August 4, 1999
Screen Legends - THE COMMENTARY
By Joseph Planta
Last year, The American Film Institute created a list that named the 100 greatest films of the century. The list sparked controversy, particularly because the cut-off was 1996, so films like Titanic or Saving Private Ryan failed to make the cut. This past June they released another list, 50 of the greatest screen legends in the history of the American cinema. 25 men and 25 women were chosen from a list of over 500 actors. As usual, when it comes to lists like these there were amazing omissions and the requisite snub to the silent film era. I am very pleased though that legends like these are getting their due recognition. Even at the Oscars some of these names go unrewarded, so a list like this reaffirms the industry’s love and respect to these artists. The rules were simple, one had to make one’s debut in film on or before 1950, and the only way other way they could be considered was if they were dead. That’s why Marilyn Monroe and James Dean made the cut. The consideration factors were one’s legend status and star quality, that has stood the test of time. Now in this piece I’m going to give you my own opinion. I very much respect each and everyone of the AFI’s selections, but still I have opinions on where some of them ended up and who didn’t make it at all.
They revealed the list backwards, so the first real surprise was Sidney Poitier, who was chosen 22nd overall. Behind him were Robert Mitchum, Edward G. Robinson and William Holden, who was 25th. Holden should have ranked higher, in my opinion, maybe 22? But what got me about Poitier was that I thought he didn’t get into film until the late 50’s. I did do some checking, however and he did make his film debut in 1950, just making the cut. But he made his mark and to the world attention in the films he did in the late 50’s He’s is one of my favorite actors, but hey rules are rules. In 21st place amongst the ladies was Sophia Loren, which really surprised me. She is of Italian origin, but did make a mark in America, but still that one doesn’t sit well with me. In their 100 Greatest Films list, all the pictures had to be American, and one rule for this list said they (the actors) had to be American. Alas, she made it. Lawrence Olivier, was another one. He was of British origin and throughout his career he was foremost known as a stage actor. But like Loren he’s a legend and good for them. At number 1 were Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn. Both are great actors and deserve the top spot. I was again surprised to see Cary Grant at number 2 and Ingrid Bergman at number 7, while John Wayne was at number 13. John Wayne is one of the greatest film stars in the history of the medium, why he’s not in the top ten is astounding. Nothing against James Cagney (8th) or Cary Grant, but even in death The Duke is still regarded year after year the greatest actor of our time. Elizabeth Taylor ranked number 7, while Judy Garland was 8th. I surprised Garland even made the list. She was of course in The Wizard of Oz and A Star Is Born, but still she’s regarded as a great singer.
It’s a good list, but the flipside to that were those who didn’t make the cut. People like: Elvis Prestley, even though he’s just the King of Rock and Roll, his legend status is firmly implanted in the confines of film. Frank Sinatra, a legends legend. Ginger Rogers, she seems like she’d be inseparable from Fred Astaire. Bob Hope and Bing Crosby, the Road pictures they did made them destined for a list like this. Other than that it was a good list and as we stand on the brink of a new century, it’s nice to look back at one of our greatest mediums.
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