George Ennis’s Top 5 summer films of all time

Long Beach resident and filmmaker George Ennis is best known for the annual film festival held in his name, the George Ennis Film Festival, an event known for its colorful characters, celebrity impersonators and creative short films. Ennis, who organizes and hosts the event, which raises money for the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, said that hundreds of film enthusiasts came out to view the festivals’ lineup of roughly 10 short films, a mix of comedies and dramatic work, at the Cabana on June 5. The Herald recently caught up with Ennis to talk about his favorite summer films. He explained why “Jaws” is not among his top five (hint: it has to do with actor Richard Dreyfus) and how actress Kathleen Turner was once a bombshell back in the day.

“Body Heat,” starring William Hurt and Kathleen Turner (1981) — In the midst of a searing Florida heat wave, a woman convinces her lover, a small time lawyer, to murder her wealthy husband. Sex, sweat and murder: what better ingredients for a summer movie? Best scene: Kathleen Turner — years before she blew up like over-ripe fruit — is so smoking that William Hurt throws a lawn chair through a glass door just to get to her!

“To Kill a Mockingbird,” starring Gregory Peck (1962) — A lawyer in the Depression-era South defends a black man against a false rape charge. The classic novel becomes a classic movie as now grown up daughter Scout narrates the events from that unforgettable summer. Understated acting, a slow southern pace, and lessons in humanity make this a timeless summer classic.

“Angels with Dirty Faces,” starring James Cagney (1938) — Two boyhood friends rob a freight train. One, Rocky Sullivan, gets caught and the other, Gerry, gets away because he can run faster. Rocky becomes a gangster and Gerry becomes a priest. One of the original gangster movies takes place mostly in the steamy, squalid tenements of lower Manhattan. After Rocky dies in the electric chair, Father Gerry utters the great line “Let’s say a prayer for a boy who couldn’t run as fast as I could.”

“Cinema Paradiso,” starring Phillipe Noiret (1988) — A filmmaker recalls his childhood, when he fell in love with the movies in his small village in Sicily. This warm, nostalgic film, complete with a gorgeous score by Ennio Morricone, is a must for any fan of the movies.