Greatest 23 History Movies Editor's Pick Released in 1959

A Jewish prince is betrayed and sent into slavery by a Roman friend in 1st-century Jerusalem, but it's not long before he regains his freedom and comes back for revenge. Look into Ben-Hur / IMDB / YouTube

In Nazi-occupied Holland in World War II, shopkeeper Kraler hides two Jewish families in his attic. Young Anne Frank keeps a diary of everyday life for the Franks and the Van Daans, chronicling the Nazi threat as well as family dynamics. A romance with Peter Van Daan causes jealousy between Anne and her sister, Margot. Otto Frank returns to the attic many years after the eventual capture of both families and finds his late daughter's diary. Details on The Diary of Anne Frank / IMDB / YouTube

A Japanese pacifist, unable to face the dire consequences of conscientious objection, is transformed by his attempts to compromise with the demands of war-time Japan. Read about The Human Condition I: No Greater Love / IMDB / YouTube

As Ivan the Terrible attempts to consolidate his power by establishing a personal army, his political rivals, the Russian boyars, plot to assassinate their Tsar. Find out about Ivan the Terrible, Part II: The Boyars' Plot / IMDB / YouTube

Two wealthy law-school students go on trial for murder in this version of the Leopold-Loeb case. Read about Compulsion / IMDB / YouTube

During the Korean War peace talks in Panmunjom, U.S. troops fight and die trying to retake a worthless hill from the Communist Chinese forces. Info on Pork Chop Hill / IMDB / YouTube

A dedicated FBI agent recalls the agency's battles against the Klan, organized crime and Communist spies. Explore The FBI Story / IMDB / YouTube

After becoming king of ancient Israel, Solomon faces threats coming from his jealous dispossessed brother Adonijah, the Egyptian Pharaoh and the scheming Queen of Sheba. Learn about Solomon and Sheba / IMDB / YouTube

The black sheep of a family and the local minister discover their true vocations during the Revolutionary War. See more about The Devil's Disciple / IMDB / YouTube

An army major, himself guilty of cowardice, is asked to recommend soldiers for the Congressional Medal of Honor during the Mexican Border Incursion of 1916. Check out They Came to Cordura / IMDB / YouTube

The muscular Hercules performs his Labors, sails with the Argonauts, and romances the fair Iole. Info on Hercules / IMDB / YouTube

During World War II, a British actor impersonates Field Marshal Montgomery in order to confuse German intelligence. Explore Hell, Heaven or Hoboken / IMDB / YouTube

In 1920s Ireland, I.R.A. members are being led by the war mongering Dr. Sean Lenihan (James Cagney), as they fight oppressive British forces. Check out Shake Hands with the Devil / IMDB / YouTube

The career of Revolutionary War naval hero from his youth in Scotland through his service to Catherine the Great of Russia. More about John Paul Jones / IMDB / YouTube

A story about the fishermen, the vessel, the fishing, and the catch, with the development of new boat types and gear, about crises and big fishing through 100 years. Starting in a fishing home on the coast around 1860, ending with whaling. Learn about Ut mot havet / IMDB / YouTube

When Germany invades Holland in 1940, a British intelligence officer and two Dutch diamond merchants go to Amsterdam to persuade the Dutch diamond merchants to evacuate their diamond supplies to England. Read about Operation Amsterdam / IMDB / YouTube

1850 adventure story of the Basque immigrants on their way to California, their struggle with the Indians, and the development of a complicated love triangle. Look into Thunder in the Sun / IMDB / YouTube

An all-star cast from Daiei Film Company has made the ultimate Jirocho movie about the legendary yakuza Shimizu no Jirocho, the biggest Boss in the Tokaido area. Details on Jirôchô Fuji / IMDB / YouTube

A documentary showing the daily life of the Panamanian natives (Choco and Guna), spiced up with the capabilities of the US Air Force and, for the movies' distribution, a scene of headhunters. Explore Attack of the Jungle Women / IMDB / YouTube

A lively samurai film dramatizing a pivotal turning point in the life and career of Nobunaga Oda, who figured prominently in efforts to unify the warring states of Japan under a central ruler in the late 16th century. Read about Fuunji Oda Nobunaga / IMDB / YouTube