One of the most frequent questions I am always asked being the host of the greatest movie podcast ever (opinions may vary) is “What’s your favorite movie?” That answer has been the same since I was 11 years old. But it also isn’t as easy to explain why I love some movies more than others.

As an art form, movies are by their nature interpretative. Some people will point to a film’s box office total as a barometer for a film’s quality, this might not be true again because although it might be popular to the masses it might not appeal to you. I am looking at you Avatar, which is not one of my favorite films, not by a longshot.  

Also, if the film wins an Academy Award for Best Picture, that hardly means it’s one of my favorite films, looking at you The English Patient, in fact I hardly agree with the Academy. Having said that, I am sure that some people love Avatar and The English Patient. And that’s what makes movies so great.

I, also am not a professional critic. I love film. I try and find merit in all film. As a host of a podcast that attempts to give every movie a chance, I believe that is the best way to approach movies, let the lights go out and try and enjoy yourself. You might find a “diamond in the rough.”

When thinking of my favorite movies to share with you, my loyal listeners, I thought 100 wasn’t going to be enough. So, I am proud to present my 150 Favorite Films, right now. These will change, I know they will.

See you at the movies!

***Spoilers Ahead!!!***

108. Destry Rides Again (1939) Directed by George Marshall

The Movie: In the town of Bottleneck, the local Sheriff Keogh is killed when he suspects that a poker game that was being played was rigged. The town is crooked, with Mayor Judge Slade (Samuel S. Hinds) in cahoots with the local saloon owner Kent (Brian Donlevy) and his girlfriend Frenchy (Marlene Dietrich). They appoint a new sheriff, Washington Dimsdale (Charles Winninger) the town drunk. They believe that with him as the sheriff they push him and the citizens of Bottleneck around.

Dimsdale, however takes the job seriously and swears he will never drink again. Dimsdale also was a deputy under Tom Destry, a legendary lawman. Dimsdale calls on his son, Tom Destry Jr. (James Stewart) who is also a legendary lawman for help. Destry soon arrives with Jack Tyndall (Jack Carson) and his sister Janice (Irene Hervey). Destry tells Domsdale that he will use a gun, he will try and talk to everyone to see if they can resolve the differences in a civil matter. Disapointed that Destry choses not to use a weapon, Dimsdale and everyone else soon learns that just because he doesn’t want a gun, doesn’t mean he can’t shoot one. When a group of rowdy men come to town, Destry shows everyone that he is an expert with a pistol, telling the men that he will take them to jail if they shoot the pistols in the air. Destry gains the trust and respect of the citizens of Bottleneck.

When Destry asks the townsfolk about the whereabouts of Sheriff Keogh, he soon realizes that the sheriff was murdered and believes Kent is responsible for the act. By sweet talking Frenchy, she confirms Destry’s suspicion but he needs Keogh’s body for proof. Destry deputizes a Russian named Boris (Mischa Auer) who not so subtly implies he found Keogh’s body. Kent sends a member of his gang to investigate the burial site, but he is followed by Boris and DImsdale, captured and thrown into jail.

Destry hopes that by charging the gang member with Keogh’s murder, he hopes the gang member will implicate Kent for clemency. Judge Slade appoints himself the judge of the trial, which Destry knows will lead to the gang member getting away with murder. Destry’s plan comes forward as he calls in a favor for a judge from the City. Boris lets slip Destry’s plan and Kent tells Frenchy to invite Destry to her house. Although she doesn’t agree with the plan, she has fallen for Destry and agrees. While Destry is at Frenchy’s, the gang busts out their friend from jail. Shots are heard and Destry rushes to the jail. There he finds Dimsdale wounded and dying. Destry leaves the jail and goes to his room and puts on his gun belt.

Destry forms a posse and plans on raiding the saloon. Frenchy has a plan of her own. She wishes the violence to stop and has the townswomen walk between the warring factions. The saloon is overrun by the good townspeople, but Kent escapes. He turns to shoot Destry but Frenchy takes the bullet, killing her. Destry shoots and kills Kent, ending his reign of terror.

Why I Love Destry Rides Again (1939): A well made comedy western with real stakes make for an unforgettable film. Stewart is funny but when the story calls for it he makes a great hero. This is Stewart’s first western and he wouldn’t return to the genre for until 1950’s Winchester ’73.

Marlene Dietrich was labeled box-office poison by the not to subtle press, (who I can’t believe how nasty they were in the early days of Hollywood) but here she commands the screen with a rapturous turn as villainess to hero.

The film is well staged and choregraphed by director George Marshall.  The town of Bottleneck is brought to life convincingly, with the right amount of lawlessness and fun. I also love that Destry Rides Again doesn’t shy away from the hero’s making mistakes and some of them paying the ultimate sacrifice. I love 1930’s Hollywood but a lot of the movies have sugary endings, I like when they take a chance of not everything going as planned.

Funny and thrilling, Destry Rides Again is a western done right.