"This sun dial is ten minutes slow."

It's a Gift (1934)
Directed by Norman Z. McLeod, not rated, 68 minutes

It's a Gift is an uproariously funny classic comedy about a henpecked man who decides to move his family out to California to grow oranges despite his family's objections. W.C. Fields delivers plenty of hilarious lines and he's easy to sympathize with as his wife is so absurdly shrewd, you can't help but hate her - she's seriously awful. The film's sight gags are impressively orchestrated and manage to gain momentum and hilarity the longer they go on. Other than it's odd structure, It's a Gift is a great comedy, filled with memorably funny jokes and a underlying feeling of anarchic glee. You'll like it if: You like old comedies, screwball comedies, W.C. Fields, Duck Soup, Sherlock Jr. or Borat.

"Two old-fashioneds, for two old-fashioned people."

Make Way for Tomorrow (1937)
Directed by Leo McCarey, not rated, 91 minutes

Make Way for Tomorrow is a powerful and sadly unseen drama about an elderly couple who, after running out of money and losing their house, must separate and live with whichever of their children will take them. The characters are all beautifully drawn, as no one is made to be just good or bad, and the two leads are so charming it's almost painful to see them sad. Few films realistically deal with the problems of the elderly, and this film does it with dignity and thankfully without cliches. Make Way for Tomorrow is simultaneously the most heartwarming and heartbreaking film I've ever seen, and the bold and poignant ending is truly unforgettable. You'll like it if: You like family dramas, older protagonists, melancholy dramas, The Awful Truth, The Best Years of Our Lives or Harold and Maude.

"Harry is an artist without an art."

Night and the City (1950)
Directed by Jules Dassin, not rated, 101 minutes

Night and the City is a frantic and gloomy film noir about a clever, but hapless hustler who, through manipulation, sets up a scheme to finally get rich, but nothing is certain in the London underworld. Richard Widmark is captivating as the desperate hustler, and despite being hopelessly pathetic, he's so convinced that he'll succeed, you almost believe it. London provides a wretched background for the story, and director Jules Dassin creates a desolate, frenzied atmosphere. Night and the City grabs you from the opening frame and doesn't let up as you watch the downward spiral of a pitiful man. You'll like it if: You like film noir, classic crime films, Jules Dassin's films, Pickup on South Street, The Set-Up or The Third Man.

"Will somebody "get her" tonite?"

Unfaithfully Yours (1948)
Directed by Preston Sturges, not rated, 105 minutes

Unfaithfully Yours is a zany and surprising black comedy about a successful conductor who suspects his wife of cheating on him, and fantasizes during a concert about what to do with his wife. Rex Harrison is captivating in the lead, capturing all the insanity and frustration of his character. Preston Sturges's dialogue is always fun and clever, but the writing is all around exciting and laugh out loud funny. Unfaithfully Yours was ahead of its times with its non-linear storyline and pitch black comedy, but still has that classic screwball feel with snappy dialogue and slapstick comedy. You'll like it if: You like black comedies, screwball comedies, Preston Sturges's films, The Palm Beach Story, Arsenic and Old Lace or Raising Arizona.

"I told him the truth, and strange enough, he believed me."

The Awful Truth (1937)
Directed by Leo McCarey, not rated, 91 minutes

The Awful Truth is a raucously funny and quick screwball comedy about a couple that breaks up over suspicions of infidelity, who subsequently undermine each other attempts at romance. Carey Grant is preposterously clever and insanely hilarious in a classic Grant role, and has wonderful chemistry with Irene Dunne, who holds her one with Grant. The film effortlessly sets up some truly funny situations, and the lightning fast dialogue will blow you away. Screwball comedies don't get much better than The Awful Truth, with its brilliant, bickering dialogue, lovably bitter characters and a surprisingly ambiguous ending. You'll like it if: You like screwball comedies, classic comedies, Carey Grant, His Girl Friday, Arsenic and Old Lace or The Philadelphia Story.

"Life can be wonderful if you're not afraid of it."

Limelight (1952)
Directed by Charles Chaplin, rated G, 137 minutes

Limelight is a thoughtful and moving classic comedy about a washed up, alcoholic comedian who ends up taking care of a suicidal and dejected ballerina. Charlie Chaplin gives something of an updated look at his lovable "Tramp" character, in this cheerful, yet realistically cynical performance. Charlie Chaplin's script is filled with powerful pieces of dialogue, amazing twists and turns and a wonderful, but true to life look at show business. However, more than anything, Limelight, without becoming saccharine, is a truly sweet film with a magnificent ending that you could never forget. You'll like it if: You like classic comedies, showbiz comedies, Charlie Chaplin, Monsieur Verdoux, The Bandwagon or 8 1/2.

The Quintessential Vampire Film

Nosferatu (1922)
Directed by F.W. Murnau, not rated, 81 minutes

Nosferatu is a captivating and extraordinarily eerie silent horror film about a real estate agent who goes to sell a house in his neighborhood to a bizarre man, Count Orlock, who lives in a gothic castle. Max Schreck gives the most horrifying and creepy Dracula performance ever, and effortlessly haunts every scene he's in. The story is surprisingly fast paced, and each frame is beautifully constructed. Nosferatu, despite being an 80 year old silent film, still succeeds in leaving haunting and unforgettable images of horror. You'll like it if: You like Dracula films, silents films, The Night of the Hunter, The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari or Metropolis.

"Sometimes murder is just a way to pass the time."

Compulsion (1959)
Directed by Richard Fleischer, not rated, 103 minutes

Compulsion is a deeply unsettling and thoroughly engrossing film that tell the true story of the Leopold and Loeb murder, where two wealthy college students committed a murder to prove their superiority to everyone else. Orson Welles delivers an immense performance as the boys' lawyer, but both of the killers are perfectly played, capturing their slick villainy. The film goes from a creepy cat and mouse thriller to a gripping courtroom drama, but keeps a consistent tone and never gets slow. Compulsion is powerful film that tells a truly disturbing true story. You'll like it if: You like true crime films, courtroom dramas, Orson Welles, In Cold Blood, Anatomy of a Murder or M.

A Refreshing and Daring Classic Comedy

To be or Not to be (1942)
Directed by Ernst Lubitsch, not rated, 99 minutes

To be or Not to be is a bold and hilarious film that satirized Nazi ideology during World War II. The film is about a group of Polish actors who use their acting skills to try to save the Polish underground. Jack Benny is hysterical in the lead, but the entire cast is spot on and they have fantastic chemistry. The film cleverly blends romantic comedy and political satire, producing a very funny and captivating film. To be or Not to be is quick paced and lively comedy with an extremely entertaining story and perfect characters. You'll like it if: You like classic comedies, satirical movies, Trouble in Paradise, The Great Dictator or Duck Soup.