"The Cradle Will Rock" is one of the best American movies of all time...

[CanuckAmok]

I just watched it for the third time, and not only is it a must-see for anyone who considers himself a Progressive, or a fan of modern American history, but it is one of the best-written and acted scripts I've seen in YEARS.

The subtlties are so vast, that each time I've watched it, I've picked up on many new things...little messages, in-jokes, and so forth.

So, even if not including his politics, I have to say that Tim Robbons is one of the best film-makers out there.

Who wants to argue?!

[SheilaT]

1. I've never seen that one. I should.

And speaking of Tim Robbins, have you seen Bob Roberts?

[CanuckAmok]

2. Yup. But you gotta see "Cradle"

Check out this ensemble:

Susan Sarandon, John Cusack, Joan Cusack, Ruben Blades, Vanessa Redgrave, Emily Watson, John Tuturro, Philip Baker Hall, Bill Murray, Hank Azaria, Dennis Quaid, Cary Elwes...

And it's such a great telling of one of the most significant times in American history.

[Sporadicus]

3. I Agree Fully, Canuck

Everyone's performance was top-notch. 'Cradle Will Rock' provided some great historical insight into depression-era politics. Who as a liberal or progressive today can't see parallels in today's society?

[no_hypocrisy]

4. At the end of the movie, I was in tears. I found the text to the play in

a library near where I live. I doubt whether it could be staged today, successfully or not, because it's too progressive for the average American, thus too dangerous, as when it was originally produced.

P.S. Weren't the actors portraying Orson Welles and John Housemen phenomenal?