The Mask of Zorro (1998)
More than 50 movies have been made about Zorro, a swash-buckling protector of the poor in old California. This fictional hero has two identities. Most of the time, he's Don Diego, a wealthy nobleman. But when the colonial authorities mistreat the peasants, he becomes Zorro, an avenging swordsman in a mask, leaving his famous mark — “Z” — after each adventure.
The Mask of Zorro begins in 1821 with Don Diego (Anthony Hopkins) as Zorro rescuing three peasants from a hanging, with the help of two young brothers who are bandits. In retaliation, the Spanish governor (Stuart Wilson) kills Don Diego's wife and imprisons him. Eventually, the nobleman escapes and trains one of the brothers (Antonio Banderas) to replace him as Zorro and get revenge. The movie successfully mixes self-deprecating humor with old-fashioned derring-do. It's refreshing to see the Church presented as a friend of the poor rather than as a pillar of an oppressive establishment, a false stereotype Hollywood often perpetuates.
The Elephant Man (1980)
Physical deformity is a heavy burden to bear. Sometimes it can break a person's spirit or turn him into a creature of anger and despair. But, occasionally, such a condition can bring out the best in a sufferer's soul, inspiring those around him who are willing to open their hearts.
The real-life John Merrick, born in England in 1873, was deformed at birth by neurofibromatosis, which left him with a twisted spine, a useless right arm and a head twice the normal size. The Elephant Man, directed by David Lynch (The Straight Story), begins with Merrick (John Hurt) working as a horrible-looking exhibit in a traveling freak show. The kindly, eccentric Dr. Treves (Anthony Hopkins), a celebrated surgeon, rescues the deformed man from a life of ridicule and exploitation, placing him under his care in a London hospital. But Merrick's former promoter (Freddie Jones) wants him back. The deformed man preserves his dignity in good times and bad, radiating a gentle compassion toward all.
Goodbye, Mr. Chips (1969)
Not every love story is Romeo and Juliet. Mature romances have their own dynamic that involves mutual compromise and emotional support more than fiery passion. The resulting bonds are usually deeper. James Hilton's novel Goodbye, Mr. Chips has been made into a movie twice. This more recent adaptation is less well-known than the Oscar-winning 1939 version starring Robert Donat, but the addition of some musical numbers brings the love story into sharper focus.
Mr. Chipping (Peter O'toole) begins his long career at Brookfield, an English boarding school for upper-class boys, as a scholarly Latin master. Character formation is as important to him as intellectual excellence. But during his early years he becomes an aloof disciplinarian with few friends. His personality is changed when he marries an attractive music-hall singer, Katherine (Petula Clark). Their life together is marked by triumphs, setbacks and tragedy. Under her loving influence, “Mr. Chips” becomes a model teacher, developing a natural kindness toward his students.
Twelve O'Clock High (1949)
At long last the men and women who lived through World War II are getting their due, with hit movies like Saving Private Ryan and best-selling books like The Greatest Generation. Twelve O' Clock High, based on a novel by Beirne Lay Jr. and Sy Bartlett, is a gripping, suspenseful film made by that generation. It highlights the emotional pressures of combat more than physical bravery. The action is set in 1942 at an American Air Force base in England. The average survival rate for pilots there is 15 missions.
Gen. Savage (Gregory Peck) replaces Col. Davenport (Gary Merrill) as commander of a bombing squadron because the latter has gotten too close to his men. The general institutes a regime of ruthless discipline. But a dangerous mission puts him and his men to some unexpected tests. The movie has been used to teach leadership to corporate executives and Air Force cadets.