WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN FILMS A woman tries to have her eccentric brother institutionalized. [ Harvey credits: Dir: Henry Koster/ James Stewart, Josephine Hull, Peggy Dow, Charles Drake/ 104 min/ Comedy/ Psychiatry & Force, Social Tolerance] “James Stewart plays his leading role to the hilt and is supported by many wonderful performances in smaller roles, including … [Read more...]
Passport to Pimlico (1949)
A London borough declares its independence from Britain. [ Passport to Pimlico credits: Dir: Henry Cornelius/ Stanley Holloway, Margaret Rutherford, Hermione Baddeley/ 84 min/ Comedy/ Britain/ Right to Secede] The full film is available online at the Internet Archive. “This is a wonderful gem of a film. The script is hilarious and the direction makes effective use of … [Read more...]
Whiskey Galore (1949)
When the people of a small British island recover whiskey from a sinking ship, an uptight government official attempts to ruin their fun. [ Whiskey Galore credits: Dir: Alexander Mackendrick/ Basil Radford, Joan Greenwood, James Robertson Justice/ 80 min/ Comedy/ Britain/ Anti-Taxation] “This is classic British cinema, with an antiauthoritarian edge.” Wife: “If the … [Read more...]
The Senator Was Indiscreet (1947)
The presidential aspirations of a crackpot senator are put in jeopardy by the mysterious disappearance of his tell-all diary. [ The Senator Was Indiscreet credits: Dir: George S. Kaufman/ William Powell, Ella Raines, Peter Lind Hayes/ 75 min/ Comedy/ Working for Government, Incompetent Government] No trailer available. The dedication to this film reads: “To every politician … [Read more...]
Knickerbocker Holiday (1944)
A corrupt city council and arrogant governor in early America are reformed by a newspaper editor with radical ideas of liberty. [ Knickerbocker Holiday credits: Dir: Harry Joe Brown/ Nelson Eddy, Charles Coburn, Constance Dowling/ 85 min/ Musical-Dance, Comedy/ Corrupt Government, American Revolution, Anti-Taxation] “This light, upbeat comedy is likely to have a special … [Read more...]
The Remarkable Andrew (1942)
A scrupulously honest city bookkeeper is jailed for refusing to cover up small-town corruption, and is assisted in his defense by the spirit (and spirits) of American history. [ The Remarkable Andrew credits: Dir: Stuart Heisler/ William Holden, Ellen Drew, Brian Donlevy/ 80 min/ SciFi-Fantasy, Comedy/ Corrupt Government, American Revolution] “This is good inspirational … [Read more...]
Night Train to Munich (1940)
A British agent risks all to save a brilliant scientist and his daughter, who have been captured by the Nazis. [ Night Train to Munich credits: Dir: Carol Reed/ Rex Harrison, Margaret Lockwood, Paul Von Henreid, Basil Radford, Naunton Wayne/ 94 min/ Comedy, Thriller/ Britain/ Escape from Socialism] “Night Train to Munich is basically an escape-from-socialism story, but … [Read more...]
Ninotchka (1939)
ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE: BEST PICTURE A stolid female Soviet agent is sent to Paris on business and is seduced by capitalist ways. [ Ninotchka credits: Dir: Ernst Lubitsch/ Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, Ina Claire/ 108 min/ Comedy, Romance/ Anti-Socialism] "This delightful romantic comedy is listed in almost every reckoning of the greatest films, reflecting both its … [Read more...]
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN FILMS ACADEMY AWARD NOMINEE: BEST PICTURE An ordinary American appointed to the Senate is nearly destroyed by a corrupt political machine, but triumphs in the end. [ Mr. Smith Goes to Washington credits: Dir: Frank Capra/ James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains/ 125 min/ Drama, Comedy/ Corrupt Government] "A terrifically engaging drama that … [Read more...]
Storm in a Teacup (1937)
WINNER: TOP 25 LIBERTARIAN FILMS An old woman's refusal to pay for a dog license sets in motion a chain of events that humbles her local government. [ Storm in a Teacup credits: Dir: Victor Saville, Ian Dalrymple/ Vivien Leigh, Rex Harrison, Cecil Parker/ 87 min/ Comedy/ Britain/ Free Press as Hero, Abuse of Power] "The script, based on a stage play, is tremendously … [Read more...]