Apple

For the record, the picture business began in New York. America’s first films were made there because that’s where the talent was (from the theater) and, more importantly, that’s where the money was. The new industry moved to Los Angeles because that’s where the sunshine was. Today, most of the conglomerates that own film companies still are headquartered in the city. Hollywood has always set films in New York.

The city is instantly recognizable around the world, from its crowded streets, to its glistening high-rises, to the romantic lake and bridge in Central Park. Then there are the people ‘” with their unique, in-your-face attitudes, if not wisdom. There are whole books about New York and its movies. Below, this former New Yorker lists a few of his favorite Big Apple films, including some less familiar ones. All are on DVD, unless otherwise noted.

“In America” (2002): director, co-writer Jim Sheridan’s autobiographical story of an Irish immigrant family’s first year in Manhattan, which ranges from adventuresome, to bumpy, to tender, to magical. “After Hours” (1985): Martin Scorsese’s dark, anxiety-ridden comedy about an ordinary office worker going from midtown to SoHo for a date. What he sees, whom he meets and what happens to him are truly Kafkaesque.

“On the Town” (1949): Sailors (including Gene Kelly and Frank Sinatra) on leave in New York. They dance and sing (to Leonard Bernstein’s music), they ride the subways, they fall in love. The musical numbers, mostly shot in the city, glory in New York. “12 Angry Men” (1957): This jury room drama, not a courtroom drama, still grabs your attention after 50 years. Eleven New Yorkers are sure a young man killed his father. The twelfth, Henry Fonda, isn’t so certain.