Labyrinth

If you are a David Bowie fan at all, you absolutely must see Labyrinth. It is definitely one of the best Jim Henson movies of all time. It's a little scary when you are a kid, but now it is just hilarious. It includes great music and funny 80s fashion. This is a childhood favorite that should not be missed.

That Touch of Mink

The Cary Grant/Doris Day combo is pretty fantastic in this comedy. Day and Grant want very different things from their casual relationship, making for some very interesting consequences. That Touch of Mink follows a typical Day film plot, but the combination of her and Grant is of course too enticing to pass up.

Empire Records

This is obviously a much more recent classic, but a classic nonetheless. This film is the story of a group of misfits working in a record shop that is potentially going under. Their combined efforts to save Empire Records are the basis of a funny and quirky look at what it's like to be a teenager.

It Happened One Night

This Clark Gable classic is hilarious. It's a sweet early romantic comedy. Gable discovers a young woman running away from her problems. At first, the two do not get along well, but soon they develop witty banter as their journey of mishaps continues. Gable fans will definitely appreciate this critically acclaimed comedy.

The Graduate

This film is pure art. While the plot is very racy for its time, the music and the cinematography are perfect. The Graduate is the story of a young college graduate (played by Dustin Hoffman) who gets involved with the infamous Mrs. Robinson. The affair gets complicated when Hoffman falls in love with his lover's daughter. You will definitely be a Simon and Garfunkel fan after seeing this film.

A Night at the Opera

This is one of many Marx brothers comedies. This film is one that people of my generation often cannot appreciate. The editing is not as advanced and the humor is purely slapstick and double entendres. I think that it's important for young people to see these types of early examples of comedy in film. The Marx brothers are pioneers in this genre.

Pillow Talk

Doris Day and Rock Hudson share a phone line in this comedy of mix-ups. Day is annoyed with her party line since Hudson is always on the phone and she is never able to make a call. Hudson is tired of being harassed by Day and decides to teach her a lesson. This movie is very sweet and funny and is definitely the best of the Day/Hudson pictures.

Charade

Charade is my favorite Audrey Hepburn film. Hepburn's husband dies, leaving a 1/4 million dollars hidden, and she's not the only one trying to find it. With help from Cary Grant, Hepburn attempts to evade three potential killers while in search of the money. This film is full of action and exciting twists. Definitely not a chick-flick.

To Kill a Mockingbird

Atticus Finch is considered to be one of the greatest literary heroes of all time. Gregory Peck's portrayal of this moral and ethical man is unforgettable. To Kill a Mockingbird is an American classic, and the movie version does the novel justice. Of course, everyone should read the book before seeing it, but both are important milestones in both American film and literature.

The Apartment

This is a critically acclaimed picture in which Jack Lemmon lets certain executives in his company use his apartment to carry on their very personal liaisons. The plot thickens when Lemmon falls for one of his boss's leading ladies. The Apartment is a very sweet, funny story which I definitely recommend.

Dr. Strangelove or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Bomb

"Gentlemen, you can't fight in here! This is the war room!"

This is definitely one of the funniest films of all time. Peter Sellers plays a myriad of characters including Dr. Strangelove, an odd "ex"-Nazi. The film includes several humorous characters and a series of subplots which all affect the fate of the bomb. It truly is a satirical masterpiece.

Holiday Inn

One of many excellent holiday classics. While it is primarily a Christmas film, Holiday Inn celebrates every prominent holiday. Bing Crosby decides to open an inn that is only open on the holidays. What begins as a plot to avoid year round hard work turns into a charming love story. It features many memorable tunes including "White Christmas." Fred Astaire's dance numbers are especially entertaining. This film should definitely be a part of any holiday routine.

The Maltese Falcon

One of Humphrey Bogart's most memorable films, The Maltese Falcon is the quintessential portrayal of the "private eye." This film follows Bogart as he attempts to sift through the shady accounts of his not-so-trustworthy clients in order to piece together the mystery of the Falcon. Any fan of Bogart's should absolutely see this film. His celebrated "tough guy" attitude is especially evident in this excellent example of film noir.

Rear Window

This is my favorite Alfred Hitchcock film. The elegant Grace Kelly indulges Jimmy Stewart who has developed a habit of spying on his neighbors. Stewart thinks he witnesses a murder through a neighbor's window and falls into an obsession in his attempts to solve the mystery. The only problem is that he is in a wheelchair. What started as a relief from boredom becomes a thrilling hunt to uncover the truth. Things aren't always what they seem in this scary film. Kelly is true to form as the Helen of Troy of our time; she and Stewart's chemistry makes the film definitely worth watching in addition to the clever plot.