A Second First

What was the first movie that made a lasting impression on you? What about it was so memorable?

http://reflectionsfromthebellcurve.blogspot.com/2015/02/recalling-first.html

Since writing the post above a month ago, several other firsts have been rattling my brain. With movies, it boiled down to three - The Magnificent Seven, West Side Story & Ben Hur. Although none would make my top ten list, they all made an indelible impression. But I couldn't remember which was the first I'd seen. Any non-Google guesses about the release date of each? Hold that thought - first, the allure of each to my young sensibilities and remember - I didn't know back then I'd grow into such a film freak.

The Magnificent Seven - James Coburn's cool in the knife throwing scene; the first time I recall hearing anyone swear in a movie (two of the seven say "damn" as they lay dying).

West Side Story - The Sharks' purple shirts and black ties; the choreography in the scene featuring "Cool"; not being 100% sure of the final lyric in "Gee Officer Krupke".

Ben Hur -  The chariot scene and its aftermath as Stephen Boyd lies dying.

Drum roll, please. And the first one released was...Ben Hur, 1959. I was only nine years old, unless it was released after November 23. I recall several other scenes, but it's very possible that chariot scene started my lifelong love affair with film. How about you?