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SAN FRANCISCO EXAMINER
November 29, 2001
"Thirteen Great Film Sites"
by Jeffrey M. Anderson
In 1996, Dirks compiled his own list of the 100 greatest
American films ever made and wrote long, complex and detailed plot synopses
-- including snappy bits of dialogue -- for each. He then added his second
100 films, plus synopses for those. Now he just continues to add "reviews"
for all kinds of classic American films, plus lists of great directors,
great stars and comparative top 100 lists. He also has a huge database
of vintage posters. Though not really reviews in the strictest sense,
these entries do come in very handy for those interested in classic film.
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Eye on the Internet
KRLD 1080, Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
November 7, 2001
Live on-the-air Radio Interview segment conducted by host Katie Pruett
discussing the content of filmsite.org. The show is a daily hour-long
news magazine about everything internet, geared toward business people.
KRLD is the CBS owned-and-operated radio station in Dallas/Fort Worth. |
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ACCESS MAGAZINE
This is a fine all-around resource with reviews,
historical information and lists, including 100 Greatest Films and 200
Greatest Films. One of the best features is a comprehensive collection
of movie poster reproductions. Don't miss the list of great films that,
surprisingly, never won an Academy Award: An Affair to Remember,
The Maltese Falcon and The Color Purple, among others.
Bottom line: A great general resource with just enough extras to satisfy
serious enthusiasts. |
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US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT
OSCAR-WATCHING FEATURED WEBSITE
(News You Can Use - Online and Print Edition)
Published March 27, 2000
This site explains why the great films are great.
There's also a good section on Oscar history, including movies that were
nominated but never won (Psycho, for instance) and critically acclaimed
movies that never got the nod at all (like Reservoir Dogs). |
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INTERNET COOL GUIDE FEATURED
SITE
(www.internetcoolguide.com) - A savvy guide to the hottest web sites
Published in October, 1999
Everyone who loves movies should bookmark this
site, which features film genres and recommendations, cinematic history
through the decades, an overview of the Academy Awards, and a film quotes
quiz, in addition to "favorite lists" published by various organizations
and magazines. There are also compilations of great film star roles and
memorable scenes. |
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COPERNICUS FEATURED SITE
(www.edgate.com)
September 29, 1999
Film Fanatic: Would you include Snow White
and the Seven Dwarfs in your list of greatest films of all time? Compare
your criteria for choosing movies to the standards compiled by critics
to see whether you agree or disagree with their selections. |
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AMERICAN MOVIE CLASSIC'S
Classic Movie Companion
Recommended as Classic Movie Site
Published SUMMER, 1999
In addition to its own list of the top 100 films
of all time, the site includes comparative lists from Movieline magazine,
TV Guide, the American Film Institute, Mr. Showbiz, and more, as well
as posters, a timeline, and list of Oscar winners. The descriptions emphasize
story and dialogue. |
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YAHOO!
INTERNET LIFE MAGAZINE
Roger Ebert's Article:
"Rule of Thumb"
"The Greatest Greatest Site"
JUNE, 1999 |
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PAGE-A-DAY
THE WHOLE INTERNET 1999 CALENDAR
Authored by Ed Krol
WORKMAN PUBLISHING COMPANY
MARCH 22, 1999 CALENDAR ENTRY
100 BOFFO PIX - OTHERS NIXED
The Greatest Films is truly one of the greatest
labors of love on the Web. Maintained by amateur film buff Tim Dirks,
it contains a list of the 100 greatest films (his choice, but Roger Ebert
gives it a thumbs up). For most films, he includes a long description
and plot synopsis. There are also greatest moments and scenes, a quiz,
and classic posters. Here's lookin' at you, Tim. |

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MICROSOFT WEB DIRECTORY RECOMMENDATION
MARCH 15-21, 1999
And the Winner Wasn't...
Want to see a complete list of Oscar®-winning
feature films? Greatest Films delivers the goods, but you'll also find
a list of the greatest films that failed to garner awards (or even nominations),
a rundown of the most memorable movie scenes of all time, scores of cross-referenced
"Top 100" lists and a roll call of star-making performances. It's the
perfect place for research before your next trip to the video store. You
don't even need to leave home to enjoy great cinema. |
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VANCOUVER SUN HOT SITE
FEBRUARY 18-25, 1999
There are altogether too many movie sites on the
Web, but this is one of the best. It's an arbitrary listing of the top
100 (extended to 200, really) films of all time, but the background information
and analysis is outstanding. |
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REELVIEWS SITE of the WEEK
FEBRUARY 16-22, 1999
Tim Dirks has created an amazing site that offers
a comprehensive look at hundreds of the greatest films ever made. Each
movie writeup includes a detailed plot summary (with snippets of actual
dialogue), background information, and review commentary. Films span the
history of cinema, from the silent era to the 1990s. There are also numerous
lists, links, and references. Guaranteed to offer hours of reading pleasure
for movie-lovers of all persuasions. |
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NETSURFER DIGEST
RECOMMENDED SITE
FEBRUARY 6, 1999
You're Bound to Find a List of Film Bests You
Like
Hollywood spawns zillions of top-ten and top-100 lists. Why? A list of
great flicks may be the quickest - and sometimes the best - way to make
sense of cinematic history. Greatest Films focuses on Hollywood and other
American films, with a variety of "top" lists based on quality, box-office
sales, memorable scenes, characters, publication (TV Guide, Premiere,
etc.) and other mainstream criteria. We liked the substantial plot summaries,
interwoven with background and commentary. It makes compelling fodder
for trivia quizzes, party chat, and film classes. This site has so much
material it makes you wonder if it will spin off a series of electronic
games or a quiz show. Or both. What a black hole for the intellect! As
a latterday Bacall might tell a hotwired Bogey, just put your fingers
together and click. |
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WEB THIS WEEK
FEATURED SITE of the WEEK
NOVEMBER 17-23, 1998
Overall Rating:

The last century's greatest movies all in one
site. Greatest Films is a web site unlike many others that brings you
"memorable moments from great movies." You can find plot summaries, movies
posters and samples of actual film dialogue for many great movies like
"Blazing Saddles," "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs", "Silence of the
Lambs," and many more. See lists of the top 100 movies selected by many
different sources like the National Film Registry and TV Guide. Get a
complete list of each year's Oscar winners starting with "Wings" in 1927-28
to get all the information about movies that you will ever need to know.
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DIGITAL CELLULOID
SITE of the WEEK
OCTOBER 12-19, 1998
The Wild Wild Web Recommendation
THE GREATEST FILMS
Films, movies, flicks, pictures, or the cinema
-- whatever you call 'em, motion pictures are one of the most influential
art forms of this century. You'd be hard pressed to find someone who hasn't
seen a movie during their lifetime, and most everyone even has their own
private list of "favorites." Among my all-time favorite movies are Chinatown,
Double Indemnity, The Philadelphia Story, and Rear Window.
Happily, most of my favorite films are also on the list at Tim Dirks'
The Greatest Films Web site.
It's important to note that The Greatest Films isn't just a site with
a list of some schmuck's personal "best of" list. This site is really
devoted to the best of American cinema in general. You can view images
of hundreds of colorful, vintage film posters, take a film quotes quiz,
read recommendations of films for each genre, and view the top 100 box
office hits of all time. (If you want to nit-pick, the list can be viewed
as adjusted, or not adjusted, for inflation.)
Ever wonder who won the Academy Award for best actor in 1962? You can
find out at The Greatest Films site by simply clicking on the year in
question. Not only will you find out who won, but you'll see all the contenders
for the honor. (Hummm, was it Jack Lemmon for Days of Wine and Roses
or Peter O'Toole for Lawrence of Arabia?)
Don't know which movie to rent tonight? The Greatest Films has plot summaries
and actual film dialogue for many classic American films, so you can browse
before you even leave home. If the first list of 100 films doesn't grab
you, then you should read the 100 More Greats list -- surely you'll find
something you want to see between the two.
You don't have to take Tim's word; you can shop around at many different
"best" lists at this site, including the top 100 from Movieline
and Premiere magazines, Mr. Showbiz, the National Film Registry,
TV Guide and, of course, the list from the American Film Institute. --Susan
Borden |
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ENCARTA ENCYCLOPEDIA
WEB LINKS SERVICE
RECOMMENDED SITE
OCTOBER, 1998
History of Motion Pictures Entry
This privately maintained site contains plot summaries of more than 150
of the most critically acclaimed films of all time, images of classic
movie posters, an extensive film bibliography, and other resources. |
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ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY ONLINE
SITE OF THE WEEK
SEPTEMBER 28, 1998
An Alternative List of Top Movies
The top 100 movies from a West Coast movie fan
Why shouldn't West Coast movie fan Tim Dirks name his own top 100
films--especially when his list is so detailed? Dirks proffers essays,
synopses, dialogue snippets, a quotes quiz, and a rundown of famous scenes;
he even links to other best-movies lists. In contrast to those controversial
rankings, Dirks lists his picks alphabetically--from The Adventures
of Robin Hood to Yankee Doodle Dandy--and that may be the very
smartest thing about this site. A -- Caren Weiner |
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Xplore
SITE OF THE DAY
SEPTEMBER 18, 1998
The most enduring, influential, legendary, appealing
American films are indexed at this site. Browse through the master alpha
list or search by year, decade, or genre. View film posters, quotations,
summaries, and memorable scenes.
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BBC ONLINE
WEB GUIDE Entertainment / Films
SEPTEMBER 1998
Take an in-depth and subjective look at the top
100 films of all time. The reviews are extensive and cover more than just
the film itself; they also look at the actors, location, and put the work
in a historical context. Some nice reproductions of film posters and a
quiz make this a balanced site.
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KTSA AM 550 (SAN ANTONIO, TX)
AUGUST 22, 1998 (aired)
RADIO INTERVIEW SEGMENT
Weekly "CYBERCITY" Technology Program Hosted by Jack Landman
In a live radio interview, the Greatest Films
site was highlighted in a 10-15 minute feature. |
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DATA CONTROL REVIEW
AUGUST 1998
Background: Although the recent 100 Greatest Books
controversy stirred up a lot of complaining for whatever reason, most
Greatest Movie lists are about the same, some with glaring omissions and
some with unnecessary inclusions. What it breaks down to is a matter of
taste, since one doesn't have to be an expert in order to have an opinion.
First Look: The index page is pleasant enough, though the many ads detract
from the feel of the site. Many people who come to be entertained don't
like screaming Yahoos and multi-colored banner ads. But if people need
to make some money for the benefit of cultural exploration, so be it.
A menu in the left frame can take you to various Top Films lists all over
the internet, from AFI to TVGuide to Mr. Showbiz.
Overview: The criteria for the list is as follows: technological impact
on filmmaking, excellence in creation (acting, directing, etc.), major
award winners, a timeless quality, a "peak of achievement" for an artist,
and primary examples of a genre of movies. The real treat is the summaries
of the films. Most of them on the list have accompanying articles giving
background information, plot, stills of the films, as well as original
movie posters.
Bottom Line: If you're a film buff, amateur or otherwise, this is a good
site to catch up on tidbits of info you might have missed on your quest
for enlightenment. Most importantly, however, is that the films on this
list need to be seen in order to fully appreciate. I can't wait for the
day when I'll be able to view whole movies over the net and not have to
worry about downloading issues, etc. Although it won't put any rental
stores out of business, what list is truly complete without the actual
films?
Rating: 4/5.
Bias: Like I've stated before, there's not a lot of surprises but I think
that more films from the latter 20th century really needed to be on this
list. The addition of "Blade Runner" is a good start, though I'm sure
some people are going crazy over its inclusion as I write this. |

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WHAT'S NEW
RAGE OF THE DAY
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 1998
| Site Rating: Content 10 | Design
7 |
Maybe it's the restaurant scene where Meg Ryan pretends to be happy as
a clam at high tide or perhaps it's Bette Davis' delivery of "Fasten your
seat belts, it's going to be a bumpy night." The Greatest Films site projects
the 100 greatest lines in the 100 greatest scenes of the 100 greatest
movies. |

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USA TODAY HOT SITE
Weekend Edition
AUGUST 14-16, 1998
Greatest Films doesn't just stop with the top
100. True film lovers can drill much deeper. Includes plot summaries and
commentary for many American classics. |

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EARTHLINK WHAT'S HOT!
AUGUST 14, 1998
"Greatest Films doesn't just stop with the top
100. True film lovers can drill much deeper. Includes plot summaries and
commentary for many American classics." |
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ZDTV INTERNET TONIGHT SEGMENT
MAY 1998 (aired)
The Greatest Films site was highlighted as a two-minute
video feature for the cable-TV show.
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CYBER FILM SCHOOL
RECOMMENDED SITE
TIM DIRKS' THE GREATEST FILMS
"This site has it all! 100 Greatest films
ever made, greatest film moments and scenes, cinema history by the
decade, top 100 box-office champs and much more."
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MICROSOFT'S CINEMANIA ON-LINE
A CINEMA CONNECTIONS RECOMMENDED SITE
JANUARY 1998
(Cool movie sites chosen and reviewed by Cinemania's
editors.)
"As the title indicates, the greatest films, quotes, moments, and
scenes can be found here. Very thorough and extremely well designed,
you'll definitely want to visit this site again and again!"
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YAHOO! INTERNET LIFE MAGAZINE
RATED AS ONE OF THE
"TOP 20 MOVIE SITES 1997"
by ROGER EBERT
JANUARY 1998 ISSUE
(Included in a sub-category of "The Five Most Dazzling Sites")
"The Greatest Films of All Time represents an astonishing amount
of thought and work by Tim Dirks, who is so modest he doesn't even byline
his detailed, evocative essays on great films. The site offers many ways
of looking at important films, but the centerpiece is his series of 100
long reviews of classics, including downloadable still photos, highly
extensive plot summaries, and a lot of quotes (he must have watched the
movies with a tape recorder at his side).
This site is useful for film students or others seeking an entry point
into film history. He has essays on genres, periods and types of movies,
and suggested titles in each area, and his sheer love for the movies comes
across in his accuracy and energy. His essay on John Ford's My Darling
Clementine, for example, clocks in at 6,500 words and includes a postscript
on differences between the real gunfight at the OK Corral and the movie
version." |