Eureka (18) (1984)

Director: Nicolas Roeg

Starring: Gene Hackman, Rutger Hauer, Mickey Rourke, Theresa Russell

An immensely rich man who made his fortune prospecting becomes the target of a ruthless gangster. A dark tale of obsession, full of Roegish images to astonish, and sometimes shock. Based on a true story. (124Mins)

Reservoir Dogs (18) (1991)

Director: Quentin Tarantino

Starring: Harvey Keitel, Chris Penn, Steve Buscemi

"Lets Go To Work". A gang of criminals hide out in a warehouse after a bungled robbery. With the talented cast and now familiar Tarantino dialogue this film had a massive impact at the time and spawned a multitude of imitations, revitalising American indie cinema. (94Mins)

Where Eagles Dare (PG) (1968)

Director: Brian G. Hutton

Starring: Richard Burton, Clint Eastwood

Two soldiers are parachuted into the Bavarian Alps to rescue an American General from an almost impregnable Nazi fortress, which can be reached only by cable car. Based on the Alistair MacLean novel. (149Mins)

Big Sleep, The (PG) (1946)

Director: Howard Hawks

Starring: Humphrey Bogart, Lauren Bacall, Dorothy Malone, Charles Waldron

Private eye Philip Marlowe is hired to investigate an extortion mystery, affecting wealthy General Sternwood and his two daughters. Brilliant essential 40s Noir: an unmissable chance to wallow in the Bogie - Bacall magic, the electric (Raymond Chandler and William Faulkner!) dialogue, fizzing sexual chemistry, labyrinthine plot and marvellous direction. Hawkss greatest film. (110Mins)

French Connection, The (18) (1971)

Director: William Friedkin

Starring: Gene Hackman

Unjustly neglected by critics in recent years (probably because it won Oscars) the legendary car chase and the bleak, ambiguous ending remain amongst the greatest sequences in American movies of the 70s (104Mins)