Michael Curtiz wasn't known as an auteur but he knew his business. A superb film craftsman, from 1933-1945 he was acknowledged as the best director on the Warner lot, and today we have his pictures to prove it.

Here's hoping Leo and Kate do many more films together. But for now, let's celebrate their careers to-date with a sampling of their more interesting, lesser-known work, both pre-and post-Titanic.

There is no shortage of excellent documentaries that celebrate human creativity -- examining those directors, actors, painters, musicians, and dancers whose efforts infuse our lives with drama, color and meaning.

The disturbing, persistent vein of religious fanaticism and corruption existed in this country long before those interminable dog days of George W., as these film titles indicate.