They asked for film recommendations. Well, here they are!


The predominant genres discussed in the latest podcast were war movies and film noir. One of my favorite filmmakers of all time actually did both very well: Samuel Fuller. I'm gonna heartily recommend two of his films, one war movie and one film noir which I rank as among my favorite films of all time. That's Pickup on South Street and The Big Red One.

Pickup on South Street is sort of an anti-Communist propaganda film about petty thief (played marvelously by Richard Widmark) who inadvertently gets himself in the middle of a communist plot when he pickpockets a bag containing a microfilm that the Soviets desperately want.

The Big Red One is a World War II movie about an army unit led by none other than Lee Marvin towards near the end of World War II. It's a bit like a distant ancestor of Three Kings because it deftly mixes black comedy, war action and drama.

Another recommendation I'd like to put forward is Leo McCarey's Make Way for Tomorrow. Orson Welles was quoted as saying that this film is so sad "it can make a stone cry". And he's absolutely right. But don't let that discourage you from seeing this film. It's about an elderly couple whose house was foreclosed on and their adult children are forced to take them into their homes. But of course problems arise. The last 20 or so minutes is one of the most bittersweet moments captured on film. It's incredibly sad but through that sadness, you'll also have a smile in your face. Gosh, you have to see it. It's tough to describe. This film was never released on video and ever since its initial release during the 1930's, it has only aired a few times on TCM/AMC. So only a handful of hardcore film buffs ever got to see it. Only a few years ago did Criterion finally acquired and released it on DVD. I couldn't recommend it enough.

A few more recommends:

For a classic noir, check out Gun Crazy (1950). It's about a lifelong gun nut who falls for a carnival sharp shooter. Obviously, this heads down a dark road. If you like Bonnie and Clyde, you need to see Gun Crazy.

Another classic from Hitchcock that doesn't get enough recognition is Shadow of a Doubt (1943). It's about a young woman who finds out her beloved uncle is a suspected murderer. It's one of Hitchcock's favorites and Hume Cronyn's first film.

A few more recommends:

For a classic noir, check out Gun Crazy (1950). It's about a lifelong gun nut who falls for a carnival sharp shooter. Obviously, this heads down a dark road. If you like Bonnie and Clyde, you need to see Gun Crazy.

Another classic from Hitchcock that doesn't get enough recognition is Shadow of a Doubt (1943). It's about a young woman who finds out her beloved uncle is a suspected murderer. It's one of Hitchcock's favorites and Hume Cronyn's first film.

A few more recommends:

For a classic noir, check out Gun Crazy (1950). It's about a lifelong gun nut who falls for a carnival sharp shooter. Obviously, this heads down a dark road. If you like Bonnie and Clyde, you need to see Gun Crazy.

Another classic from Hitchcock that doesn't get enough recognition is Shadow of a Doubt (1943). It's about a young woman who finds out her beloved uncle is a suspected murderer. It's one of Hitchcock's favorites and Hume Cronyn's first film.

I don't know why this posted three times. Sorry. I didn't mean to spam.

Not a recommendation, just showing gratitude.

You guys suggested everyone watch the movie 12 Angry Men. I checked my DVR and TCM was playing it this past weekend. I recorded it and watched it this afternoon.

Thank you. I absolutely loved it.