Spend your 4th with America's heroes

There is no better time than on the Fourth of July, a day of fireworks, flags, family and faith, to enjoy some of Hollywood's greatest patriotic productions, now listed in order of excellence by Ted Baehr, the founder and publisher of MOVIEGUIDE and chairman of the Christian Film & Television Commission.

If you recognize the following lines, you'll have picked his top choice among "Classic" patriotic shows:

"Where did ya learn to shoot York?"

"Well I ain't never learned Sergeant, folks back home used to say I could shoot a rifle before I was weaned. But they was exaggeratin' some."

Those lines are from "Sergeant York," the top "Classic" patriotic movie, according to Baehr, who also has authored several books, including "Culture-Wise Family" with legendary entertain Pat Boone.

The 1941 production was based on the diary of Alvin York, the most decorated soldier in World War I. "This moving story tells about a willful man, played by Oscar winner Gary Cooper, who comes to Jesus Christ and comes to terms with war," Baehr's evaluation said.

After his conversion, the movie's lead character is "deeply troubled" about fighting in the war because he cannot reconcile the Bible's teaching against killing with participating in a war to defend his country.

"Before making his final decision about filing for conscientious objector status, Alvin spends time reading the Bible and being alone with God on the mountain. There is becomes clear what God wants him to do," Baehr wrote.

Cooper's character also explains what happened.

"Well I'm as much agin killin' as ever sir. … But it was this way Colonel. … When I started out I felt just like you said, but when I hear them machine guns a goin' and all them fellas are droppin' around me … I figured them guns was killin' hundreds maybe thousands and there wern't nothin' any body could do, but to stop them guns. And that's what I done."

The movie recommendations also included a "Recent" category, where "We Were Soldiers" made the top spot.

The true story stars Mel Gibson as Col. Hal Moore, who led the first American helicopter troops into battle against the Communist North Vietnamese in 1965.

"Despite some minor flaws and very strong, bloody combat scenes laced with some strong profanities, 'We Were Soldiers' delivers a riveting drama with strong appeals to God…," Baehr recommended.

Back in the "Classic" category, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" was second.

"Another Frank Capra classic starring Jimmy Stewart, this movie demonstrates that the little guy can stand up to big government. A watershed movie for the common man, it serves as an example that the human spirit will not be crushed by big government. It continues to sound a call for ethics, morality and integrity in our highest offices," Baehr said.

In third was "The Manchurian Candidate," a Cold War thriller about a Korean War prisoner of war who is brainwashed into becoming a coldly efficient assassin by his Communist captors.

It offers "one of the best insights into the nefarious nature of evil," Baehr said.

No. 4 was "Drums Along the Mohawk," described as "the best Christian movie ever made so far about America's War for Independence."

John Ford's creation also provides "a wonderful portrayal of the American pioneer spirit," the recommendation said.

Fifth in the "Classic" category is "Sullivan's Travels," a 1942 production about a Hollywood movie director who finds out that people need laughter and humor. His journey to research a "serious" movie teaches him much about himself and society, Baehr said.

In second in the "Recent" classification is "The Patriot," starring Mel Gibson as a family man during the War for Independence. Gibson's character, Benjamin Mark, wrestles with his desire for revenge after the death of af son and the just cause of the war.

"The violent battle scenes may concern older moviegoers, while younger moviegoers might chafe at the soul-searching, but the heart of this movie is faith," Baehr said. "Prayer runs throughout the film, and the Cross of Jesus Christ is lifted up."

No. 3 is "Glory," a story of the Civil War with a biblical lesson about overcoming racism through reconciliation, not rebellion or revenge. However, because of the violence, it's recommended for mature Christians.

No. 4 is "Gettysburg," a 1993 epic that depicts the three most courageous days in American history when North and South conflicted on the plains of Pennsylvania.

"The film overflows with positive references to God and prayer," the review said.

No. 5 is "Gods and Generals," a "brilliant portrait of the Christian lives of the great military leaders of the Revolutionary War. "'Gods and Generals' recognizes the deep spiritual values of those involved in the Civil War; it is a monument of filmmaking which will be remembered as long as there are devices to watch such a magnificent historical epic," Baehr said.

He also threw in a bonus recommendation, No. 6 in the "Recent" classification. "World Trade Center" tells the story of two New York Port Authority officers trapped under the rubble of thet world Trade Center.

It's "stirring, suspenseful, patriotic, and ultimately inspiring," Baehr said.

"It contains a very strong Christian worldview with very strong
morally uplifting, pro-family content, but its major drawback is too much foul
language," he said.

Special Offer!

Order Ted Baehr's "MOVIEGUIDE?: The Family Guide to Movies & Entertainment" at WND's online store.

MOVIEGUIDE? is dedicated to redeeming the values of Hollywood by informing parents about today's movies and entertainment and by showing media executives and artists that family-friendly and even Christian-friendly movies do best at the box office year in and year out.

Related special offers:

You know Hollywood's insane – now discover WHY

"Is Hollywood in your hamper, too?"

MovieGuide?

"King of Cons: Exposing the Dirty, Rotten Secrets of the Washington Elite and Hollywood Celebrities"