I've been doing my homework for the past year. I been taking in a lot of the classics of American Cinema. Most recently I've discovered the Arlington Public Library video collection. It's chock-full of classic films.

My most recent "holy-shit" moment has come by way of a fight scene early on in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre. One of the best fights in movie history. It's a great blend of realism and dramatics in a two on one brawl where Bogey and his moral sidekick only barely overcome their large opponent. There's one shot where Bogart is knocked against the bar and the camera follows him as he slumps down to the floor. I definately plan on stealing that. John Huston thoroughly impressed me with the whole film. Since I just finished "reading" (audiobook) The Maltese Falcon. I'll have to check out Huston's film version soon.

On the subject of classic films if anyone knows how to get a hold of a copy of John Sturges' Bad Day at Black Rock I'd really appreciate hearing from you. There's no DVD copy available as of yet. And all VHS copies are either used (which i dont trust) or new and very expensive. I've gone shopping to pawn shops sometimes just looking for a lasedisc player because I hear there's a great LD with commentary out there of it.