Linnell

If you are one for those Capra films of the '30s, where the underdog struggles to to top, fighting lies and unjustice en route, 'Working Girl' is your kind of film. Transpose 'Mr Smith goes to Washington' into the late 80s, swap the leads' genders, exchange Washington for Wall St and you are there. The nervous anticipation of Tess as she enters the top-level board meeting with Trask exactly mirrors Smith's first steps inside the Senate. Both characters hit rock bottom and apparent disaster minutes before the end of the film and are then saved and vindicated by a 'miracle'. The seamless blend of comedy, romance, drama and tension is there in both. Even the gift of a new briefcase is common as a symbol of the new status.

A major difference is that Tess' motivation is self-improvement and has to break a few rules to get what she wants (although none that no one else is breaking) unlike Smith's passion for the truth at all costs. 'Working Girl' does not have the same serious depth of 'Mr Smith', but that probably to its advantage, and doesn't quite have the 1939 film's breadth of vision or masterful direction. But it is still a superb movie that can be enjoyed more with each viewing and, apart from its portrayal business technology, hasn't dated or lost its edge in over 10 years. A good example, too, of a movie where the theme song and soundtrack augment the characters and story perfectly. There are also some subtle messages about gender identity in the business world.

An early, minor classic from the Master, with all the touches that makes his films so enjoyable and satisfying, time after time. Combines suspense with rustic charm of 1930s English locations. Familiar 'innocent-man-on-the-run' theme, as in the earlier '39 Steps' (and later films) but with additional complication of the Chief Constable's daughter in tow. Has dated badly in places - blacked-up jazz musicians and pronounced English accents, together with some unconvincing model scenes and back-projections. Still, the zooming crane-shot that identifies the murderer is a masterstroke.

One of the greatest British comedies of the 1930s and still superbly entertaining. Hay, Moffatt and Marriott produce a first-class comedy trio, bungling their way through a non-stop adventure than involves a haunted windmill, disappearing trains and chasing gunrunners. The final, frantic dash to Belfast is a great climax to the film, despite obvious camera tricks and effects. Correct accents help the authenticity of the Irish location, although it was filmed in southern England.