Double Indemnity

Based on a James Cain novel about conspiracy and murder, the film features Fred MacMurray as a scandalous insurance salesman. MacMurray sells a policy for accidental death to a naive man and plots with the man's wife (Barbra Stanwyck) to kill him and collect the money. MacMurray's boss (Edward G. Robinson), hesitant to pay the policy, stalks the couple, waiting for one fatal slip.

As Robinson works to crack the case, director Billy Wilder builds a "double suspense." Wilder transforms a simple plot into a nail-biting thriller. The 1973 remake of Double Indemnity, with a new cast, cannot be compared to the classic original. Neither can Body Heat, a more recent retelling of the story.

The Hustler

Paul Newman stars as Fast Eddie Felson, an arrogant, amoral hustler, determined to sink his rival, sharp-shooter Minnesota Fasts (Jackie Gleason). Felson risks all he owns, eventually destroying himself in his battle against Fats and his gambler-promoter (George C. Scott). Felson's game is spoiled by the woman he falls for (Piper Laurie).

Director Robert Rossen brilliantly depicts the dingy atmosphere of an American pool hall, and his four stars, each of whom garnered Academy Award Nominations, rise to the occasion. The Hustler outshines the 1986 sequel The Color of Money, also featuring Newman, in both plot and direction.

The Boat (Das Boot)

Wolfgang Peterson directed this 1981 German box office smash about life on a German U-96 submarine during World War II. In gripping detail, Peterson describes the sweaty, claustrophobic quarters of the boat, and the soldiers' desperate situation as they are under constant threat of attack by the British Navy. Jurgen Pruchnow stars as the stern commander, trying to keep the German effort alive.

The German production presents real people, not stereotyped Hollywood war characters. The movie succeeds in sending an antiwar message, constantly hinting at the tragic waste of war.