1. Detour
Low-budget film magic.

2. The Fabulous Baker Boys
Who was ever cooler than Jeff Bridges in his role in this story about two competitive brothers who play twin pianos in mostly cheapo venues? Toss in gorgeous Michelle Pfeiffer to class up the act, but just barely. Best scene: Michelle coming up off the floor to sing "Ten Cents a Dance" to avert smalltime showbiz catastrophe.

3. A Hard Day's Night
Was this movie the birth of music video? The Beatles at the apex of their youth & appeal.

4. It's A Wonderful Life
I can never take my eyes off Donna Reed in this. Subtly sexy scene: Jimmy Stewart trying to talk on the phone with Donna at his side. Got to see it! Got to see it! if only for Christmas.

5. On the Waterfront
Be a contender for once in your lousy life & watch this gritty movie. Eva Marie Saint is luminous.

6. Out of the Past
Film noir at its best with tough Guy Robert Mitchum & smoldering Jane Greer; a very young Rhonda Fleming for good measure.

7. Singin' in the Rain
Film magic. Hear the joy in Debbie Reynolds' voice as she greets you with a "Good mornin', good mornin'," & then does a much better job with the title tune than Gene Kelly ever could. There is to be no playing in puddles after this movie, children.

8. Stalag 17
Lots of this is pure corn, but if you're like me, it's the kind of corn you can't take your eyes off. Best scene: when William Holden is going down the hatch near the end of the movie & tells his mates that, should they ever see him again, they could just act like they don't know him; then he comes back up the hatch & salutes them, which means he doesn't really mean it, but almost, almost.

9. The Third Man
Very cerebral film with a haunting score. See if the hairs on your neck don't stand up when you get your first glimpse of Orsan Welles, illuminated in a doorway.

10. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Heartwarming story of very tough times for a very loving family. Peggy Ann Garner shimmers as the introspective daughter.

"I Hated, Hated, Hated This Movie!" by R. Ebert