Friday, October 23, 2015

The last 15 of my Favourite films

So, as promised, here is my list of the last 15  movies that are my favourites. They are not the list from the American Film Institute or anything like that, just my own favourite films. Stephen T. McCarthy asked if I would participate in making my top 25 favouirte films of mine. The first ten I blogged about last Friday. Anyone can join and make their list which he would like by October 31st ( but it might be extended:) If you love a trilogy then don't name each but just the trilogy (ie-Star Wars first 3 films). Oh yes, instead of the usual poster, I went with my favourite scenes. So on with the show ...

1. A NIGHT TO REMEMBER-1958


THIS is the Titanic movie not that crap from 1997 which is basically the Love Boat sinking with great music and great special effects. If you want the real story down to the drunken baker (who did survive), then watch this film!

2. THE BAND WAGON- 1953


I love musicals and this is a great one with Fred Astaire and Cyd Charisse. Any man who doesn't drool over her when she dances has got to be dead. It's all about a one time big Hollywood star who decides to conquer Broadway. It is funny, satirical, well-acted and the dancing is wonderful.

3.THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL-1951


Forget the remake (blechh)-this is the film that introduced "Klaatu Barada Nikto" plus that eerie music that starts playing every time  Gort is summoned. It is a great science fiction film that talks about peace  in the depths of the Communist fears

4.  THE DIRTY DOZEN-1967


Gosh this is a rollicking adventure war film and we see very little of war. All these men have done something to either see them hanged or in prison for a long, long time. They get a reprieve if they work for Lee Marvin to infiltrate a Nazi command post. It's rough, they are put through their paces and when they band together to defy their leader, he makes sure they can not bathe or be given basic toiletries...Yup, everything's coming up roses.

5. THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR-1947


This film starts with no music! One sees the gothic moodiness of the setting. The beautiful Gene Tierney stars as a young widow who meets a ghost, who used to be a sea captain. When I was a young girl I was so hoping they would kiss. Great movie, funny and poignant.

6. THE GREAT ESCAPE-1963


No, this is not a scene from this great movie but some of the actual men from this POW Camp that built the tunnels. I just had to put this picture here to honour them. I had no idea how many Canadians were part of this escape so that makes me even more proud. The film has funny moments and very sad ones as well. One of my favourite characters is played by Donald Pleasance who actually endured a POW camp in WW2.

7. JOURNEY TO THE CENTER OF THE EARTH-1959


Yes, I know, what's with the duck? If you have seen this film then you know it is Gertrude who joins in on the escapade to the center of the earth. I love this duck and found this film so entertaining. Yes, they just showed lizards instead of actual dinosaurs  and Pat Boone is in it, but it's fun! Every time it was on TV I would watch it.

8.  LE GRANDE ILLUSION-1937


This film is directed by Jean Renoir...the son of the famous painter and a great artist himself but in film. When I saw this movie I was mesmerized by the writing and great acting. It is not shown as black hats and white hats but as men in a difficult war. The French leader of his men and the German officer become friends. One sees class distinction, honour, sadness and hope all in this movie.

9. LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY-2001,2002,2003


I am one of these nerds that would love to learn the elfin language. This is a classic even though it is only a few years old. I wish I could go to this magical place called Rivendell. If you haven't seen it...please do.

10. NORTH BY NORTHWEST-1959


Of course, Hitchcock has to be here again. I could make a list just with his movies. A case of mistaken identity- a man (Cary Grant) meets one devious devil played by the superb James Mason and must take an adventure to clear his name. He ends up in Lincoln's nose....

11.  NOSFERATU-1922


This film freaked me out especially when he rises from his coffin. The great F.W. Murnau directed the German expressionist film starring Max Schrek (means Terror). The make-up, to this day, is one of the best. (On a side note, you should see Shadow of the Vampire-Willem Dafoe plays Max and he deserved an Oscar).

12.  REAR WINDOW-1954


I love Jimmy Stewart and I love this movie which is another Hitchcock film. It takes place on this set and even though, we can't move, just like Jimmy's character can't, we are brought into to being a voyeur and see what he sees. We realize, soon enough that we want to know all the goings on of the people around. Hitch was fun playing with our heads.

13. SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION-1994


I know it is different from the book but I don't care. This is a great movie about patience and defiance. When  Tim Robbins' character locks the door and plays this beautiful aria, it was magic. I could see me do this because I like to defy jerks.

14. TOP HAT-1935


The Astaire-Rogers musicals are heaven! Thank god for film because we no longer see the beauty of great dancing any more the way we used to. They made 10 films together and I would say to see all of them but I picked this one because of the plot, which is typical, the character actors which were often in their movies, the over the top set (Venice never looked so white and deco) and the dancing. This is one of my favourite dances and I agree with Ginger-the dress is great (she helped design it). Fred hated the dress-sorry Fred.

15.  TRUE GRIT-1969


I could make a list just with Westerns! John Wayne alone! Now THIS is the film to see not the remake...sorry. I liked Hailee  Steinfeld but Jeff Bridges tried too hard to sound like a gravel voiced oldie. I hated his take on it. HATED it! John Wayne brought in everything about this character, roughness, drunkenness but also tenderness. I even prefer Glenn Campbell over Matt Damon. This scene when he tells Ned Pepper to fill your reigns, got my heart a thumpin with awe.

So there is my list:) Have a great weekend!!

54 comments:

  1. Shawshank Redemption was an awesome movie indeed. The Lord of the Rings were done great as well. I've seen like 5 versions of journey to the center of the earth lol they remade that a ton.

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    1. I have only seen this one version which is perfect for me

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  2. The LOTR trilogy is my favorite on this list. I love Shawshenk too and the only other one I've seen is North by Northwest, which was okay. I'm really bad at Classic movies, I'm going to have to throw one of these on my Blind Spot list for next year.

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    1. You will have to see some classic films for sure

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  3. The LOTR trilogy would definitely be at the top of my list.
    Are you participating in the Listing Hop on Monday?

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    1. I love LOTR. I don't know about the blog hop?? I will if I knew where to go

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  4. Oh my gosh, I saw 3 of these movies :) I saw the first 2 LOTR's as hubby enjoys movies like that (sadly I don't). I asked him to please see the 3rd one on his own. I did see both True Grits; I do agree I liked John Wayne's one much better indeed!!

    Always enjoy reading about the movies you feature here. It inspires me to perhaps see more movies :)

    betty

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  5. Love this list. Some really good movies here. None of these would rank quite that high for me, but still some great ones.

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    1. These are my favourites personally not technically what I think are the best overall but the films I just love to watch. You should participate

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  6. LOVE!!! I can't wait to get into the ones I haven't seen, especially the 'better' Titanic movie :-D

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    1. Hahahaa I knew you would see that about Titantic...and the one from 1958 is much better even if the music and the effects are not. I always says, take away the effects and music and then see what you have-A Night to Remember is much better written

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  7. Apart from lord of the rings I am with you all the way.....I just don't want to see the trilogy as I read the books so many times that I don't need a film it's all in my head......have a lovely weekend Birgit, I am wrapped up in a blanket on the sofa watching tv with a runny cold xxxx

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    1. Oh gosh I hope you will soon feel better. I have not read the books and will one day but love the films

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  8. Top-notch list, BIRGIT. No surprise there.

    Woo-Hoo! 'THE DIRTY DOZEN' is my favorite War movie, and 'THE GHOST AND MRS. MUIR' is on my list, also. Gene Tierney was the most beautiful woman I've ever seen! Rex Harrison was tremendous as the sea captain, and that story was just fantastic - a "forever" love affair.

    Thanks for participating, Birgit. Nice to receive a list of such quality.

    AND YES, I WILL BE ACCEPTING LISTS INTO NOVEMBER.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. Love the Dirty Dozen-Great film and I knew you would love The Ghost & Mrs. Muir because Gene Tierney is great in the role.

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  9. More great movies! I'm especially with you on anything Hitchcock. I could have filled half my list with Hitchcock films.

    Bandwagon is a fine film I often watch the clip of Astaire and Charisse dancing to "Dancing in the Dark". It's amazing.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Oh I used to practice, when I was a kid, trying to do that number in my bedroom...it didn't work as well as those 2 on the screen. It is one of the best romantic dances ever filmed. I could have done the same with Hitchcock.

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  10. That list went too quickly by. The Great Escape, Shankshaw Redemption, and The Ghost and Mrs. Muir are on my list, too. No matter how many times I see The Great Escape, I get bummed when David McCallum's character dies and Steve McQueen's character doesn't get away. I like to think that Ghost and Mrs. Muir kissed first thing when she died.

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    1. I felt bad too when David McCallum's character died but also Donald Pleasance. I really wanted him to make it. Have you seen the Ghost and Mrs. Muir??

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    2. Yup. Rex Harrison is another actor who got sexier the older I got. lol.

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    3. He was known as Sexy Rexy...which he hated. This was due to the many affairs he had especially with Carole Landis who ended up committing suicide after he broke things off with her.

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  11. You've got some incredible pictures on this list. I've seen most of them.

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    1. That's great and maybe you will see the ones you haven't seen:)

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  12. Another great list, overlapping with several of my own favorites. LOTR was pure magic.

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    1. In total, I've seen nine from your list, I think. Grand Illusion is one of my wife's favorites.

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    2. Which ones have you not seen?

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  13. Great list. I've even seen a few of these. Last week I mentioned my Astaire/Rogers phase, so of course I've seen Top Hat.

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    1. Love all the Astaire/Rogers films and they are magic

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  14. You have a few here of mine. The Ghost And Mrs Muir is a fave. Fred just has me. Nosferatu still scares the crud out if me. The Day The Earth....loved and I watch it every time I can. Great pics!

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    1. Thanks so much-glad you like these and Nosferatu is scary to this day

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  15. You have a few here of mine. The Ghost And Mrs Muir is a fave. Fred just has me. Nosferatu still scares the crud out if me. The Day The Earth....loved and I watch it every time I can. Great pics!

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  16. I'm a big classic film fan too! (I actually went to college for filmmaking - that's how much I love it.) In fact, I can't imagine only picking 25. A Bight to Remember and Le Grande Illusion are the only ones here I haven't seen and loved. I especially adore Astaire and Rogers movies. Not only am I a huge dance fan, but the films of the 30s and 40s reflected such a quaint and idealistic time. And the people had to go through so much with the Depression and WWII. They needed wonderful, idealistic movies. I miss watching classic movies. We don't get them here. TCM used to show great ones, but then they started thinking "classic" meant the 70s and showing that crap. Blech.

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    1. Oh no! I can't get TCM but always wanted to because they showed great old movies. I hope you get a chance to see the 2 you haven't seen. I have a feeling you will like them

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  17. Nosferatu gave me the creeps. Still does.... Great selection.

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  18. This is a fantastic list, Birgit. You've mentioned a few I haven't seen (which are now on the list, hehe), and a few of my own favorites: North by Northwest, for instance (Hitchcock, YES! Just watched Psycho recently... He's such a magician, such a prankster in the best sense of the word), and Shawshank... And, of course, LOTR—yes, yes, YES! (And yes, I'd loooove to learn Elvish, too ;) )

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    1. Psycho is a great film with hidden comedic moments. I love when we watch the car going down in the swamp and when it stops, we get anxious, not hoping it won't go down but hoping it will!

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  19. Oh you've got some classics here. The Dirty Dozen is one of the few war movies I enjoyed.

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  20. Fantastic list, Birgit! Lots of must-watch-again movies. Happy to see you picked Nosferatu ... mandatory for every horror movie fan. And yes, Hitch must be up there too. It's a wet, windy, chilly weekend...urgh!
    hugs, Asha

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    1. Oh Nosferatu scares the hell out of me and yet I can watch it again and again. Yesterday was rainy and dreary-today the sun is out...a bit

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  21. Some amazing films here yet again.

    Starting right at the top I’m delighted to see A Night to Remember show up, such a fantastic document of the sinking while never really sacrificing entertainment to its documentary feeling. Far superior to the Cameron version, I love the Barbara Stanwyck/Clifton Webb version of the story but this remains the gold standard.

    Yeah for more Hitchcock love, both Rear Window & N by NW are among his very best. Wonderful to see Ghost & Mrs. Muir, a lovely film that should receive more recognition than it gets. Grand Illusion is masterful and while it doesn’t make my list is a singular cinematic achievement. All the Astaire/Rogers films are wonderful and Top Hat is one of the best but I prefer Shall We Dance. The only place we disagree strongly are with the LOTR films which I hate utterly.

    The rest of my top 25 would be:

    All About Eve (1950)
    The Big Heat (1953)
    Die Hard (1988)
    Inherit the Wind (1960)
    A Letter to Three Wives (1949)
    The Lion in Winter (1968)
    A Night to Remember (1958)
    October Sky (1999)
    The President’s Lady (1953)
    The Prize (1963)
    Running on Empty (1988)
    Saboteur (1942)
    A Star is Born (1954)
    Watch on the Rhine (1943)
    White Christmas (1954)

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    1. You dislike LOTR and I dislike Die hard:) Shall We Dance is a great Astaire/Rogers film and I picked Top Hat but I could have just said Astaire/Rogers films because almost all are that great. All About Eve and Sunset Boulevard were 2 that I could have easily put in as well. I hope you add your list over at Stephen T McCarthy's blog:) Great list and I still have to see The Lion in Winter. Love A Letter to Three Wives-Great film as well as Inherit the Wind and October Sky

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  22. Okay, I guess I have to expand the list of war movies I enjoyed to include The Great Escape. It was truly well done.

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  23. Another awesome list. I'm still forming mine, but I think The Ghost and Mrs. Muir and The Dirty Dozen will be on mine as well. Both fantastic movies.

    Oh, and I loved It's A Wonderful Life. Totally worth the hype, and now you know A) I have decent taste and B) my brains were not eaten by Walmart zombies. :)

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    1. Oh so good to hear:) It's A Wonderful Life is my favourite and I believe so much in what it says. I can't wait to see your list. Glad you are not a walmart zombie:)

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  24. The Shawshank Redemption is probably my favorite movie of all time. I never tire of it. Which is strange since I don't usually like prison stories at all. Amazing story of hope.
    I have loved North by Northwest since I first saw it in my high school films class. So I've loved it for many, MANY years LOL.

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    1. I remember when Shawshank came out, it bombed actually but that was because of the title. Once people realized what the film was about, they saw it in droves and is now considered a classic. Lucky you to see North by Northwest in a film class

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  25. What a fabulous list of films! The only ones I missed are #8 and #9. This made me LOL, about Titanic: "not that crap from 1997 which is basically the Love Boat sinking with great music and great special effects." You have a way with words, Birgit! ☺ Re: Nosferatu: Shadow of the Vampire was amazing! Another side note: There's a German movie from 1979, called Nosferatu: Phantom der Nacht, starring Klaus Kinski. It was pretty good, too. I'm thinking about participating in this, but would have a difficult time trying to choose!

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  26. Lovely list, Birgit! I love so many of these, but the Lord of the Rings and the Hitchcocks above all. I still haven't seen Grand Illusion - it is on my Blind Spot list but I am hopelessly behind on that. Top Hat has never been my favorite Astaire-Rogers film. I much prefer Swing Time, Shall We Dance, and Barkleys of Broadway. I get why everyone singles it out, but that final number is just a big pile of nothing. I may even prefer The Gay Divorcee to this one.

    So inspiring to see you do this list. I would love to attempt it but I need the time to actually sit down and do it!

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  27. You're next fifteen were as good as your first ten. I love 'The Ghost and Mrs. Muir' and I never fail to cry at the end. 'True Grit' wonderful, and 'Rear Window', Hitch at his best, with Jimmy Steward and Grace Kelly, yummy. I own all three of those and do watch them over and over, but alas, there just wasn't room on my list. Who would have thought this would be so hard.

    Again, my apologies, for being such a slacker.

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