World War Two and a group of American soldiers reside in the infamous Stalag 17, a German prison camp designed to hold the most rebellious of inmates. It soon becomes apparent that there is a traitor amongst them and the most obvious choice is a cynical, opportunistic fellow prisoner, always on the scam and the only man on nodding terms with their German captors. Stalag 17 is classic war time drama, tense and claustrophobic, with William Holden justifiably winning an Oscar for his performance in
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THE AFRICAN QUEEN (1951)
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The John Huston classic about the prim missionary lady forced to team up with a drunken ne'er-do-well for a dangerous journey when the war comes to their remote bit of Africa. Their trying odyssey downriver, of course, gradually sees the two incompatibles falling in love, with the as always detached Bogart finally discovering commitment and attacking a German gunboat.
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THE BEST YEARS OF OUR LIVES (1946)
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It's the hope that sustains the spirit of every GI: the dream of the day when he will finally return home. For three WWII veterans, the day has arrived. But for each man, the dream is about to become a nightmare. Captain Fred Derry (Dana Andrews) is returning to a loveless marriage; Sergeant Al Stephenson (Fredric March) is a stranger to a family that's grown up without him; and young sailor Homer Parrish (Harold Russell) is tormented by the loss of his hands. Can these three men find the courag
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THE BRIDGE ON THE RIVER KWAI (1957)
CertificationPG Our Rating
Guinness restores the morale of British PoWs by building a bridge which is of military value to the Japanese, and then attempts to thwart the RAF's destruction of it! A classic film which swept 7 Oscars including "Best Picture".
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THE INFORMER (1935)
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Dublin, 1922; Gypo Nolan, strong but none too bright, has been ousted from the rebel organization and is starving. When he finds that his equally destitute sweetheart Katie has been reduced to prostitution, he succumbs to temptation and betrays his former comrade Frankie to the British authorities for a 20 pound reward. In the course of one gloomy, foggy night, guilt and retribution inexorably close in. An atmospheric and gritty classic set around the Irish troubles.
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THE KING AND I (1956)
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Visually spectacular and well photographed screen version of the hugely successful musical set in Thailand, or Siam as it was known back then... With Kerr, dubbed by Marni Nixon for the songs, as the prim widowed teacher gradually falling for the King's charms. This won four Oscars and includes witty lyrics and a lush score.
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THE LOST WEEKEND (1945)
CertificationPG Our Rating
Don Birnam, long-time alcoholic, has been "on the wagon" for ten days and seems to be over the worst; but his craving has just become more insidious. Evading a country weekend planned by his brother Wick and girlfriend Helen, he begins a four-day bender. In flashbacks, we see past events, all gone wrong because of the bottle, but this bout looks like it's going to be his last...one way or the other. A dark, gritty depiction of the ravages of alcohol and winner of 4 Oscars including Best Actor, B
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THE PHILADELPHIA STORY (1949)
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A wonderfully witty story of a society wedding that seems doomed to failure. Hepburn is superb as the sassy Tracy, fighting off the advances of sarcastic ex-hubby, Grant, and the unwelcome attention of Stewart, the tabloid hack. As the wedding approaches, who will she marry? Deliciously funny!
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TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD (1962)
CertificationPG Our Rating
A lawyer raising his children alone in the midst of racial hatred, injustice and hypocracy is the only man prepared to defend a young black man accused of rape by a white trash family. A superb study of racism in Americas deep South boasting a wonderful script, photography and acting in an adaptation worthy of the book; A total classic.
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TRUE GRIT (1969)
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John Wayne heads the cast as Rooster, a one-eyed, drunken Marshal, a man considerably past his best who'd rather be at home with his cat than risking his neck. Hired by a feisty young girl to avenge the murder of her father, Rooster reluctantly finds himself accompanied both by the girl and a young Texas Ranger on a perilous journey through unconquered territory to get their man. Arguably one of the greatest Westerns ever made and for which Wayne won an Oscar.
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