FILM
& Television
Dr. Fazzari was an ardent cinephile who possessed an especially encyclopedic knowledge of classic movies of the 1930s and 40s. These are just some of the films - and shows - he particularly enjoyed, many of which we watched together:
Now Voyager, 1942
A poignant drama about love, self-discovery and self-esteem starring Bette Davis, Paul Henreid and Claude Rains. Based on the novel by the same name and directed by Irving Rapper. One of AFI's One Hundred Years Series.
The Four Feathers, 1939
Set during the reign of Queen Victoria, it tells the story of a man accused of cowardice. It is widely regarded as the best of the numerous film adaptations of the 1902 novel of the same name. Starring John Clements and Ralph Richardson. Directed by Zoltan Korda.
Ben Hur, 1959
An American epic religious film which had the largest budget ($15.175 million), as well as the largest sets built, of any film produced at the time. Adapted from Lew Wallace's 1880 novel Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Starring Charlton Heston and directed by William Wyler.
A CHRISTMAS CAROL, 1938
A classic film adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1843 novella, starring Reginald Owen as Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserly old man is visited by three spirits on Christmas Eve and learns the error of his ways. Directed by Edwin L. Marin.
Mr. Deeds comes to Town, 1936
A comedy, romance drama. When he inherits a fortune, a small-town poet has to deal with the corruption of city life. Starring Jean Arthur and Gary Cooper. Director Frank Capra won the Academy Award.
MARTY, 1955
Ernest Borgnine stars as Marty. Just when he had given up on love, he meets a school teacher and everything changes. Directed by Delbert Mann. Multiple Academy Award, Golden Globe and Cannes Palme D'Or winner.
Big Night, 1996
To save their struggling Italian restaurant, two brothers plan an evening of incredible food. Directed by and starring Stanley Tucci and Campbell Scott. Considered one of the best food- themed films of all time.
The Bourne Identity, 2002
An action-thriller based on Robert Ludlum 's novel. Matt Damon is Jason Bourne, a man suffering from psychogenic amnesia who tries to discover his identity amidst a conspiracy within the CIA. Directed by Doug Liman.
The Steve Allen Show
A much loved variety show hosted by television and radio personality, comedian, musician, composer, writer and actor Steve Allen. from 1956 to 1964.
Endeavor on Masterpiece | PBS
Since Alistair Cooke hosted Masterpiece Theater with Upstairs Downstairs and Brideshead Revisted, Masterpiece has been the source for British dramas. Endeavor also a favorite.
Lidia's kitchen | PBS
A long-running PBS cooking show featuring regional Italian cuisine from knowledgeable cookbook author and restaurateur Lidia Matticchio Bastianich.
Song of Bernadette, 1943
The story of Bernadette Soubirous, who reportedly experienced eighteen visions of the Blessed Virgin Mary from February to July 1858 and was canonized in 1933. Starring Jennifer Jones. Directed by Henry King.
Captain Horatio Hornblower, 1951
A British naval war film based on three of C. S. Forester's Horatio Hornblower novels: The Happy Return, A Ship of the Line, and Flying Colours. Starring Gregory Peck. Directed by Raoul Walsh.
Lawrence of Arabia, 1962
A British epic biographical adventure drama film based on the life of T. E. Lawrence and his 1926 book Seven Pillars of Wisdom. His daring raids in World War I made him a legend. Starring Peter O'Toole and directed by David Lean. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest films ever made.
TOP HAT, 1935
An iconic musical film starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers and Edward Everett Horton. Fred Astaire plays an American tap dancer who comes to London to star in a show produced by Horace Hardwick. Directed by Mark Sandrich.
The Bishop's Wife, 1947
An American supernatural romantic comedy film starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young, and David Niven. An angel helps a bishop with his problems, based on the novel by the same name. Directed by Henry Koster.
La Traviata, 1982
A 1983 Italian film written, designed, and directed by Franco Zeffirelli. Based on the 1853 opera La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi, it stars soprano Teresa Stratas, tenor Plácido Domingo, and baritone Cornell MacNeil.
Gladiator, 2000
An epic historical drama starring Russell Crowe. A former Roman General sets out to exact vengeance against the corrupt emperor who murdered his family and sent him into slavery.
Directed by Ridley Scott.
Dunkirk, 2017
Dunkirk is a historical war action thriller film written, directed and produced by Christopher Nolan that depicts the Dunkirk evacuation of World War II from the perspectives of the land, sea and air.
Your Show of Shows
A live 90-minute variety show that was broadcast weekly on NBC from February 25, 1950, through June 5, 1954, featuring comic actors and comedians Sid Caesar and Imogene Coca.
Jacques Pepin heart & Soul
A PBS cooking show focusing on French and Italian recipes from the noted chef, author and culinary educator. His expertise and approach set him apart from most shows of this genre.
Nature | PBS
An animal and plant life series presented and written by legendary British broadcaster, biologist, natural historian and author, Sir David Attenborough.