#5: A Christmas Carol (1984)

Starring George C. Scott, David Warner, Edward Woodward, Susannah York

There are many different versions of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” and while I believe none of them can be called “definitive” for all of them have some flaw or another in exactly following the author’s story, I believe the best version is the version with George C. Scott.

Everyone should know this story, but just in case…

A Christmas Carol tells of an elderly miser named Ebenezer Scrooge, who cares only of profit and couldn’t care less for the poor and needy of the world. He is visited one night by the ghost of his old business partner, Jacob Marley, who informs him that he will be visited by three spirits - the spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet To Come - in order to give him a chance to set his ways right. Scrooge dismisses it as “humbug,” but is indeed visited by spirits, as Jacob foretold. The visions the spirits present to him change his outlook on Christmas - and life.

Now, why the George C. Scott version? Four words: acting at its best. Everyone in this movie was so perfectly cast, and the direction was amazing. George C. Scott, an excellent actor in any film, fleshes out the character of Scrooge. He makes him unfeeling, yes, but not entirely unlikable and without hope. A great actor can say something profound without every opening his mouth, and that’s George C. Scott. Every little movement of his eyes, his facial expressions, conveys what speech cannot - pride, compassion, regret, fear.

And David Warner, who plays Bob Cratchit? Now, this is the first movie I ever saw David Warner in, so how was I to know that he was usually cast as a villain? He plays a truly heart-warming father, sincere and compassionate in all respects, even towards his miserly employer.

Another casting choice I particularly like is that of Edward Woodward as the Ghost of Christmas Present. A great booming, laughing voice and character that could be turned in an instant to that of cynical despise just makes the role. One of my favorite scenes is when he and Scrooge are in Bob Cratchit’s house, and Scrooge makes a comment on the size of the Cratchit’s goose. Woodward comes swooping down out of the top left corner and says, very dryly and matter of factly, “It’s all Bob Cratchit can afford.” And then he gives this very slight nod of the head as if to say, “So there.”

Oh, and I forgot to mention that this movie has the creepiest version of the Ghost of Christmas Future...I think in part due to the sound effects written into the soundtrack by composer Nick Bicat. The music adds to and enhances the atmosphere of each scene and is quite diverse. Like all good soundtracks, it never detracts and only adds to the mood of every scene.

It’s amazing that this was a made-for-TV film…the direction was excellent, the actors superb, the feel and authenticity of it all was just astounding. So if you’re in the mood for a good Christmas film, I recommend this version of the classic Dickens story.

Favorite Quotes:
"This is a most foul part of town."

"May you be happy in the life you have chosen."

"Are you in love, Ebeneezer?"

"Just testing the cooking, mother."

"A triumph, my dear..."

#4: Jane Austen Films

I have to warn you now that sometimes I cheat on this blog. I love the Jane Austen films (of course based on the beloved novels by author Jane Austen) so much that I honestly can’t choose an order for them to go in, and so I lumped them all together. Not that they’re all the same - they’re really quite different - but the summaries of the movies will be a great deal shorter than previous posts.

Now, if you’re a man and you’re reading this, you’ll probably skip over this post. Just chick flicks, right? Well, yes, they do trend more towards the female population. But they’re not like those formulaic sappy chick flicks that come out every month. These romances are different. There is indeed love, but there is also deceit, intrigue, humor and mystery, - all shaped by class and social status of the early 1800s.

Emma (1996)
Starring Gwyneth Paltrow, Jeremy Northam, Toni Collette, Alan Cumming and Ewan McGregor
Directed by Douglas McGrath

Summary: In the country town of Highbury, Emma Woodhouse plays matchmaker for her friend…but things don’t go exactly as planned.

What I love about this movie…where do I start? In my eyes, this film is practically flawless. Every scene is a gem. The humor is wonderful, and every time you watch it, you catch another side remark or facial expression that makes you burst out laughing. There are serious scenes to be sure, but the cast did such a wonderful job of expressing the characters’ personalities with not only their speech, but hand and body gestures, and subtle facial expressions. There is a new 2009 version that has come out on Masterpiece Theatre, and while I love some of the actors in it (Romola Garai was wonderful in Nicholas Nickleby), it dragged on much too long. The 1996 film never loses your attention, as each scene is transitioned beautifully and cunningly into the next. Another point differentiating between the 2009 and 1996 versions is the person of Emma. In the 1996 version, Emma is manipulative, yes, but quite likeable. In the 2009 film, she is overly-giggly and silly to the point where she is annoying. Again, not a reflection on the actress, but the direction and script.

Another winning point for this 1996 version of Emma is the soundtrack. Rachel Portman, who has done music for Nicholas Nickleby, Chocolat, The Legend of Bagger Vance and many other notable films, does a superb job of capturing the atmosphere of Emma with her flowing strings and fun rhythms.

So if you’re looking for a classy, entertaining romantic comedy, go with Emma.

Favorite Quotes:
"Miss Smith!?"
"I hate John!"
"ANGEL, mother."
"That man thinks of nothing but showing off."
"I guess you'll just have to live here, then."
"Knightly! She called him Knightly!"

Mansfield Park (1999)
Starring Frances O’Connor and Jonny Lee Miller
Directed by Patricia Rozema

Summary: A poor relation of her uncle’s, young Fanny Price goes to live at Mansfield Park. Clever, with a strong moral compass and a mind of her own, Fanny Price grows into a beautiful woman. She begins to attract the attentions of a man, but is not sure of her own feelings.

This is described on imdb as “Jane Austen’s wicked comedy.” I’d say that is very accurate. Not nearly as comedic as Emma, Mansfield Park has its funny moments but is altogether more serious a film. Suggestive themes and political problems of the time are played up more than in any other Jane Austen film. Fanny Price is a very likable character you can relate to - but there are equally dislikable characters that you love to hate. But I'll let you find out who those characters are yourself.

To be honest, this is my least favorite of the Jane Austen movies, but is certainly a great movie and I definitely recommend you watch it.

Persuasion (1995)
Starring Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds
Directed by Roger Michell

Summary: Persuaded to break off her engagement eight years prior, Anne Elliot again finds herself in company with the same man, Captain Frederick Wentworth. When she was convinced to reject him, he was not a promising match. Now, he is a successful and wealthy captain - and he’s still unmarried. The question is, does he still have feelings for Anne, as she does for him?

If I absolutely had to pick a favorite Jane Austen movie, Persuasion might be it. There’s nothing like curling up on the couch and watching this film- it just makes me feel warm and snuggly inside. I know that’s a rather immature way of describing it, but I can’t put it any other way. Amanda Root portrays Anne as such a gentle, loving and pleasant character, and you want so much for everything to go her way - but it rarely does, due to the persuasions of others. And Ciaran Hinds. He does such a fantastic job of portraying Captain Wentworth of a man who was injured but still maintains deep sincere feeling. The other actors and actresses really do an excellent job of making you like - or dislike - them in their own ways. I fear I’ll go on and on about this movie…like I’ve said before, you’ll just have to watch it yourself.

Girls, if you need a charming, feel good movie, pick this one.

Favorite Quotes:
"Anne? Whatever for?"
"In my heart, I know you...intimately."
"Well I don't know, it might have been!"
"I'm for...I'm for Bath."

Pride & Prejudice (1995)
Starring Jennifer Ehle and Colin Firth

Summary: Independent, strong willed Elizabeth Bennett comes from a family of sisters governed by their loving father and worrisome mother (who is eager to see all of her five daughters married off to wealthy men). At a local ball, she meets amiable Mr. Bingley and not-so-amiable Mr. Darcy. Elizabeth’s sister Jane falls in love with Bingley, while another sister Lydia flirts with every military man she can set her eyes on. The characters fall in many ways to pride and prejudice of their classes, and Elizabeth learns to see things in a new light.

Okay. Just a fair warning - this version is about five hours long (it was a mini series when aired by the BBC). But it’s worth every minute. The 2005 version starring Keira Knightley has its own very good points, but my chief complaint was that I missed all the details that the 1995 version portrayed. The characters and situations are so intriguing, and as long as it is, it’s not boring. The film keeps your attention all the way through. I remember the first time I watched it - I was dubious at first, and since it was a two-parter, I thought I’d watch the first part, just to see how it was. By the end of the first half, I couldn’t wait until the next day to watch the second part and stayed up until 3 am watching the entire thing.

The actors and actresses are wonderful. Austen was a master at capturing personalities, and this film portrays her characters splendidly - from the strong willed Elizabeth to the sweet Jane, to the irritating Mrs. Bennett to the seemingly-cold Mr. Darcy.

To the men - if your girlfriend/wife wants you to watch this movie with her, do her and yourself a favor and watch it. You might like it!

Sense & Sensibility (1995)
Directed by Ang Lee
Starring Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Kate Winslet and Alan Rickman

Summary: When their father dies, Elinor Dashwood, her two sisters and mother must leave their estate to their half-brother, John. They move to a cottage owned by a distant relative, and encounter both romance and heartbreak.

If you’ve ever seen Emma Thompson in anything, you know what a talented actress she is. If I had to pick a favorite female role in this movie, she’d definitely be it. I feel like I’m sort of repeating myself, but she’s so relatable to any woman who’s ever hoped to be in love and find that perfect someone. And if I had to pick a favorite male role, it’d certainly be Colonel Brandon, played by Alan Rickman. The character represents what every woman (well at least this woman) hopes to find in man - loyalty and unwavering admiration.

This whole film captures Jane Austen’s subtle humor so well - there’s even a cameo by Hugh Laurie playing a cynical husband. For all Jane Austen lovers - and romantic comedy lovers - here’s one you can’t miss.

#3: Master & Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)

Starring Russell Crowe and Paul Bettany
Directed by Peter Weir

Anyone who says this movie is boring obviously wasn’t paying attention. There’s action and danger enough to satisfy any movie lover.

Based upon the Aubrey-Maturin novels by Patrick O’Brian, Master and Commander: The Far Side of World takes place during the Napoleonic Wars. The film follows Captain Jack Aubrey and Dr. Stephen Maturin of the H.M.S. Surprise and their quest to capture and “take a prize” the elusive French vessel Acheron. Through the journey, they must endure deadly storms, maddening doldrums and try to stay alive, for while they hunt the Acheron, likewise they are hunted!

It’s hard for me to describe how wonderful this movie is. If I had to pick one word why it’s so amazing, it’d have to be “detail.” Director Peter Weir went all out in describing life on a ship during the Napoleonic Wars, showing how difficult life was for crewmen crammed at close quarters, how important rank and order were aboard the vessel, and how dangerous naval warfare could be.

The detail becomes even more amazing if you’ve read the Aubrey-Maturin novels. If Peter Weir didn’t read the 20-book series, then he obviously had a well-read informant; different instances from all the novels were carefully chosen and placed into the script. They ranged from certain foods the grumbling cook Killick served, to the weevils joke, to a letter from Jack’s love, to a heartfelt story by Jack about the famous Lord Nelson. Characters that were not necessarily in the 10th novel, entitled The Far Side of the World appeared, such as Mr. Lamb, the carpenter. And that brain surgery that Dr. Maturin performed? That was from the first book in the series.

Russell Crowe, did an excellent job portraying “Lucky” Jack Aubrey and Dr. Maturin. Crowe nailed Aubrey's love for the navy and jovial but stubborn attitude, while Bettany likewise hit Maturin's scientific, rather awkward nature spot on. The friendship between the two men was very close one, and although it was tried several times, the two of them never failed to reconcile.

Two more things I would like to point out concerns sound. Firstly, the ambient sound in this moving is absolutely fantastic. I could listen to the title screen on the DVD for hours by itself, hearing the creaking of the ships, the chime of the watch bell and the waves lapping against the hull. Secondly, the music. Iva Davies, Christopher Gordon and Richard Tognetti did a great job not only composing music that suited the nautical theme perfectly, but choosing classical pieces of the time period, such as one of my favorite holiday pieces, the Christmas concerto by Corelli, and A Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughn Williams. Music can make or break a movie, and this music definitely added an authenticity that can’t be beat.
I think I’ve gone on long enough about this movie - make no mistake, I could go on longer. But I think you should see what all the fuss is about and watch it yourself. Do yourself favor and read the books, too.

Favorite Quotes:
“Do you not know that in the service, one must always choose the lesser of two weevils?”
“To wives and sweethearts…may they never meet.”
“I know it sounds absurd, and were it from another man, you'd cry out "Oh, what pitiful stuff" and dismiss it as mere enthusiasm. But with Nelson... you felt your heart glow.”

#2: The Big Country (1958)

Starring Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Carroll Baker, Charlton Heston, Burl Ives
Directed by William Wyler

The Big Country is not your typical Western. Are there gunfights? Yes. But there’s none of this “get yer stinkin’ carcass outta town or we’re gonna meet at high noon and kill each other” stuff.

Retired sea captain Gregory Peck stars in The Big Country as Jim McKay, a man from New England who’s come out west to marry his fiancée Pat Terrill (Carroll Baker) and meet her father, “the Major.” Because of his values and approach to dealing with difficult situations, McKay puzzles the ranchers and earns only dislike from some of them, including the foreman Steve Leech (Charlton Heston). He soon finds that his fiancee isn’t the girl he remembered, and also finds himself in the midst of a civil war between the Terrills and a neighboring ranch owned by the rough-natured Hannassey clan. The feud is over a watering hole owned by Julie Maragon (Jean Simmons), and both the Terrills and the Hannasseys will do anything to get their hands on it.

This movie, like Ben-Hur, was directed by William Wyler, and is the reason he picked Charlton Heston for the lead role of the epic 1959 film. I can honestly say I have never seen a movie by Wyler that I didn’t like. His creativity, attention to detail and perhaps unconventional directing methods make any of his films a treat to watch. He employed several of what I call “unconventional directing methods” in Ben-Hur, and also some in The Big Country. One such instance was whenhe gave Charlton Heston and Carroll Baker conflicting instructions - he told Heston to hold on to Baker, and make sure she couldn’t get away, and told Baker to do anything she could to get away from Heston. The result was a very realistic struggle.

I’m sure I’ll say it again in this blog somewhere, but I love Gregory Peck. To me, he is the epitome of classy Hollywood actors of a bygone era. He has such a demanding presence on film, and a grace, strength and dignity that can’t ignored.

Favorite Quotes:
“That’s soup aint it.”
“You all hate the major!”
“You want me pa?” “Before you was born I did.”
“You’re the lostest looking thing I’ve seen in ten years!”
“Go ahead and pick out any little spot that suits ya.”

#1: Ben-Hur (1959)

Starring Charlton Heston and Stephen Boyd
Directed by William Wyler

How do you summarize Ben-Hur? It’s a difficult thing to accomplish. Ben-Hur is so epic a film - it was the first to ever win 11 Oscars, and it deserved every one. Based on a novel by Lew Wallace, a Civil War Union General, it was adapted to film by director William Wyler. This movie is number one in my book because of the amazing direction, acting and the powerful message of forgiveness the story conveys. Not to mention one of the most amazing chariot race scenes I’ve ever seen in my life.

Ben-Hur tells the epic story of a Jewish prince named Judah Ben-Hur living in the 1st century who is reunited with his childhood friend Messala. Messala is appointed the commanding officer of the Roman legions in Jerusalem, and when Judah refuses to give him names of Jews who oppose Roman rule, the friendship quickly dissolves. Judah, his mother, and sister are arrested for a crime they did not commit, and Judah is sent to the galleys. As years pass, he stays alive to free his mother and sister and seeks revenge upon his one-time friend.

The direction by William Wyler is amazing. Such small things as Judah tripping over a broken piece of pottery to convey the emptiness of a house and the truly-surprised jump of a guard at Messala’s command give this movie a great sense of authenticity and realism.

I can’t imagine any other actor besides Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur. The character portrays a larger-than-life role, and Charlton Heston nails it. I remember hearing something about the movie “True Lies,” in which Arnold Schwarzenegger plays a spy who keeps his job secret from his family. The director and casting crew needed someone to play Arnold’s boss, someone who could possibly intimidate the movie star body-builder, and chose Charlton Heston.


And talk about a great villain. You thought this guy was your friend, and he sends you off to be a galley slave for three years. Messala not only delivers his cruel lines, but always manages to get that last dig in. “Look for them in the valley of the Lepers…if you can recognize them!”

Favorite Quotes:
“He says he’s a prince-” “Then treat him like one!”
“You knew? …you are evil!”
“…he is power! Real power on Earth!”
“Down Eros, up Mars!”

About this Blog

In this blog, I will be telling you about my top 100 favorite movies of all time, and why I chose them to be on my list. I grouped them loosely into ten groups of ten. This means that #1-10 are more highly regarded than #11-20, though I may not necessarily like #6 better than #8, or #43 better than #44.

I will tell you some facts about the movie - when it was made, who starred in it, who directed it - and the basic plot. Then I will discuss what makes me love it so much, and give you a couple of quotes I like to say around the house to friends and family.

Now this was hard list to come up with - how could I pick my favorite movies? I defined a favorite movie as one that, every time I see it on television, I HAVE to tune in. These are the kind of movies that I quote around my house all the time with my family - just in passing, or sparked by a situation or conversation.

I hope you enjoy this blog, and hope that if you haven't seen them, my reasoning will cause you to make some popcorn and watch one or all of my top 100 Movies.