Patrick Stoner welcomes your questions about movies and the people who make them. Send your questions to pstoner@whyy.org. Here's the current question and answer:

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Q: COP LAND and HOODLUM remind us of the rich Hollywood cops and robbers tradition. Which films best represent this genre?

A: THE GODFATHER and some others.

It's not that there aren't some wonderful "gangster," "detective," "cop" pictures, it's just that the first two parts of THE GODFATHER transcend the genre. All others are on another level entirely.

With that in mind, here's a list of some interesting films that fall into this category, in no particular order. They are, however, divided into two groups representing this genre's early films, which continuted until they lost favor in the late '50s. The second wave began in the late '60s, led by BONNIE AND CLYDE.

Worthwhile Gangster/Detective/Cop Movies:
The First Wave

• THE MALTESE FALCON
  
• THE BIG SLEEP
  
• THE GANGSTER
  
• TOUCH OF EVIL
  
• WHILE THE CITY SLEEPS
  
• FAREWELL, MY LOVELY
  
• THE NIGHT OF THE HUNTER
  
• PANIC IN THE STREETS
  
• THIS GUN FOR HIRE
  
• DEAD RECKONING
  
• KISS OF DEATH
  
• HIGH SIERRA
  
• THE RACKET
  
• KISS ME DEADLY

Worthy Gangster/Detective/Cop Movies:
The Second Wave

• BONNIE AND CLYDE
  
• THE FRENCH CONNECTION
  
• POINT BLANK
  
• DIRTY HARRY
  
• THE GETAWAY
  
• MEAN STREETS
  
• THE FRIENDS OF EDDIE COYLE
  
• CHINATOWN
  
• ONCE UPON A TIME IN AMERICA
  
• THE STING
  
• PRIZZI'S HONOR
  
• THE UNTOUCHABLES
  
• MARRIED TO THE MOB
  
• MILLER'S CROSSING
  
• GOODFELLAS
  
• THE GRIFTERS
  
• NEW JACK CITY
  
• BUGSY
  
• RESERVOIR DOGS
  
• TRUE ROMANCE
  
• ROMEO IS BLEEDING
  
• PULP FICTION
  
• NATURAL BORN KILLERS
  
• THE GODFATHER, PART THREE

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