Sue Wrote:
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> V e r y interesting list, Joanne. Let's see...

I'm eclectic...and I tried to limit it to old movies, which in my book is at least 30-40 years old -- I almost did not include Z, which was made in the 60s. IMO, film making changed in the 60s and 70s. I can't pin down a year, but by the mid '70s, films are different from the earlier times, there's more explicit sex and violence and less plot. By the time Star Wars comes along, IMO, the old style was pretty much gone. Special effects begin to replace actors.

> I watched The Day the Earth Stood Still a few
> months ago all because of your comments on it, and
> I think I got more out of it then than I ever did
> before. Thank you!

It's so dated now, but if you get past that, it's a great flick. Michael Rennie was awesome.


> I can't believe you put Z on your list.. well
> done! That's a fantastic film.

Yes, it's been called one of the best political thrillers of all time. I love Theodorakis' music, too...I used to have a link to a site with his music, but the link died.

Have you also
> seen Nine Days in September?

No, but I'll look for it.


> May I ask you to say more about Sign of the Pagan
> and why Palance deserved an Oscar?

I don't know who else was nominated that year, but Jack's performance was fantastic. I think it's the best thing he ever did. I loved the whole movie. It's campy today, made in the early 50s I think, but still a really "old" movie. Some of the minor performances are fabulous, too. If you rent it, watch for Michael Ansara in his youth as a Hun sidekick of Jack's, and the guy who played Pope Leo is great, too. Most of all, you gotta love a movie where the astrologer gets the last word! And he's right! LOL! Most critics agree Jack stole the show from goody goody Jeff Chandler.

> At the top of mine goes The Quiet Man for sure.
> I'll have to get back to you about the next nine,
> though I would definitely put The Leopard
> somewhere on that list, and some Bergman and
> Tarkovsky. If I stick to American films, I also
> feel I must include the original Manchurian
> Candidate with an encouragement to watch the
> recent version for comparison.. most interesting.

The Quiet Man is a good one, but I have never been a John Wayne fan. I agree with you on the original Manchurian Candidate. Angela Lansbury was a fantastic villian and Sinatra was excellent. Have you seen Seven Days in May? If you like political thrillers and Burt Lancaster -- IIRC that film involves both.