The Library of Congress is adding 25 more classic American films to its national registry and Bullitt has raced into those chosen. How cool is that!
While announcing the selection, Librarian of Congress James H. Billington said "Even as Americans fill the movie theaters to see the latest releases, few are aware that up to half the films produced in this country before 1950 and as much as 90 percent of those made before 1920 are lost forever. The National Film Registry seeks not only to honor these films, but to ensure that they are preserved for future generations to enjoy."
The 25 chosen this year bring the registry total up to 475.
Both recent and early films are eligible for inclusion, and hundreds are nominated by the public each year. The films are chosen because they are "culturally, historically or aesthetically" significant.
And now Bullitt can now be found in very good company. Among those selected this year:
"In a Lonely Place," 1950, a scathing Hollywood satire with Humphrey Bogart playing a screenwriter, brilliant at his craft yet prone to living with his fists.
"Oklahoma!" 1955, brought the fun and famous musical to the screen.
"The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance," 1962, director John Ford's last great Western. The film shows that the conquest of the West meant the triumph of civilization, embodied in Jimmy Stewart, over wild innocence John Wayne and the evil Lee Marvin.
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