We know, we know - it's always dangerous to try to tell people (especially
mystery movie fans!) what's best. Still, people need some guidance,
especially those who are new to the mystery genre.
The Maltese Falcon. Not only one of the best mystery films ever
made, but one of Humphrey Bogart's best films as well. Based on a
novel by Dashiell Hammett.
The Thin Man. William Powell as the title character, Myrna Loy as
the love interest. And yes, there are several "Thin Man" movies.
Based on a novel by Dashiell Hammett. Hmmm . . . we see a trend
developing.
Laura. Cinema noir classic.
The Usual Suspects. Great plot, great acting (especially by Kevin
Spacey), great director.
Rear Window. Based on a story by Cornell Woolrich, directed by
Alfred Hitchcock, stars James Stewart. Who could ask for more?
Out of the Past. There are those who consider this the definitive
film noir, and it would not be easy to disagree with such an
assertion. Made in 1944, and centering around the deadly triangle of
Robert Mitchum, Jane Greer, and Kirk Douglas, the movie was based on
Build My Gallows High.
The Big Sleep. We prefer the 1946 version with Humphrey Bogart to
the 1978 film, which starred Robert Mitchum (good) and Sarah Miles (good),
but which was set, for some reason that is a mystery in itself, in England,
rather than California (very bad). Based on a novel by Raymond
Chandler.
The Godfather. Actually, all of the "Godfather" movies are great.
"I'll make you an offer you cannot refuse."
Strangers On a Train.
Vertigo.
1958 version, with James Stewart and Kim Novak. A Hitchcock classic,
perhaps his masterpiece. And doesn't Kim Novak do a terrific job of
acting in this movie?
The Sting. Would it have been as great without Marvin Hamlisch's
reworking of Scott Joplin ragtime tunes? Who knows? But is is a
well-paced, intriguing buddy film, and Paul Newman and Robert Redford are
excellent in it.
Dirty Harry.
A hero (played by Clint Eastwood) with memorable lines, including, "Go
ahead; make my day." There are actually five Dirty Harry films: Dirty
Harry, Magnum Force, The Enforcer, Sudden Impact, and The Dead Pool.
Murder on the Orient Express. Agatha
Christie's books rarely translated well into film, but this one succeeded;
the all-star cast didn't hurt.
Body Heat. 1981. William Hurt, Kathleen Turner.
You can almost feel the sweat in this movie, a well-written, well-scripted
1980's film with all the classic elements of a great mystery.
Mystery Movies That Almost Made the List
Bonnie and Clyde. Interesting.
French Connection. We liked this movie, and we loved the chase
scene. We think they made a French Connection II, and we think it was
awful, but we're really trying hard not to remember bad sequels . . . like
the two awful (and unnecessary) Matrix movies . . .
Get Shorty.
Gorky Park.
This list is a work in progress right now, and is subject to change. A
great mystery movie could come along any day now (wouldn't we all love that?),
or we could discover some old mystery film that's terrific. Or readers
could send us e-mails suggesting films . . .
