Top films among missing

Now that I have seen the entire list, if I had had a ballot, I would have written down "The Ox-Bow Incident."

The recent announcement of the 100 top American movies by the American Film Institute (AFI) continues to draw comment from people -- me included -- who feel that their favorite movies were omitted in favor of inferior entertainment. The AFI assembled a list of 400 top movies and sent it to 1,500 screenwriters, directors, critics and others for their votes to determine the best 100.

In a previous column, I dealt with some inclusions I thought were unworthy ("Pulp Fiction") and some omissions I thought were sinful (almost anything from the '30s with Fred Astaire, such as "Top Hat"). Since then, having seen the original list of 400 nominees, I am even more positive that some of the best movies were left out of the final catalogue.

Among my favorites that were clipped from the final run-down are:

* "Little Caesar," with Edward G. Robinson as a two-bit gangster who dies one of the greatest deaths in movie history, murmuring, "Mother of Mercy, is this the end of Rico?"

* "Public Enemy," with James Cagney in another gangster role, this time topping Robinson with a unique demise.

* "I Am A Fugitive From A Chain Gang," with Paul Muni as a man treated unjustly by the justice system (a far, far better picture than "The Fugitive" with Harrison Ford).

* "42nd Street," with Ruby Keeler as a chorus girl who has to take over the lead role on opening night; it's corny but packed with great tunes and dances.

* "The Adventures of Robin Hood," with Errol Flynn and Olivia DeHavilland in glorious Technicolor and encased in a wonderful musical score.

* "The Ox-Bow Incident," with Henry Fonda as a cowboy in a story that explains why capital punishment is wrong.

* "The Lost Weekend," with both Ray Milland as an alcoholic and Miklos Rozsa's stunning music that captures a man's mental, physical and emotional breakdown.

* "The Gunfighter," with Gregory Peck as a cowpoke who wants to settle down but can't because of his reputation as a shootist.

* "McCabe and Mrs. Miller," with Warren Beatty in a very offbeat but meaningful western.

* "Moonstruck," the romantic comedy with Cher as an Italian woman seeking love.

And I'd be happy to sit and watch these courtroom dramas anytime you want: "The Caine Mutiny," "12 Angry Men" and "Judgment at Nuremburg." But how come "Witness for the Prosecution" didn't even make the top 400?

After going over those missing films, I wonder: Is it possible to call for a recount?

(If you have seen the list and have some suggestions for improving it, write me in care of this newspaper or e-mail me: [email protected]. The American Film Institute web site is www.afionline.org.) (07-16-98)

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