30 Sleepers
This is a list of 30 of the most underrated or at least under appreciated, under the radar, cinematic treasures from the 30's through the present. The list is an assortment of screen gems, not necessarily unnoticed, but never appreciated to the extent of the quality of the entertainment, at least in the opinion of this writer. Enjoy!
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- DirectorJohn FrankenheimerStarsRock HudsonFrank CampanellaJohn RandolphAn unhappy middle-aged banker agrees to a procedure that will fake his death and give him a completely new look and identity - one that comes with its own price.Haunting and provacative, from the first moment; the suspense never lets up through to the last reel of this fine film. The acting is superb --easily Rock Hudson's finest performance, and John Randolph is awesome in support and should have received Oscar consideration.
A great list of character actors, including Jeff Corey, Will Geer, Richard Anderson, Wesley Addy and Salome Jens lend eerie support to the mood piece. Finally, the music is beautifully crafted to support the whole surrealistic experience. A great film and sleeper extraordinaire! - DirectorUlu GrosbardDustin HoffmanStarsDustin HoffmanTheresa RussellGary BuseyThe difficulties of a career burglar to reinsert himself after being released on parole.This excellent film never comes up in a discussion of Dustin Hoffman's finest films (Midnight Cowboy, The Graduate, Tootsie, Rain Man, Kramer, etc.), but it should. Dustin is his usual flawless, and the film creates true suspense, start to finish. It is a wildly entertaining movie with an awesome supporting cast including Gary Busey and Harry Dean Stanton, both fabulous, and Theresa Russell, perfect and perfectly alluring as the romantic interest in this gritty, way under the radar, crime drama.
A real sleeper treat! - DirectorRanda HainesStarsWilliam HurtChristine LahtiElizabeth PerkinsWhen a self-centered doctor is diagnosed with cancer, he becomes better able to empathize with his patients and appreciate a life outside his career.Wonderful, Oscar worthy performance by William Hurt, somewhat overlooked in the great year for fiilms, which was 1991 (Silence of the lambs, JFK, Bugsy, Prince of Tides), etc. This movie is
beautifully told and unfolds in a rich, suspenseful, yet compassionate telling expertly crafted by Director, Randa Haines. The supporting cast is excellent with Mandy Patinkin and Christine Lahti absolutely flawless, and Elizabeth Perkins, just perfect in arguably her best performance. The film is pleasing on so many levels, and it makes my underrrated "sleeper" top five. - DirectorStephen FrearsStarsAnjelica HustonJohn CusackAnnette BeningA small-time conman has torn loyalties between his estranged mother and new girlfriend, both of whom are high-stakes grifters with their own angles to play.Compelling, pefectly cast off beat drama from 1990, somewhat lost amidst the buzz of great films of the year (Goodfellas, Dances with Wolves, Awakenings, Reversal of Fortune, etc.). But this films delivers on several levels. It's sexy, provocative, and suspenseful
and a great view of the little known world of small time and big time
Con artists. A real treat with the three leads mesmerizingly good! - DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsMargaret LockwoodMichael RedgravePaul LukasWhile travelling in continental Europe, a rich young playgirl realizes that an elderly lady seems to have disappeared from the train.Rarely in the discussion of Hitchcock's top ten films but should be
counted in that great list of classics, reputed to be Orson Welles'
favorite film, this entertaining gem from 1938, is light but suspenseful, well acted, and beautifully crafted. This marvelous film is full of quirky, funny, Hitchcockian black humor flourishes, and Margaret Lockwood is luminous. A real treat. - DirectorJerry SchatzbergStarsGene HackmanAl PacinoDorothy TristanAn ex-con drifter with a penchant for brawling is amused by a homeless ex-sailor, so they partner up as they head east together.This 1973 film slipped through the cracks of wider appreciation due to the timing of the runaway successes of it's two great lead actors, Al Pacino and Gene Hackman. Hackman was between the wildly popular French Connection and his 1974 acting tour de force in The Conversation, while Pacino was in the midst of arguably the most amazing 4 year run of classic film appearances; Godfather '72, Serpico '73, Godfather II '74 and Dog Day afternoon '75! Nonetheless, Scarecrow is a well acted, well paced, pleasing on many levels, movie. Pacino and Hackman are magical together and a
measuring rod for excellence among "buddy film" vehicles. A true
under the radar classic. - DirectorLloyd BaconStarsEdward G. RobinsonJane WymanBroderick CrawfordThree ex-cons buy a luggage shop to tunnel into the bank vault next door. But despite all they can do, the shop prospers...Delightful, light, crime caper romp with the incomparable Edward G. Robinson, never better. My favorite EGR film is Double Indemnity (1944), but my very favorite movie with the great Eddie G. in a starring role is Larceny, Inc. The supporting cast is exceptional with Broderick Crawford and Edward Brophy at their comic best along with Jack Carson, Harry Davenport and John Qualen also very good.
Jane Wyman is adorable and perfect in her part and Anthony Quinn appears in a very early role. Finally, a very young Jackie Gleason appears in two scenes and steals every minute in each. This film is
wildly entertaining, start to finish, and is a comic treasure. Don't miss this one! - DirectorJohn FrankenheimerStarsBurt LancasterPaul ScofieldJeanne MoreauIn 1944, a German colonel loads a train with French art treasures to send to Germany. The Resistance must stop it without damaging the cargo.This wonderful movie from 1965 is rarely included in discussion ofthe best films of Burt Lancaster (The Killers, From Here toEternity,Sweet Smell of Success, Elmer Gantry, Birdman of Alcatraz, Atlantic City, et. al.), but really should be. This film is a brilliant action drama and yet another successful collaboration of Director Frankenheimer/ Actor Lancaster, and the effort results in a very entertaining movie. Co -starring talented, brilliant Paul Scofield and lovely Jeanne Moreau, this film is a showcase for the acting talents and athleticism of Burt Lancaster. It's a winner all the way.
- DirectorBarry LevinsonStarsRichard DreyfussDanny DeVitoBarbara HersheyA minor car accident drives two rival aluminum-siding salesmen to the ridiculous extremes of man versus man in 1963 Baltimore.From the deft handling of the always brilliant Barry Levinson, Richard Dreyfuss and Danny De Vito are delightful in yet another "Baltimore story" in this 1987 comic romp. Barbara Hershey is always great and always underrrated co -stars, and a host of classic versatile character actors lend perfect support. Very entertaining sleeper.
- DirectorRobert MandelStarsBrendan FraserMatt DamonChris O'DonnellIn 1959, a star quarterback from a working-class family is given an opportunity to attend an elite New England preparatory school, but he is conflicted about whether or not to tell his Evangelical classmates that he is Jewish.Entertaining story of young Jewish football star recruited by elite New England prep school. The movie is a showcase for modern stars, Chris O'Donnell, Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Cole Hauser and Brendan Fraser, who is excellent in the lead role. Well acted, engrossing film.
- DirectorAlfred HitchcockStarsJon FinchBarry FosterBarbara Leigh-HuntA serial murderer is strangling women with a necktie. The London police have a suspect, but he is the wrong man.Solid, underrrated Hitchcock thriller rarely ranked by critics in the top ten of Hitchcock, but clearly should be and is very high in my personal rankings. This is Hitch's penultimatte film (1972) with only one more movie (Family Plot 1976) to his astounding list of Directing credits. This movie is entertaining, well crafted and loaded with clever and satisfying Hitchcockian black humor flourishes. A gem!
- DirectorAnatole LitvakStarsIda LupinoJohn GarfieldThomas MitchellA Brooklyn pier racketeer bullies boat-owners into paying protection money but two fed-up fishermen decide to eliminate the gangster themselves rather than complain to the police.Delightful, entertaining showcase for three great actors of the 40's: Ida Lupino, John Garfield and Thomas Mitchell.
- DirectorWoody AllenStarsScarlett JohanssonJonathan Rhys MeyersEmily MortimerAt a turning point in his life, a former tennis pro falls for an actress who happens to be dating his friend and soon-to-be brother-in-law.Not often included in a discussion of the best films of Woody Allen, it is my absolute favorite. Very absorbing, well acted drama with beautiful glimpses of the City of London.
- DirectorJohn HustonStarsStacy KeachJeff BridgesSusan TyrrellTwo men, working as professional boxers, come to blows when their careers each begin to take different directions.Wonderful atmospheric John Huston look at down and out in the Central Valley cities of California. Stacy Keach and Jeff Bridges are wonderful and Susan Tyrell is amazing.
- DirectorEdward DmytrykStarsRichard WidmarkHenry FondaAnthony QuinnA famous gunman becomes the marshal of Warlock to end a gang's rampages, but is met with some opposition by a former gang member turned deputy sheriff who wants to follow only legal methods.Solid, entertaining, heavily plotted Western drama with stars
Widmark, Fonda and Quinn excellent. - DirectorEdward A. BlattStarsJohn GarfieldPaul HenreidSydney GreenstreetPassengers on an ocean liner can't recall how they got on board or where they are going yet, oddly enough, it soon becomes apparent that they all have something in common.John Garfield, at his best, with a large many of the Warner regulars, in an eerie, entertaining fantasy.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsEdward G. RobinsonJean ArthurArthur HohlA meek milquetoast clerk is mistaken for public enemy N° 1, and the notorious killer takes advantage of the situation.Edward G. Robinson at his best with great support from Jean Arthur, all under the deft Direction of the one of the great masters, John Ford. Entertaining treasure from 1935.
- DirectorJames B. HarrisStarsRichard WidmarkSidney PoitierJames MacArthurAn American destroyer Captain is determined to confront a Soviet submarine caught violating territorial waters. Perhaps too determined.Widmark never better. Very suspenseful with great support from Sid Poitier, Martin Balsam, Eric Portman and James MacArthur.
- DirectorLisa GottliebStarsJoyce HyserClayton RohnerBilly JayneTerry feels discriminated against when the summer jobs at the Sun Tribune go to two guys. She decides to do something about it. She dresses like a guy and gets a haircut. Will students at the other high school notice? Girls notice "him".Very cute comedy from 1985 with the three leads performing
very well, especially Hyser. Familiar comedy plot gets a really
fresh treatment in this sleeper comedy. - DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsEdward G. RobinsonMary AstorHelen VinsonWhen Prohibition ends, a beer baron sees the writing on the wall, quits the rackets, and tries to break into California society.One of my favorite Edward G. Robinson early movies, with the incomparable Eddie G., at his rough and tumble, comic and likeable
best. A gem. - DirectorTony BillStarsChris MakepeaceAdam BaldwinMatt DillonWhen a boy comes to a new school and gets harassed by a bully, he acquires the services of the school's most feared kid as a bodyguard.Pleasing comedy with fine performances, especially Adam Baldwin.
Very entertaining. - DirectorJ. Lee ThompsonStarsMichael SarrazinJennifer O'NeillMargot KidderWhen college professor, Peter Proud begins experiencing flashbacks of an earlier life, he's mysteriously drawn to a place he's never been to, but which seems familiar and where he soon finds his previous incarnation's wife.Eerie, supernatural thriller, well handled, with Margot Kidder, just great in support.
- DirectorBilly WilderStarsJames CagneyHorst BuchholzPamela TiffinIn West Berlin during the Cold War, a Coca-Cola executive is given the task of taking care of his boss' socialite daughter.Cagney and Wilder clashed, but the film is pure gold. Cagney's last film before his 20 year retirement, returning in 1981 for Ragtime.
This fast paced political satire has wit and pace, and the four leads
are great under the deft handling of the wonderful Billy Wilder. - DirectorTom McCarthyStarsPaul GiamattiAmy RyanJeffrey TamborA struggling lawyer and volunteer wrestling coach's chicanery comes back to haunt him when the teenage grandson of the client he has double-crossed comes into his life.Paul Giammati, Amy Ryan, Bobby Cannavale and Jeffrey Tambor --
recipe for a pleasing little drama with wit and charm. - DirectorMichael AndersonStarsJames CagneyDon MurrayDana WynterIn 1920s Ireland, I.R.A. members are being led by the war mongering Dr. Sean Lenihan (James Cagney), as they fight oppressive British forces.Solid drama set in war torn Ireland is well crafted and Cagney's intense performance elevates the film considerably.
- DirectorWalter LangStarsJames StewartBarbara HaleJames GleasonBill Lawrence wins a jackpot worth $24,000 on a radio quiz program. His happiness, and that of his family, is short-lived after he discovers he'll be compelled to sell the prizes in order to pay an amount of $7,000 income tax on them.Under the radar James Stewart comedy is very pleasing and the performances (including Nine year old Natalie Wood) make for an entertaining movie.
- DirectorRichard QuineStarsKirk DouglasKim NovakErnie KovacsA suburban architect loves his wife but is bored with his marriage and with his work, so he takes up with the neglected, married beauty who lives down the street.The Kirk Douglas/Kim Novak chemistry is the story in this 1960
soaper. With Barbara Rush, Ernie Kovacs and Walter Matthau in support, it's quite entertaining. - DirectorWilliam KeighleyStarsMark StevensRichard WidmarkLloyd NolanA covert FBI agent infiltrates a ruthless gangster mob, but his life is at risk from a mysterious informant who funnels inside information to the hoodlums.Widmark is menacing in this documentary style story. Well acted, well crafted crime drama.
- DirectorHenry HathawayStarsJames StewartRichard ConteLee J. CobbChicago reporter P.J. McNeal re-opens a decade-old murder case.One of my favorite James Stewart movies, this film holds up very well and is well acted and suspenseful story of a Newsman going to great lengths to find justice for a man, wrongfully accused.
- DirectorBarry LevinsonStarsMichael DouglasDemi MooreDonald SutherlandA computer specialist is sued for sexual harassment by a former lover turned boss who initiated the act forcefully, which threatens both his career and his personal life.Really well paced drama with a fine cast, and Michael Douglas, his usual excellent, in this heavily plotted entertaining story set in the
high tech computer industry.