Arguably Orson Welles’ greatest film, it met a tragic fate when RKO studio chiefs decided to chop out nearly 50 minutes after disastrous preview screenings. Based on Booth Tarkington’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Ambersons chronicles the downfall of a wealthy Indianapolis family that refuses to adapt to the times and, as a result, destroys itself. Ironically, it was the same for Welles, too: “They destroyed Ambersons, and it destroyed me,” he said, commenting on his eventual exile from Hollywood. “It could have been better than Citizen Kane.” But what remains is magnificent, with four Academy Award nominations, including best picture; supporting actress, Agnes Moorehead; and Stanley Cortez for his luminous black-and-white cinematography. — Laura Emerick

Rated: NR