If I had to give out Academy Awards for the films we viewed this semester, there would be no doubt in my mind about what films would win.

         Best costumes would definitely go to George Cukor’s 1964 My Fair Lady. Although I was not crazy about this film compared to Anthony Asquith and Leslie Howard’s 1938 Pygmalion--both films based on George Bernard Shaw’s 1913 play, Pygmalion--there is no doubt that Cecil Beaton’s costumes are magnificent! Audrey Hepburn is breathtaking.

         Best cinematography and best music/sound effects go to Jack Clayton’s The Innocents, released in 1961 and based on Henry James’s 1898 novella, The Turn of the Screw. Freddie Francis’ cinematography is so good, there is never a dull moment in the entire film. The “Willow Tree Song” is eerie and fits the mood perfectly.

         Best actor goes to Marlon Brando because he is incredible in Elia Kazan’s 1951 film adaptation of A Streetcar Named Desire, written for the stage by Tennessee Williams in 1947. He is one of the best of all time, and it truly shows.

         I really admire the directors of these films. They make some incredible stuff. If I had any suggestions for next year’s class, I would say Casablanca and East of Eden. They are classics, and everyone should see them. My rule of thumb is if a film makes you cry, you know it is good, and both of these make me cry.