. Here we have Bing Crosby singing Irving Berlin songs, Fred Astaire doing some of his best dance numbers, hearty laughs, and a cute romance, all in one entertaining package. This film introduced “White Christmas,” “Easter Parade,” “Happy Holiday,” and “Be Careful, It’s My Heart.” Pure delight from start to finish.

“My Favorite Year” (1982) – Set in the live television era of the ‘50s and loosely based on Mel Brooks’ experiences as a TV comedy writer, this is a fun film. Peter O’Toole plays a swashbuckling, eccentric (and very alcoholic) film idol guest starring on a comedy variety show. There are plenty of laughs, along with a message about celluloid heroes living up to the expectations of their fans. First-time director Richard Benjamin recreates the 1950s era better than any episode of “Happy Days.” Wait for O’Toole’s meltdown toward the end when he suddenly finds out that the TV show is being broadcast live. I love his line – “I’m not an actor. I’m a movie star!!!”

“Rio Bravo” (1959) – I don’t watch many westerns, but this one always holds my interest. The story isn’t all that original (the sheriff and his ragtag deputies stand up to the local land baron while the rest of the town chooses sides), but the cast makes it work. John Wayne is his usual two-fisted stoic self in a familiar role, Angie Dickinson matches wits with him as the romantic interest, Walter Brennan is great as a grumpy old deputy, and Rick Nelson holds his own as a young gunslinger. But it’s Dean Martin who steals the show, playing a drunken deputy trying to stay sober so he can regain his self-esteem.  

“Dirty Harry” (1971) – It was a toss-up between this one and “The French Connection” to round out the list. Clint Eastwood is a rogue San Francisco cop with no use for laws that protect the rights of criminals while overlooking the victims. This became Eastwood’s most popular movie to date, one that spawned four sequels and a bunch of imitators. It was accurately described as “wall to wall violence,” and it pushed boundaries in terms of brutality and bloodshed. In a bizarre side note, a police department in Manila requested a copy to be used as a training film.

And a “Plus One” because I couldn’t resist:

“Support Your Local Sheriff” (1969) – I can watch anything starring James Garner, and this is a fave. It’s a comedy that lampoons western movie tropes—a rugged stranger in search of gold tames a lawless frontier town and takes on a powerful family, while romancing the Mayor’s daughter. Sound familiar? Garner is the drifter who continually reminds everyone “I’m just passing through on my way to Australia,” but takes the Sheriff’s job to make some quick money. A supporting cast of familiar faces and some inventive sight gags make this a fun film to watch. Garner derived the title from a popular 1960s campaign slogan, “Support Your Local Police.”  

What are some of your favorite feel-good movies?

Tim Smith is an award-winning, bestselling author of romantic mystery/thrillers and contemporary erotic romance. Learn more about his books at: www.allauthor.com/author/timsmith