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What are some "classic" films from before 1970 that you enjoy (they do not have to be movies that came from literature)?  A couple of my favorites is Double Indemnity and The Maltese Falcon, among many othere!

One of my favorites is "A Place in the Sun."  I like the way it takes a complicated(and very long) story like "An american Tragedy" and captures the essence of the story.  It's also interesting to see famous actors early in their careers.  There is also an interesting production of "The Scarlet Letter" made in 1926 with Lillian Gish.  I've only seen it once (16mm) because it's really difficult to find.  I managed to get it to show a class in the late 60's, but haven't seen it since.  It's a very interesting take on the novel.  If anyone knows where I can get a copy, please let me know.

In reply to #2:  Lillian Gish was a fantastic actress.  What a treasure!  I had no idea she had done The Scarlett Letter.  I'm not sure where you could pick up a copy of a movie that old.  Have you tried searching on Ebay, perhaps (you never know...it is worth a try)?

I like "Double Indemnity" too. I just have to watch "Mildred Pierce" every time I see it in the TV schedule. I also love "The Women," "Notorious," "All About Eve"....Oh, I could go on forever.

My favorite personal classic film has got to be Errol Flynn's portrayal in "The Adventures of Robin Hood." He and Olivia DeHaviland made the movie what it was, and it had a great soundtrack for that era. Ted Turner colorized it, but that only made the characters more vivid, in my humble opinion.

For English teaching purposes, John Wayne's role in "The Quiet Man" was well-done, even if the movie didn't stick too well to the book.

I have always liked The Philadelphia Story, the original version with Hepburn, Grant, and Stewart.  You can't beat the cast, and the story is just such fun.  I miss the more understated comedy that many of the oldies had, which is why I'm such a fan of British TV and film. 

One of my favorite films is Mr. Smith Goes To Washington, I think it has the power to strike at the central core of most Americans.  Everytime I watch this film I find wonder in the simplicity of the American "idea".  Although some might argue that the film has a "corny" quality by today's standards and as a nation we are not without faults, there is no doubt that the film connects us to the ideals we aspire to.

I have been introducing my 4yo son to Gene Kelly.  There's nothing like watching him dance; he has such an ease and a loose style, yet he is so powerfully built.  My favorite is Singin in the Rain, which I also like because of the humor with which they handle the introduction of the talkies.  And now my son can mimic the whole umbrella scene from memory--it doesn't get much better than that!

In reply to #8: I love Gene Kelly! I miss his style of dancing. Today's dancers are more like gymnasts than dancers!

I remember watching Marilyn Monroe, Katherine Hepburn, and The Odd Couple...those are among my favorites.  Later on, I'd have to add John Wayne.  I enjoyed his films for his "Americanness"...I know it's not a word, but it fits.