The Grapes of Wrath The Grapes of Wrath
Hollywood was concerned that the saga of the Joads might send a "pro-Communist" message, but in the end, even Whittaker Chambers liked this film, which says something.
Jan 23, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Franz Hoellering
The Godfather The Godfather
If one Paramount exec had his way, Don Corleone would have been played by Danny Thomas. Fortunately, Francis Coppola had no interest in turning Mario Puzo's novel into Make Room Fo...
Jan 23, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Robert Hatch
City Lights City Lights
Though the era of talking films was well underway, this lovely silent film about the Little Tramp and a poor blind girl remained Charlie Chaplin's personal favorite.
Jan 23, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Alexander Bakshy
Harlan County, USA Harlan County, USA
Barbara Kopple spent thirteen months living and breathing the dust of a brutal coal strike. Out of it came this groundbreaking documentary.
Jan 23, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Robert Hatch
A Night at the Opera A Night at the Opera
How many people can you stuff in a stateroom the size of a steamer trunk? At least twelve, apparently.
Jan 17, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Mark Van Doren
The Treasure of the Sierra Madre The Treasure of the Sierra Madre
"Badges, we don't need no stinkin' badges." Who said one of the most famous lines in film history? As it turns out, nobody.
Jan 16, 2009 / Books & the Arts / James Agee
The Shining The Shining
If you stay at the Overlook Hotel, best avoid Room 237.
Jan 14, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Robert Hatch
Vertigo Vertigo
Jimmy Stewart suffers from high anxiety in what some consider to be Alfred Hitchcock's greatest film.
Jan 11, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Robert Hatch
The Best Years of Our Lives The Best Years of Our Lives
Three World War II veterans return home to their families to recover from the worst years of their lives.
Jan 11, 2009 / Books & the Arts / James Agee
Schindler’s List Schindler’s List
From a book by Thomas Keneally, who was convinced by the shopkeeper to look at some old documents he kept in the back of his store. The man was one of the 12,000 people saved by Os...
Jan 10, 2009 / Books & the Arts / Stuart Klawans