AFI 100 Years, 100 Movies: No. 68


Back in 1998, the American Film Institute unveiled its list of the 100 greatest films as voted on by members of the cinematic community. The year, I'm looking at the films on that list, re-ranked according to my preference. Check back Fridays and Saturdays throughout the year as we walk through this list of classic films.

Bennett Marco: Raymond Shaw is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I've ever known in my life.

The Manchurian Candidate (1962)
Original List Position: 67
Starring: Frank Sinatra, Janet Leigh, Angela Lansbury, and Laurence Harvey
Director: John Frankenheimer
About: This is a political thriller with a solid cast and based on the famous book. It's been re-made and referenced a few times since. But it's the original that has most often sat with people. It was No. 67 on the original list, and falls in nearly the same spot for me, here. Ironically it didn't end up on the list when it was re-issued a decade later. It's hard to say why that's the case, as it remains an oft quoted and discussed film that is a vibrant part of cinematic history. It feels as relevant today as when it was originally released.

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