Proposed Movies for Branch Screenings
by our patrons’ selection

Dear Members and Friends of the Branch,

The Lounge Committee is seeking feedback for our 3rd round of future Branch Movie Nights.

We invite you to complete this short survey, and help us decide which films to show next for the remainder of the year and into 2026, providing the films are available.

Please read the synopsis of each of the films below and complete the survey located here.

Thank-you on behalf of the Lounge Committee!

Curated Selections:

1. THE LAST OF THE MOHICANS (1992) Western; War; Literary Adaptation; Romance; Social Studies;
Director:   Michael Mann
Cast:   Daniel Day-Lewis, Madeleine Stowe, Jodhi May, Eric Schweig, Madeleine Stowe
Writer: James Fenimore Cooper (novel), John L. Balderston (adaptation)
Synopsis: In the American Colonies, England and France, aided by Native American allies, wage a fierce and savage war for a continent neither is destined to control. Amidst the conflict, Hawkeye, a frontiersman raised by Mohicans, and Cora Munro, the daughter of a British officer, fall desperately in love, in Michael Mann’s retelling of the classic James Fenimore Cooper novel.

2. THE AVIATOR (2004) 165 minutes Drama
Director: Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Cate Blanchett, Kate Beckinsale, Gwen Stefani, Adam Scott, Kelli Garner, Ian Holm, Alan Alda
Writer: John Logan
Synopsis: The script begins as a young Hughes directs one of Scorsese’s favorite films, Hell’s Angels. Hughes was so obsessed with perfection in the aerial sequences that he waits forever for perfect conditions, right down to cloud formations. The Aviator ends in 1946, when Hughes was still a dashing young man and romancing actresses like Ava Gardner and Katharine Hepburn.

3. WE WERE SOLDIERS (2002) 138 minutes Drama
Director: Randall Wallace
Cast: Mel Gibson, Barry Pepper, Greg Kinnear, Sam Elliott, Chris Klein
Writer: Randall Wallace
Synopsis: In a place soon to be known as The Valley of Death, in a small clearing called landing zone X-Ray, Lt. Colonel Hal Moore (Mel Gibson) and 400 young fathers, husbands, brothers, and sons, all troopers from an elite American combat division, were surrounded by 2,000 North Vietnamese soldiers. The ensuing battle was one of the most savage in U.S. history. We Were Soldiers Once…And Young is a tribute to the nobility of those men under fire, their common acts of uncommon valor, and their loyalty to and love for one another.

4. THE FOUR FEATHERS (2002) 125 minutes Adventure; Drama; Literary Adaptation
Director:  Shekhar Kapur
Cast:  Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, Kate Hudson, Djimon Hounsou, Michael Sheen, Alek Wek, Kris Marshall
Writer:  A.E.W. Mason (novel), Michael Schiffer (screenplay)
Synopsis: Set in 1898 Sudan, this fifth film to be adapted from the A.E.W. Mason novel follows a British officer who resigns his post right before his regiment ships out to battle the rebels. Perceiving his resignation as cowardice, his friends and fiancee give him four white feathers, the symbol of cowardice, but little do they know he’s actually going undercover and plans to redeem his honor.

5. THE TAMING OF THE SHREW (2016) 156 minutes Drama
Director:  Chris Abraham
Cast:  Ben Carlson, Deborah Hay, Sarah Afful, Peter Hutt, Cyrus Lane, Gordon S. Miller, Tom Rooney, Mike Shara
Writer:  William Shakespeare
Synopsis:Courtship or conquest? The breakdown of a defiant spirit or a breakthrough that liberates a heart deprived of love? The Stratford Festival production of Shakespeare s boisterous comedy will stir your emotions with the love story of Katherina and Petruchio, the feisty couple at the centre of this fierce and funny battle of wills.

6. SONG OF THE THIN MAN (1947) Comedy; Musical; Mystery; Romance; Crime
Director:  Edward Buzzell
Cast: William Powell, Myrna Loy, Keenan Wynn, Dean Stockwell
Writer: Steve Fisher, Nat Perrin
Synopsis: Nick and Nora Charles are asked by Phil Brant and Janet Thayar, who have just eloped, to help them after band leader Tommy Drake is killed at a society dance which Nick and Nora also attended. The police are looking to arrest Brant for the murder and while he claims he’s innocent, Nick isn’t too keen on having him in the house and turns him over to the police. As they look into the case, Nick and Nora learn that Drake wasn’t very well liked and there are actually several people who benefited from his death. Drake owed money to loan shark Al Amboy, and Janet’s father disliked Brant and may have set him up. Drake’s girlfriend may have been having a fling with clarinetist Buddy Hollis, and he and Drake had a fist fight on stage during the festivities. Nick arranges for another party on the same boat where Nora notices something quite peculiar about one of the guest’s jewelry.

7. THE ENGLISH PATIENT (1996) 150 mins Drama; Literary Adaptation
Director:  Anathony Minghella
Cast: Juliette Binoche, Colin Firth, Ralph Fiennes, Kristin Scott Thomas,Willem Dafoe, Lothaire Bluteau
Writer:  Michael Ondaatje (novel), Anthony Minghella (screenplay)
Synopsis: Based on the novel by Michael Ondaatje. An epic of romance, mystery and adventure, intricately weaving the histories of five stray souls into one powerful story of the triumphs and failures of the human spirit, The heart of this tale lies with the “English Patient”, a mysterious and unrecognizable stranger whose very presence will forever change the destinies of those around him.

8. TESTAMENT OF YOUTH (2015) 129 minutes Drama; War; Biography
Director:  James Kent
Cast:  Colin Morgan, Georgina Bennett, Emily Bevan, Anna Chancellor, Teresa Churcher, Laura Elsworthy, Amanda Fairbank-Hynes
Writer:  Vera Brittain (autobiography), Juliette Towhidi
Synopsis: Testament of Youth is a powerful story of love, war and remembrance, based on the First World War memoir by Vera Brittain, which has become the classic testimony of that war from a woman’s point of view. A searing journey from youthful hopes and dreams to the edge of despair and back again, it’s a film about young love, the futility of war and how to make sense of the darkest times.

9. LONE SURVIVOR (2014) 122 minutes Drama; Action; Thriller
Director:  Peter Berg
Cast:  Mark Wahlberg, Eric Bana, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Ben Foster, Alexander Ludwig, Sammy Sheik, Scott Elrod, Ali Suliman
Writer: Peter Berg 
Synopsis: Based on the failed June 28, 2005 mission “Operation Red Wings.” Four members of SEAL Team 10, were tasked with the mission to capture or kill notorious Taliban leader, Ahmad Shahd. Marcus Luttrell was the only member of his team to survive.

10. FURY (1936) 94 minutes Drama; Thriller; Crime
Director: Fritz Lang
Cast: Sylvia Sidney, Spencer Tracy, Walter Abel, Bruce Cabot, Edward Ellis, Walter Brennan
Writer:  Bartlett Cormack, Fritz Lang 
Synopsis: Based on the story “Mob Rule” by Norman Krasna. Joe Wilson and Katherine Grant are in love, but he doesn’t have enough money for them to get married. So Katherine moves across the country to make money. But things go disastrously wrong for Joe when he stops in a small town and is mistaken for a wanted murderer. Through the course of the movie, Fritz Lang shows us how a decent and once civilized man can become a ruthless and bitter man.

11. EMPIRE OF THE SUN (1987) 152 minutes Drama; War
Director: Steven Spielberg
Cast: Christian Bale, John Malkovich, Miranda Richardson, Nigel Havers, Joe Pantoliano
Writer: Tom Sheppard, J.G. Ballard
Synopsis: An epic drama of World War II as seen through the eyes of a young boy interned in a prison camp for three years.

12. THE IMITATION GAME (2014) 114 minutes Drama; Thriller; Literary Adaptation; Biography
Director:Morten Tyldum
Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Keira Knightley, Matthew Goode, Rory Kinnear, Allen Leech, Matthew Beard, Charles Dance
Writer: Andrew Hodges (book), Graham Moore
Synopsis: Based on the real life story of legendary cryptanalyst Alan Turing, the film portrays the nail-biting race against time by Turing and his brilliant team of code-breakers at Britain’s top-secret Government Code and Cypher School at Bletchley Park, during the darkest days of World War II.

13. THE THIN RED LINE (1998) 170 minutes Drama; War
Director: Terrence Malick
Cast: Sean Penn, Adrien Brody, Jim Caviezel, Ben Chaplin, George Clooney, John Cusack, Woody Harrelson, Elias Koteas, Jared Leto, Dash Mihok, Tim Blake Nelson, Nick Nolte, Bill Pullman, John C. Reilly, Larry Romano, John Savage, John Travolta, Arie Vereen
Writer:  James Jones (novel), Terrence Malick (screenplay) 
Synopsis: Set during World War II, the story follows an Army rifle company during several months of one of the fiercest struggles of the twentieth century — the battle of Guadalcanal Island. “The Thin Red Line” marks a much-anticipated return to the director’s chair by Malick, whose two previous efforts, “Badlands” and “Days of Heaven” were hailed by critics worldwide.

14. BRAVEHEART (1995) 178 minutes Adventure; Drama; Literary Adaptation
Director: Mel Gibson
Cast: Mel Gibson, Sophie Marceau, Catherine McCormack, Sean Lawlor
Writer: Randall Wallace
Synopsis: In the late 13th century, William Wallace returns to Scotland after living away from his homeland for many years. The king of Scotland has died without an heir and the king of England, a ruthless pagan known as Edward the Longshanks, has seized the throne. Wallace becomes the leader of a ramshackled yet courageous army determined to vanquish the greater English forces. Wallace’s courage and passion unite the people in “Braveheart”.

15. GRUMPY OLD MEN (1993) 102 minutes Comedy; Romance
Director:Donald Petrie Jr.
Cast: Jack Lemmon, Walter Matthau, Ann-Margret, Burgess Meredith, Daryl Hannah, Kevin Pollack
Writer: Mark Steven Johnson
Synopsis: Engagingly performed but mostly malnourished comedy about two mate less Minnesota retirees, rabid ice-fishermen, whose lifelong feud escalates when an attractive widow moves in across the street.

16. THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL (2012) 118 minutes Comedy; Drama; Evaluate Your Life Day;
Director: John Madden
Cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel
Writer: Ol Parker, Deborah Moggach
Synopsis: THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL follows a group of British retirees who decide to “outsource” their retirement to less expensive and seemingly exotic India. Enticed by advertisements for the newly restored Marigold Hotel and bolstered with visions of a life of leisure, they arrive to find the palace a shell of its former self. Though the new environment is less luxurious than imagined, they are forever transformed by their shared experiences, discovering that life and love can begin again when you let go of the past.

17. THE TREASURE OF THE SIERRA MADRE (1948) 126 minutes Adventure; Drama Black and White/Monochrome; Sound;
Director: John Huston
Cast: Walter Huston, Humphrey Bogart, Tim Holt
Writer: B. Traven (novel), John Huston 
Synopsis: Three gold prospectors in Mexico are destroyed by greed. Huston won Oscars for his script and direction, and his father Walter took Best Supporting Actor for his role as a grizzled, crotchety old adventurer.

18. THE SEVEN YEAR ITCH (1955) 105 minutes Comedy; Drama
Director: Billy Wilder
Cast: Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell, Evelyn Keyes
Writer: George Axelrod (play), Billy Wilder
Synopsis: Like many other Manhattan husbands, Richard Sherman sends his wife and son to the country for the summer, while he stays behind to toil. Though reveling in temporary bachelor freedom of lifestyle, he’s resolved not to carouse and philander like some others. But his overactive, over-vivid imagination goes into overdrive when a delightfully unconventional, voluptuous blonde moves in upstairs.

19. THE BRUTALIST (2024) 215 minutes Drama
Director: Brady Corbet
Cast: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Guy Pearce, Joe Alwyn, Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin
Writer: Brady Corbet, Mona Fastvold 
Synopsis: When visionary architect László Toth and his wife Erzsébet flee Europe to rebuild their legacy and witness the birth of modern America, their lives are changed forever by a mysterious and wealthy client. The seemingly charming industrialist Harrison Van Buren offers László and his family the American Dream on a silver platter, commissioning him to design a grand modernist monument and help shape the landscape of the country he now calls home. It will be the most ambitious project of his career, one that will take László and Erzsébet to both monumental heights and devastating lows.

20. A COMPLETE UNKNOWN (2024) Drama; Musical; Biography
Director:  James Mangold
Cast:  Timothée Chalamet, Elle Fanning, Edward Norton, Monica Barbaro, Boyd Holbrook, Scoot McNairy, Dan Fogler, Charlie Tahan
Writer: James Mangold, Jay Cocks, Elijah Wald
Synopsis:  Set in the influential New York music scene of the early ’60s, A Complete Unknown follows 19-year-old Minnesota musician Bob Dylan’s meteoric rise as a folk singer to concert halls and the top of the charts — his songs and mystique becoming a worldwide sensation — culminating in his groundbreaking electric rock and roll performance at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965.

21. BARBIE (2023) 114 minutes
Director:  Greta Gerwig
Cast:  Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Helen Mirren, Nicola Coughlan, Will Ferrell, Emma Mackey, Michael Cera, Marisa Abela, Rhea Perlman, Kate McKinnon
Writer:  Noah Baumbach, Greta Gerwig 
Synopsis: Barbie leads a dream life in Barbieland, until one day, she suddenly starts having dark thoughts. So she goes to the weird Barbie to get advice. She explains to her that a breach has been created between the real world and their universe and that she must go to Los Angeles in order to find the person responsible for her troubles. Accompanied by Ken, Barbie will go to the Los Angeles, and will discover there that the Barbie doll is not the model of confidence, assurance and fulfillment that she believed. In addition, Ken will discover the patriarchy, which does not bode well for the future.

22. GLADIATOR II (2024) 148 minutes Adventure; Drama; Action
Director: Ridley Scott
Cast: Pedro Pa scal, Paul Mescal, Connie Nielsen, Denzel Washington, Joseph Quinn, Derek Jacobi, Fred Hechinger, Rory McCann, Matt Lucas
Writer: David Scarpa, Peter Craig, David Franzoni 
Synopsis: After his home is conquered by the tyrannical emperors who now lead Rome, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum and must look to his past to find strength to return the glory of Rome to its people.

23. TIN CUP (1996) 135 minutes Sport; Comedy
Director:  Ron Shelton
Cast:  Kevin Costner, Rene Russo, Don Johnson, Cheech Martin, Linda Hart
Writer:  John Norville, Ron Shelton 
Synopsis: Ron Shelton, Kevin Costner and Rene Russo team up on this comedy-drama about love, risk and golf. Costner plays a driving range pro and golfer hustler from West Texas whose legendary ball-striking skills are matched only by his self-destructive nature and lowlife charm. His comfortable life of failure is turned upside down when he’s smitten by a woman who comes in for golf lessons; he then sets out to qualify for the U.S. Open to prove to himself (and to her) that he’s capable of heroic achievements.

24. GANGS OF NEW YORK (2002) Drama; Crime
Director:  Martin Scorsese
Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Daniel Day-Lewis, Cameron Diaz, Jim Broadbent, John C. Reilly, Henry Thomas, Liam Neeson, Brendan Gleeson, Gary Lewis, Stephen Graham
Writer:  Jay Cocks (story), Jay Cocks (screenplay)
Synopsis: 1863. America was born in the streets. In this movie, we see Amsterdam Vallon returning to the Five Points of America to seek vengeance against the psychotic gangland kingpin Bill the Butcher who murdered his father years ago. With an eager pickpocket by his side and a whole new army, Vallon fights his way to seek vengeance on the Butcher and restore peace in the area. However this is more said than done.

25. THE LAST SAMURAI (2003) 144 minutes Adventure; Drama; War; Action
Director: Edward Zwick
Cast: Tom Cruise, Billy Connolly, Seizo Fukumoto, Tony Goldwyn, Masao Harada, Togo Igawa, Sosuke Ikematsu, Shin Koyamada, Koyuki, Aoi Minato
Writer:  Marshall Herskovitz, John Logan 
Synopsis: A civil war veteran turned Winchester guns spokesman, the captain Woodrow Algren, arrives in Japan in the late 1870s to train the troops of the emperor Meiji, as a part of break away from the long-held tradition of relying on employed samurai warriors to protect territories, as Meiji´s new army prepares to wipe out the remaining samurais. When Algren is injured and captured by the samurai, he learns about their warrior honor code from Katsumoto, the samurai´s leader and decides which side of the conflict he wants to be on…

26. ANY GIVEN SUNDAY (1999) 157 minutes Drama; sport
Director:  Oliver Stone
Cast:  Al Pacino, Cameron Diaz, Dennis Quaid, Lauren Holly, James Woods, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J
Writer:  Daniel Pyne, John Logan 
Synopsis: The machinations of professional football provide the basis for this gridiron drama featuring Al Pacino as the coach of a national team. The action turns on the character played by Dennis Quaid, a legendary quarterback on the downside of his career who’s pressured to play hurt by his coach. Complicating matters is the fact that he is also facing the spector of being replaced by a hot-shot young phenomenon (Jamie Foxx).

27. SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION (1994) 140 minutes Drama
Director: Frank Darabont
Cast:  Tim Robbins, Morgan Freeman, Gill Bellows
Writer:  Stephen King, Frank Darabont 
Synopsis: Tim Robbins is a banker questionably convicted of murder and Morgan Freeman is a seasoned lifer in this extraordinary tale of hope, survival and friendship inside a maximum security prison.

28. MILLION DOLLAR BABY (2005) 132 minutes Drama; Romance; Sport
Director:  Clint Eastwood
Cast: Hilary Swank, Clint Eastwood, Morgan Freeman, Jay Baruchel, Marcus Chait, Mike Colter, Kimberly Estrada
Writer:  F.X. Toole (stories), Paul Haggis (screenplay)
Synopsis: In the wake of a painful estrangement from his daughter, boxing trainer Frankie Dunn (Clint Eastwood) has been unwilling to let himself get close to anyone for a very long time – then Maggie Fitzgerald (Hilary Swank) walks into his gym. In a life of constant struggle, Maggie’s gotten herself this far on raw talent, unshakable focus and a tremendous force of will. But more than anything, she wants someone to believe in her. The last thing Frankie needs is that kind of responsibility – let alone that kind of risk – but won over by Maggie’s sheer determination, he begrudgingly agrees to take her on. In turns exasperating and inspiring each other, the two come to discover that they share a common spirit that transcends the pain and loss of their pasts, and they find in each other a sense of family they lost long ago. Yet, they both face a battle that will demand more heart and courage than any they’ve ever known.

29. GARDEN STATE (2004) 102 minutes Comedy; Drama
Director:  Zach Braff
Cast:  Zach Braff, Natalie Portman, Peter Sarsgaard, Ian Holm
Writer:  Zach Braff 
Synopsis: When Andrew Largeman (Zach Braff) returns to his hometown for his mother’s funeral, he reconnects with old friends and – since he’s gone off his depression medication – himself. A chance meeting with Sam (Natalie Portman), who is also suffering from various maladies, opens his world to the possibility of rekindling emotional attachments, confronting his psychologist father, and perhaps beginning a new life.

30. THE ISLAND (2005) 135 minutes Drama; Science Fiction; Thriller
Director:  Michael Bay
Cast:  Ewan McGregor, Scarlett Johansson, Djimon Hounsou, Steve Buscemi, Sean Bean, Michael Clarke Duncan, Max Baker, Tom Beaver
Writer:  Caspian Tredwell-Owen (story), Alex Kurtzman (screenplay) 
Synopsis: Lincoln Six-Echo (McGregor) is a resident of a seemingly utopian but contained facility in the mid 21st century. Like all of the inhabitants of this carefully controlled environment, Lincoln hopes to be chosen to go to the “The Island” – reportedly the last uncontaminated spot on the planet. But Lincoln soon discovers that everything about his existence is a lie. He and all of the other inhabitants of the facility are actually human clones whose only purpose is to provide “spare parts” for their original human counterparts. Realizing it is only a matter of time before he is “harvested”, Lincoln makes a daring escape with a beautiful fellow resident named Jordan Two-Delta (Johansson). Relentlessly pursued by the forces of the sinister institute that once housed them, Lincoln and Jordan engage in a race for their lives to literally meet their makers.

31. THE FAMILY STONE (2005) 102 minutes Comedy; Drama; Romance; Breast Cancer Awareness
Director:  Thomas G. Bezucha
Cast:  Claire Danes, Diane Keaton, Rachel McAdams, Dermot Mulroney, Craig T. Nelson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Luke Wilson 
Synopsis: The comedy revolves around the annual holiday gathering of a bohemian family that’s thrown into turmoil when the fair-haired son introduces his fiancée, a high strung New York businesswoman whom the family hates.

32. THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946) 170 minutes Drama; Romance
Director: William Wyler
Cast:  Myrna Loy, Dana Andrews 
Synopsis: Three World War II veterans, two of them traumatized or disabled, return home to the American Midwest to discover that they and their families have been irreparably changed.

Proposed Movies for Branch Screenings
by our patrons’ selection

Dear Members and Friends of the Branch,

The Lounge Committee is seeking feedback for our 2nd round of future Branch Movie Nights.

The current Criterion Licence is set to expire at the end of December 2024 and the Branch Executive Board will make a decision whether to renew or not the licence accordingly.
We invite you to complete this short survey, and help us decide which films to show next for the remainder of the year and into 2025, providing the license is renewed.

Please read the synopsis of each of the films below and complete the survey located here.

Thank-you on behalf of the Lounge Committee!

Curated Selections:

1. A UNITED KINGDOM (2017) Drama; Romance; Biography
   Synopsis: A UNITED KINGDOM tells the inspiring true story of Seretse Khama, the King of Bechuanaland (modern Botswana), and Ruth Williams, the London office worker he married in 1948 in the face of fierce opposition from their families and the British and South African governments. Seretse and Ruth defied family, Apartheid and empire – their love triumphed over every obstacle flung in their path and in so doing they transformed their nation and inspired the world.
   Director: Amma Asante
   Cast: David Oyelowo, Rosamund Pike, Jack Davenport, Tom Felton, Laura Carmichael, Terry Pheto, Jessica Oyelowo, Nicholas Lyndhurst, Arnold Oceng
   Writer: Guy Hibbert

    

2. TITANIC (1997) Drama; Romance
   Synopsis: The tragic story of star-crossed lovers (Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio), who meet during the Titanic’s doomed maiden voyage, unfolds against a backdrop of the ship’s dramatic four-and-a-half-day journey and her spectacular demise. Director James Cameron employs state-of-the-art visual effects to re-create the horror of the Titanic’s last few hours.
   Director: James Cameron
   Cast: Kate Winslet, Leonardo DiCaprio, Billy Zane, Kathy Bates, Frances Fisher, Gloria Stuart, Bill Paxton, Bernard Hill, David Warner
   Writer: James Cameron

    

3. THE FULL MONTY (1997) Comedy
   Synopsis: Six unemployed steel workers, inspired by the Chippendale’s dancers, form a male striptease act. The women cheer them on to go for “the full monty” – total nudity.
   Director: Peter Cattaneo
   Cast: Robert Carlyle, Mark Addy, Steve Huison, William Snape, Tom Wilkinson
   Writer: Simon Beaufoy

    

4. CHINATOWN (1974) Drama; Thriller; Mystery; Crime
   Synopsis: Set in seedy Southern California in the 1930’s Chinatown reverberates with the subtle eroticism of the love affair between Jack Nicholson as the small-time shamus and Faye Dunaway as his big-time client. As with the film noir detective movies it styles itself after, the mood in Chinatown is pervasive, ominous and shadowy. First-class entertainment
   Director: Roman Polanski
   Cast: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston, Burt Young
   Writer: Robert Towne

    

5. SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN (1952) Comedy; Musical; Romance
   Synopsis: In 1927, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a famous on-screen romantic pair. Lina, however, mistakes the on-screen romance for real love. Don has worked hard to get where he is today, with his former partner Cosmo. When Don and Lina’s latest film is transformed into a musical, Don has the perfect voice for the songs. But Lina – well, even with the best efforts of a diction coach, they still decide to dub over her voice. Kathy Selden is brought in, an aspiring actress, and while she is working on the movie, Don falls in love with her. Will Kathy continue to “aspire”, or will she get the break she deserves?
   Director: Gene Kelly, Stanley Donen
   Cast: Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O’Connor, Jean Hagen, Cyd Charisse, Douglas Fowley, Rita Moreno
   Writer: Betty Comden, Adolph Green

    

6. 2001, A SPACE ODYSSEY (1968) Drama; Science Fiction
   Synopsis: It’s man vs. machinery in Stanley Kubrick’s startling milestone film. Rarely are such power and beauty expressed in purely cinematic terms. From prehistoric man’s struggle to cope with a hostile environment, to the interplanetary voyage to Jupiter, the film is a eloquent statement on man’s endless quest to master his fate. The Oscar-winning special effects paved the way for the high-tech look of ’80’s science-fiction films.
   Director: Stanley Kubrick
   Cast: Gary Lockwood, Keir Dullea, William Sylvester, Daniel Richter, Leonard Rossiter, Margaret Tyzack
   Writer: Stanley Kubrick (screenplay), Arthur C. Clarke (screenplay)

    

7. GOODFELLAS (1990) Drama; Crime
   Synopsis: Based on Nicholas Pilegg’s best-selling book “Wiseguys” and spanning thirty years of Mafia life, this is the story of a young boy, who dreams of becoming a member of the wiseguys. After fulfilling that dream and after much terror and murder, he turns against the men who made him.
   Director: Martin Scorsese
   Cast: Robert De Niro, Ray Liotta, Paul Sorvino, Joe Pesci, Lorraine Bracco, Tony Darrow
   Writer: Nicholas Pileggi

    

8. THE GREAT GATSBY (2012) Drama; Romance
   Synopsis: Nick Carraway, a Midwesterner now living on Long Island, finds himself fascinated by the mysterious past and lavish lifestyle of his neighbor, Jay Gatsby. He is drawn into Gatsby’s circle, becoming a witness to obsession and tragedy.
   Director: Baz Luhrmann
   Cast: Leonardo DiCaprio, Joel Edgerton, Carey Mulligan, Isla Fisher, Gemma Ward, Callan McAuliffe, Amitabh Bachchan, Jason Clarke
   Writer: F. Scott Fitzgerald (novel), Baz Luhrmann (screenplay)

    

9. THE CIDER HOUSE RULES (1999) Drama; Romance
   Synopsis: Homer Wells is an orphan, but he does not lack a family. Having grown up at St. Cloud’s orphanage under the unconventional but loving tutelage of Dr. Wilbur Larch, Homer never wanted for affection. Now, as Homer approaches manhood, he begins to question his future. Homer yearns to explore the world for himself. Upon meeting a privileged young couple, Homer hitches a ride with them and liberates himself from St. Cloud’s. Suddenly Homer’s choices are limitless. He is introduced to a bigger world full of new sights, adventures and friendships, as well as tragedy, betrayal and danger. The rules that governed his former life seem obsolete. And when Homer falls in love for the first time, his upbringing offers no guidance. As affection turns to ardor, he experiences the highs and lows, as well as the complicated rewards and responsibilities that come with these new emotions. Suddenly, the consequences of making choices become more acute. As the course of his new life unfolds, Homer’s seemingly simple past collides with his more complex present. Yet, Homer comes to realize that his previous life has provided him with the means to make profound decisions that will change the course of his future.
   Director: Lasse Hallstrom
   Cast: Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Erykah Badu, Jane Alexander, Kate Nelligan, Kathy Baker, Michael Caine, Paul Rudd, Tobey Maguire
   Writer: John Irving

    

10. PULP FICTION (1994) Drama; Action; Thriller; Crime
    Synopsis: Prizefighter Butch Coolidge has decided to stop payment on his deal with the devil. Honey Bunny and Pumpkin are a pair of young lovers and smalltime thieves who decide they need a change in venue. Two career criminals go about their business of shooting up other crooks who are slow on payments to their boss. Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-winning screenplay is a celebration of pulp culture and its dark underbelly.
    Director: Quentin Tarantino
    Cast: John Travolta, Harvey Keitel, Samuel L. Jackson, Bruce Willis, Uma Thurman
    Writer: Quentin Tarantino, Roger Avary

     

11. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER (1977) Drama; Musical; Romance
    Synopsis: A New York disco and a pulsating Bee Gees musical score of hit songs are the backdrop for an electrifying and sensual performance by John Travolta. He’s a Brooklyn paint store clerk who lives only for Saturday night at the local disco, where he can cut loose and release his pent-up energy by dancing. SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER is carefully observed look at the restlessness of the disco culture, and an unparalleled showcase for Travolta’s energetic talent and boundless vitality.
    Director: John Badham
    Cast: John Travolta, Karen Gorney, Donna Pescow
    Writer: Nik Cohn, Norman Wexler

     

12. GREASE (1978) Comedy; Musical; Romance
    Synopsis: The most popular musical of all time, “Grease” merges the talents of solid gold recording star Olivia Newton-John as good girl Sandy and John Travolta of “Saturday Night Fever” fame as greaser Danny in this nostalgic look at the Fabulous Fifties.
    Director: Randal Kleiser
    Cast: John Travolta, Olivia Newton-John, Stockard Channing, Eve Arden, Sid Caesar
    Writer: Jim Jacobs (musical) and Warren Casey (musical)

     

13. BEN-HUR (1959) Adventure; Drama; Action; Literary Adaptation
    Synopsis: Judah Ben-Hur lives as a rich Jewish prince and merchant in Jerusalem at the beginning of the 1st century. Together with the new governor his old friend Messala arrives as commanding officer of the Roman legions. At first they are happy to meet after a long time but their different politic views separate them. During the welcome parade a roof tile falls down from Judah’s house and injures the governor. Although Messala knows they are not guilty, he sends Judah to the galleys and throws his mother and sister into prison. But Judah swears to come back and take revenge.
    Director: William Wyler
    Cast: Charlton Heston, Stephen Boyd, Jack Hawkins, Hugh Griffith, Sam Jaffe
    Writer: Lew Wallace (novel), Karl Tunberg (screenplay)

     

14. HOW GREEN WAS MY VALLEY (1941) Black and White Drama; Romance
    Synopsis: Life is hard in a Welsh mining town and no less so for the Morgan family. Seen through the eyes of the family’s youngest, Huw, we learn of the family’s trials and tribulations. Family patriarch Gwyllim and his older sons work in the mines, dangerous and unhealthy as it is. Gwyllim has greater hopes for younger son how to honor his hard working parents. Huw who has his own ideas on how to honor his father. Daughter Angharad is the most beautiful girl in the valley and is very much in love with Mr. Gruffydd who isn’t sure he can provide her the life she deserves. Times are hard and good men find themselves out of work and exploited by unseen mine owners.
    Director: John Ford
    Cast: Walter Pidgeon, Sara Allgood, Roddy McDowall, Donald Crisp
    Writer: Richard Llewellyn (novel), Philip Dunne

     

15. THE NIGHT OF THE IGUANA (1964) Drama; Literary Adaptation
    Synopsis: The Rev. T. Lawrence Shannon has been living in Mexico for two years, working as a tourist guide for a cut-rate travel agency. Shannon lost his church and was defrocked after taking liberties with one of his parishioners. He’s now accompanying a group of middle-aged ladies from Texas whose leader, Judith Fellowes, is keeping a close eye on her teenage ward, Charlotte Goodall, who definitely has an interest in the former priest. After Charlotte and Shannon spend the night together, Fellowes is out to have him fired and to keep her from communicating with his employer, Shannon strands them at a remote hotel run by his good friend Maxine Faulk. It’s the arrival of Hannah Jelkes and her elderly grandfather that has the greatest impact however. Her approach to life and love forces Shannon to deal with his demons and re-evaluate his life.
    Director: John Huston
    Cast: Richard Buron, Ava Gardner, Sue Lvon, Deborah Kerr
    Writer: Tennessee Williams (play), Anthony Veiller (screenplay)

     

16. THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1940) Black and White Comedy; Romance
    Synopsis: Philadelphia socialites Tracy Lord and C.K. Dexter Haven married impulsively, with their marriage and subsequent divorce being equally passionate. They broke up when Dexter’s drinking became excessive, it a mechanism to cope with Tracy’s unforgiving manner to the imperfect, imperfections which Dexter admits he readily has. Two years after their break-up, Tracy is about to remarry, the ceremony to take place at the Lord mansion. Tracy’s bridegroom is nouveau riche businessman and aspiring politician George Kittredge, who is otherwise a rather ordinary man and who idolizes Tracy. The day before the wedding, three unexpected guests show up at the Lord mansion: Macaulay Connor (Mike to his friends), Elizabeth Imbrie – the two who are friends of Tracy’s absent brother, Junior – and Dexter himself. Dexter, an employee of the tabloid Spy magazine, made a deal with its publisher and editor Sidney Kidd to get a story on Tracy’s wedding…
    Director: George Cukor
    Cast: Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, James Stewart, Ruth Hussey, John Howard, Roland Young, John Halliday
    Writer: Donald Ogden Stewart (screenplay), Philip Barry (play)

     

17. SUMMERTIME (1956) Drama; Romance
    Synopsis: Summertime combines a sensitive performance by Hepburn as a lonely American spinster who meets handsome, but married Brazzi.
    Director: David Lean
    Cast: Katharine Hepburn, Rossano Brazzi
    Writer: H.E. Bates, Arthur Laurents

     

18. ROMAN HOLIDAY (1953) Comedy; Drama; Romance
    Synopsis: Princess Anne embarks on a highly publicized tour of European capitals. When she and her royal entourage arrive in Rome, she begins to rebel against her restricted, regimented schedule. One night Anne sneaks out of her room, hops into the back of a delivery truck and escapes her luxurious confinement. However, a sedative she was forced to take earlier starts to take effect, and the princess is soon fast asleep on a public bench. She is found by Joe Bradley, an American newspaper reporter stationed in Rome. He takes her back to his apartment. The next morning Joe dashes off to cover the Princess Anne press conference, unaware that she is sleeping on his couch! Once he realizes his good fortune, Joe promises his editor an exclusive interview with the princess
    Director: William Wyler
    Cast: Audrey Hepburn, Gregory Peck, Eddie Albert, Hartley Power,
    Writer: Dalton Trumbo (story) (front Ian McLellan Hunter), Ian McLellan Hunter

     

19. A TIME TO KILL (1996) Drama; Social Studies
    Synopsis: Joel Schumacher, who directed the filmed adaptation of John Grisham’s “The Client” to critical and popular acclaim, now brings Grisham’s best-selling first novel to the screen with a high profile cast. In front of hundreds of witnesses in a simmering, small Southern town, a distraught man (Samuel L. Jackson) murders the two racist thugs who brutally assaulted his young daughter. An idealistic young lawyer (Matthew McConaughey) and a savvy law student (Sandra Bullock) team together for his seemingly not-able-to-win defense in a trial that sparks a cauldron of conflicting emotions from a kaleidoscope range of southerners — a microcosm of a unique place in the American landscape where time is no longer standing still.
    Director: Joel Schumacher
    Cast: Sandra Bullock, Samuel L. Jackson, Matthew McConaughey, Kevin Spacey, Donald Sutherland
    Writer: John Grisham (novel), Akiva Goldsman (screenplay)

     

20. SUNSET BOULEVARD (1950) Black and White Drama; Literary Adaptation; Romance
    Synopsis: There’s never been another film quite like this eerie Oscar-winning cinema classic. A forgotten queen of silent films lives surrounded by her past in a decaying mansion on Hollywood’s Sunset Boulevard. Enter a cynical young screenwriter, who first exploits her and then becomes trapped by her, as she goes mad.
    Director: Billy Wilder
    Cast: William Holden, Gloria Swanson, Erich von Stroheim, Nancy Olson, Fred Clark, Lloyd Gough, Jack Webb
    Writer: Charles Brackett, Billy Wilder

     

21. BODY HEAT (1981) Thriller; Crime
    Synopsis: A contemporary mystery involving two lovers, an attorney and the wife of a wealthy man who successfully plans the murder of her husband. This passionate love story ends with a bizarre twist.
    Director: Lawrence Kasden
    Cast: William Hurt, Kathleen Turner, Richard Crenna, Ted Danson, J.A. Preston, Mickey Rourke Kim Zimmer
    Writer: Lawrence Kasden

     

22. THE FLIGHT OF THE PHOENIX (2004) Adventure; Action; Survival
    Synopsis: An action-adventure in which a group of air crash survivors – cast-offs from society who will never be missed – are stranded in the Mongolian desert with no hope of rescue. As they attempt to build a new plane from the wreckage of the old one, in hopes of flying back to civilization, they experience a rebirth of their own.
    Director: John Moore
    Cast: Dennis Quaid, Giovanni Ribisi, Tyrese, Miranda Otto, Jared Padalecki
    Writer: John Thomas & Jim Thomas, Scott Frank, David Arata, Hilary Seitz, Ron Hutchinson, Edward Burns, based on the novel by Elleston Trevor

     

23. SAVING PRIVATE RYAN (1998) Drama; War; Literary Adaptation
    Synopsis: In World War II, it is found that 3 soldiers who have been killed are brothers. The mother will be receiving three death notices on the same day. The army discovers that there were actually four brothers. A mission is deployed to find Private James Ryan and send him home.
    Director: Steven Spielberg
    Cast: Tom Hanks, Tom Sizemore, Edward J. Burns, Matt Damon, Jeremy Davies, Vin Diesel, Adam Goldberg, Barry Pepper
    Writer: Robert Rodat

     

24. THE LONGEST DAY (1962) Black and White Drama; War; Action
    Synopsis: England in June 1944. Unseasonal storms. Allied troops are massed ready for the invasion of France, some already on the boats. The Normandy beaches will be their destination while paratroopers are dropped inland to take key towns and bridges. On the other side of the Channel the Germans still expect the invasion at Calais, and anyway the weather makes them think nothing is likely to be imminent. Eisenhower decides to go. Hitler sleeps on.
    Director: Ken Annakin, Andrew Marton
    Cast: Eddie Albert, Paul Anka, Arletty, Jean-Louis Barrault, Richard Beymer, Hans Christian, Blech, Bourvil, Richard Burton
    Writer: Romain Gary, James Jones

     

25. TWELVE O’CLOCK HIGH (1949) Black and White Drama; War
    Synopsis: A perceptive, psychological drama that deals with the problems of an Air Force commander who must rebuild a bomber group whose shattered morale threatens the effectiveness of daylight bombing raids. Gregory Peck plays the commander, and Dean Jagger won an Oscar for his supporting role. Exciting air combat footage intensifies the deeply moving drama.
    Director: Henry King
    Cast: Gregory Peck, Hugh Marlowe, Gary Merrill, Millard Mitchell, Dean Jagger, Paul Stewart, Robert Arthur, John Kellogg, Sam Edwards, Russ Conway, Lawrence (Larry) Dobkin
    Writer: Sy Bartlett (also novel), Beirne Lay Jr.

     

26. DARK PASSAGE (1947) Drama; Thriller; Romance; Crime
    Synopsis: A convict escapes from prison to prove his innocence. From the novel by David Goodis.
    Director: Delmer Daves
    Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Agnes Moorehead, Bruce Bennett, Tom D’Andrea, Housely Stevenson
    Writer: David Goodis (novel), Delmer Daves

Proposed Movies for Branch Screenings
by our patrons’ selection

Dear Members and Friends of the Branch,

The Lounge Committee is seeking feedback for future Branch Movie Nights. We invite you to complete a short survey, and help us decide which films to show next.

Please read the synopsis of each of the films below and complete the survey located here.

Thank-you on behalf of the Lounge Committee!

Curated Selections:

1. The Man Who Would Be King (1975) Adventure
   Synopsis: Two British adventurers take over primitive Kafiristan as “Godlike” rulers. They meet a tragic end through their desire for a native girl. An epic of splendor, spectacle, and high adventure. Based on Rudyard Kipling’s short story and packed with spectacle, humour, excitement and bold twists of fate.
   Director: John Huston
   Cast: Sean Connery, Michael Caine, Christopher Plummer
2. The Long, Long Trailer (1954) Comedy Romance
   Synopsis: Nicky and Tacy are going to be married. Nicky wants to save up money for a house, but Tacy dreams of starting off with their own home on wheels—a trailer. After the two are hitched, they hitch up their trailer and begin their honeymoon. The humor comes from several disastrous adventures the couple has while traveling including Tacy’s awkward attempt to cook dinner in a moving trailer, and a cliffhanging ride through the mountains that nearly destroys their marriage.
   Director: Vincente Minnelli
   Cast: Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, Marjorie Main, Kenan Wynn, Moroni Olsen
3. The Man Who Never Was (1955) Drama Espionage
   Synopsis: Based on the book of a first hand account by Lt. Cmdr Ewen Montagu that chronicles ‘Operation Mincemeat’ in 1943, British Naval Intelligence devises a ruse to decoy German forces from the Allied invasion of Sicily by creating a false identity of ‘Major Martin’.
   Director: Ronald Neame
   Cast: Clifton Webb, Stephen Boyd, Robert Flemyng, Gloria Grahame, Josephine Griffin
   
   
4. The Man from Snowy River (1983) Drama; Western; Romance;
   Synopsis: Shot in Australia’s breathtaking high country, this film chronicles a boy’s difficult passage into manhood. Burlinson stars as an orphan who returns to the mountains to conquer the wild horses.
   Director: George Miller
   Cast: Kirk Douglas, Tom Burlinson, Sigrid Thornton

    

5. Zulu (1964) Drama; War
   Synopsis: Two Lieutenants, find that their 140-man contingent in Natal has been isolated by the destruction of the main British Army column and that 4,000 Zulu warriors will descend on them in hours. Each has a different military background in tactics and they are immediately in conflict on how to prepare for the attack. Nearly a third of the men are in the infirmary, as the Welsh company tries to somehow survive with no help in sight. Based on a true story.
   Director: Cy Endfield
   Cast: Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Michael Caine

    

6. Rat Race (2001) Comedy; Ask a Stupid Question
   Synopsis: Director Jerry (“Airplane!”) Zucker marks his return to comedy with this ensemble film about easy money, greed, manipulation and bad driving. The story tells of a Las Vegas casino tycoon who pits 6 ordinary people against each other in a wild dash for two million dollars jammed into a locker hundreds of miles away.
   Director: Jerry Zucker
   Cast: Rowan Atkinson, Dean Cain, Lanai Chapman, John Cleese, Whoopi Goldberg, Cuba Gooding Jr.

    

7. Cleopatra (1963) Drama; Romance; Biography  – BE FOREWARNED, IT’S FOUR HRS.!
   Synopsis: In 48 B.C., Caesar pursues Pompey from Pharsalia to Egypt. Ptolemy, now supreme ruler after deposing his older sister, Cleopatra, attempts to gain favor with Caesar by presenting the conquerer with the head of Pompey, borne by his governors, Pothinos and Achillas. To win Caesar’s support from her brother, Cleopatra hides herself in a rug, which Apollodorus, her servant, presents to Caesar. The Roman is immediately infatuated; banishing Ptolemy, he declares Cleopatra Egypt’s sole ruler and takes her as his mistress. A son, Caesarion, is born of their union. Caesar, however, must return to Italy. Although he is briefly reunited with Cleopatra during a magnificent reception for the queen in Rome, Caesar is assassinated shortly thereafter, and Cleopatra returns to Egypt. When Mark Antony, Caesar’s protégé, beholds Cleopatra aboard her elaborate barge at Tarsus some years later, he is smitten and becomes both her lover and military ally. Their liaison notwithstanding, Antony, to consolidate his position in Rome, marries Octavia, sister of the ambitious Octavian. The marriage satisfies no one. Cleopatra is infuriated, and Antony, tiring of his Roman wife, returns to Egypt. There he flaunts his liaison by marrying Cleopatra in a public ceremony. Sensing Antony’s weakness, Octavian attacks and defeats his forces at Actium. Alarmed, Cleopatra withdraws her fleet and seeks refuge in her tomb.
   Director: Joseph Mankiewicz
   Cast: Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Rex Harrison, Roddy McDowall, Pamela Brown

    

8. The Four Feathers (2002) Adventure; Drama; Literary Adaptation
   Synopsis: Set in 1898 Sudan, this fifth film to be adapted from the A.E.W. Mason novel follows a British officer who resigns his post right before his regiment ships out to battle the rebels. Perceiving his resignation as cowardice, his friends and fiancee give him four white feathers, the symbol of cowardice, but little do they know he’s actually going undercover and plans to redeem his honor.
   Director: Shekhar Kapur
   Cast: Heath Ledger, Wes Bentley, Kate Hudson, Djimon Hounsou, Michael Sheen, Alek Wek, Kris Marshall

    

9. Invictus (2009) Drama; Biography
   Synopsis: The film tells the inspiring true story of how Nelson Mandela joined forces with the captain of South Africa’s rugby team to help unite their country. Newly elected President Mandela knows his nation remains racially and economically divided in the wake of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people together through the universal language of sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s rugby team as they make their historic run to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Championship match.
   Director: Clint Eastwood
   Cast: Matt Damon, Morgan Freeman, Scott Eastwood, Langley Kirkwood, Robert Hobbs, Tony Kgoroge, Grant Roberts, Bonnie Henna, Patrick Holland

    

10. The Americanization of Emily (1964) Comedy; Drama; War
    Synopsis: On the eve of the Normandy invasion, a young British war widow falls in love with an American officer. From the novel by William Bradford.
    Director: Arthur Hiller
    Cast: Julie Andrews, James Garner, Melvyn Douglas, James Coburn, Liz Fraser, Joyce Grenfell

     

11. The Godfather Trilogy (1972/1974/1990) Drama; Thriller; Literary Adaptation; Crime; 
    Synopsis: The definitive, Oscar-winning record-breaking, trend-setting crime film. A serious, epic vision of an Italian-American family features Marlon Brando as the utterly amazing Corleaone patriarch. An acknowledged cinematic masterpiece.
    Director: Francis Ford Coppola
    Cast: Marlon Brando, James Caan, Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Diane Keaton
    Writer: Mario Puzo

     

12. Maltese Falcon (1941) Mystery
    Synopsis: Director Sam Spade’s thrilling chase for the fabulous Falcon. Bogart is Dashell Hammet’s “hero” Sam Spade, Astor his client, Lorre the evasive Joel Cairo, Greenstreet the Fat Man, and Cook the neurotic Gunsel Wilmer.
    Director: John Huston
    Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Mary Astor, Peter Lorre, Elisha Cook

     

13. Postman Always Rings Twice (1946) Crime
    Synopsis: Nick Smith, the middle-aged proprietor of a roadside restaurant, hires drifter Frank Chambers as a handyman. Frank eventually begins an affair with Nick’s beautiful wife Cora, who talks Frank into helping her kill Nick, by “accident.” But the best laid plans……
    Director: Garnett T.
    Cast: Lana Turner, John Garfield, Cecil Kellaway, Hume Cronyn, Leon Ames, Audrey Totter, Alan Reed

     

14. Strangers on a Train (1951) Drama; Thriller
    Synopsis: Aboard a Washington to New York train, two strangers meet and two murders are plotted…however, only one is executed.
    Director: Alfred Hitchcock
    Cast: Farley Granger, Robert Walker

     

15. Sabrina (1954) Comedy; Romance
    Synopsis: Sabrina is the young daughter of the Larrabee family’s chauffeur who has been in love with David Larrabee for all her life. David is very spoiled and crazy for women, and has been totally ignoring Sabrina for years. When Sabrina goes to Paris for a few years, she returns a very attractive and sophisticated woman, and David is quickly drawn to her. David’s brother Linus sees this and fears that David’s imminent wedding with a very rich woman may be endangered. If the wedding is canceled, so will a great corporate deal with the bride’s family. So, Linus tries to keep Sabrina off his brother, and the best way to do so is by charming her himself.
    Director: Billy Wilder
    Cast: Humphrey Bogart, Audrey Hepburn, William Holden

     

16. The Shining (1980) Horror; Thriller; Literary Adaptation
    Synopsis: An unemployed teacher, Jack Torrance accepts a position as a caretaker in a hotel which is isolated in the mountains and deserted during the winter months. He moves in with his wife Wendy and young son Danny. He looks forward to taking the opportunity to write a book. Danny, gifted with clairvoyance, soon becomes the object of strange manifestations and Jack himself undergoes an unusual psychological transformation. This state leads him to want to murder his son. His wife attempts to stop him, all the while a raging snow storm is blocking all viable routes, rendering escape almost impossible.
    Director: Stanley Kubrick
    Cast: Jack Nicholson, Shelly Duvall, Danny Lloyd, Scatman Crothers, Barry Nelson, Philip Stone

     

17. The Third Man (1949) Black & White Thriller; Mystery
    Synopsis: An out of work pulp fiction novelist, Holly Martins, arrives in a post war Vienna divided into sectors by the victorious allies, and where a shortage of supplies has lead to a flourishing black market. He arrives at the invitation of an ex-school friend, Harry Lime, who has offered him a job, only to discover that Lime has recently died in a peculiar traffic accident. From talking to Lime’s friends and associates Martins soon notices that some of the stories are inconsistent, and determines to discover what really happened to Harry Lime.
    Director: Carol Reed
    Cast: Joseph Cotten, Alida Valli, Orson Welles, Trevor Howard, Bernard Lee, Ernest Deutsch