Richard Crouse

Did you know that Joan Collins was once capable of a “restrained performance” as well as a “layered character?” These are among the many things one can learn from Richard Crouse’s latest book, Son of The 100 Best Movies You’ve Never Seen.

Making the grade in the Canadian critic’s latest cinematic tally of the “underappreciated” as well “overlooked” is the 1960 movie, Seven Thieves, starring the very woman who would grow up to be the chick we all know as Alexis Morell Carrington Colby Dexter Rowan! A caper film with a film noir bent, it has Collins as a burlesque dancer —one who is “simultaneously hardened and forlorn, but with a compassionate soul.” Adds Crouse, this is a “strong performance without any of the camp that marred most of her work.”

Yes, who knew? Among the other must-see movies included in this movie buff’s guide are flicks such as Ace in the Hole, The Brown Bunny, Dear Frankie, The Descent, Marie Antoinette, Switchblade Sisters … and, oh, others.