Thriller
Rod Lott
From 1954, Suddenly is the lesser-known of Frank Sinatra’s two films centered on a presidential assassination. Cry “sacrilege” if you wish, but I actually prefer it to the later, more polished, highly revered The Manchurian Candidate. Yes, Suddenly is a B-noir treatment of the same theme, but the underdog proves ridiculously effective.

Television series
Rod Lott
Until Warehouse 13 and Haven came along, Syfy’s idea of an original series was a largely frightening prospect, and for good reason. I’d been led to believe that its short-lived Flash Gordon update (2007-08), carrying bad buzz before it aired, was one of those train wrecks.

Nonfiction
Rod Lott
Curtis Harrington’s autobiography is how I imagine the man to have been: soft-spoken, honest and intelligent. Those wondering, “Who’s Curtis Harrington?” should know that is part of the book’s point. Here was a talented filmmaker who never quite got his due, for reasons that had nothing to do with creativity and everything to do with commerce. Here was an artist who worked in a system that had no interest in art.