Check it out

To commemorate a century of American movie-making, the American Film

Institute recently chose the top 100 American feature films. They include

dramas, romances and musicals -- all available on videocassette at

Newport libraries.

Crowning the list is “Citizen Kane,” the 1941 masterpiece starring

Orson Welles as a William Randolph Hearst-like newspaper magnate. Made

when Welles was only 26, it chronicles the rise and fall of Charles Kane

from the perspective of those who knew him best. Stunning cinematography

and Oscar-winning screenplay add to a mesmerizing story.

At No. 2 is “Casablanca,” the 1942 romance set in war-torn Morocco

that still brings viewers to tears. Humphrey Bogart plays the allegedly

apolitical expatriate, content to run the Cafe Americain until love in

the form of a luminous Ingrid Bergman returns and motivates him to

support the French resistance.

Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather” takes No. 3. Based on Mario

Puzo’s novel about a Mafia dynasty, this familial epic stars Marlon

Brando as the patriarch who must transfer power to one of his three sons.

“Gone With the Wind,” the Civil War epic starring Vivien Leigh as the

indomitable Scarlett O’Hara and Clark Gable as dashing Rhett Butler comes

next. This all-time box office champ captures a piece of history in one

of cinema’s greatest storytelling achievements.

At list midpoint is “Lawrence of Arabia,” David Lean’s

larger-than-life epic starring Peter O’Toole as the eccentric British

officer who united Arab tribes against Turks during World War I. Sweeping

battle scenes and breathtaking action convene in this portrait of

enigmatic adventurer T. E. Lawrence.

“The Wizard of Oz” follows, with Judy Garland playing the Kansas girl

who dreams her way over a rainbow. In the six decades since this

classic’s release, Dorothy and her compatriots in fantasy land have

become pop-culture icons.

“The Graduate,” a film that defined the late ‘60s, takes the No. 7

spot. In his first major film role, Dustin Hoffman plays the naive

college grad who’s seduced by a middle-aged woman, then falls for her

daughter.

Elia Kazan’s “On the Waterfront” holds the No. 8 position, starring

Marlon Brandon as the blackballed longshoreman beaten for informing

against mobsters who’ve taken over his union. This fact-based social

drama was nominated for 12 Academy Awards and won eight.

At No. 9, Steven Spielberg’s “Schindler’s List” is the most

contemporary selection. In it, Liam Neeson plays the real-life Catholic

war profiteer who saved more than 1,000 Polish Jews during the Holocaust.

“Singin’ in the Rain,” the 1952 parody of Hollywood’s transition to

the “talkies” during the late ‘20s completes the list. Packed with

musical gems, this charming flick stars Gene Kelly as a swashbuckling

silver screen star whose leading lady has a screechy voice amusingly

unsuitable for the new technology.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams.