A guide to the essentials in film. Titles reviewed by the national society of film critics are meant to act as a canon for film libraries, and schools.

The quintessential couple during the depression, Astaire and Rogers starred in thirteen films together, this is the full collection.

High stakes, war and a previous love affair are laced through this film in one of the ‘ most spirited and enobling movies ever made,( Amazon.com).’

The film which best represents Charlie Chaplins powers post depression. Actng as the Tramp in its finest form, Rival films to consider for collection are The Dictator and Modern Times.

Bringing together Powell and Loy in a series of mysteries by Dashiell Hammet, the thin man series excels at providing actors with excellent chemistry, and a wide array of supporting cast.

Classic Film Noir at it’s best, by Billy Wilder. Barbara Stanwyck is the proverbial femme fatal. The film told in flashback , keeps the viewer on edge.

One of Hollywood’s epic films, Gone with the Wind, highlights the trials and tribulations in the south during the civil war.

Movie critic and author Leonard Maltin reviews more than 9,000 classic movies. The title offers a star and director index.

Capra’s Title of the ‘number one director in hollywood’ by Time magazine in 1938, not to mention three best director oscars has earned the need for this entire set of dvds to be included in the collection.

Selected to be part of the elite Criterion Collection, Pygmalion is George Bernard Shaw’s popular play better known as My Fair Lady. This original is restored beautifully, and exploit’s the issue of subjugation of women. Howard does well as the elitest brute, only to find that he is nothing without the his protege.

Filled with music and a brilliant transition from black and white to Technicolor the Wizard of Oz film is an achievement in excellent filmmaking.