Release year: 1968

The players: Director: Roman Polanski, Writer: Roman Polanski, Cast: Mia Farrow, John Cassavetes, Ruth Gordon, Sidney Blackmer

The plot: Rosemary (Mia Farrow) and her husband, Guy (John Cassavetes), move into a beautiful New York apartment, befriending the elderly couple across the hall. When Rosemary mysteriously falls pregnant, her new neighbors and Guy become very controlling, leaving Rosemary paranoid about her baby’s well-being.

Modern thoughts on a classic movie: Though not a “jump-out-of-your-seat” horror movie, Roman Polanski’s film is certainly a downright suspenseful thriller. Sporting an engaging story, the film allows the tension to mount slowly, but never lets the action drag. Even though a majority of modern viewers know the secret to “Rosemary’s Baby,” (it has become a staple of American pop culture), the film still manages to hold an air of mystery until the end credits start rolling.

As for the acting, no one could have been a better Rosemary than the adorable Mia Farrow. Her transition from a happy housewife to a paranoid and pregnant woman is seamless. She perfectly embodies what all future mothers must fear: an unhealthy pregnancy, no matter what the circumstances. Also, Ruth Gordon's performance as Rosemary's busy-body neighbor, Minnie, is brilliant. No wonder she won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in 1969.

However, the problem with “Rosemary’s Baby” - and it’s a sizeable one - is the slightly (unintentional) comical execution of the last 10 minutes or so. The final scene of the film, where the absolute truth is revealed, feels almost like watching a high school play, with ghastly delivery of childish dialogue. It is quite disappointing to fall into lazy acting after two hours of pure suspense.

The final word: Though Rosemary and her baby have some near misses towards the end of the film, they are still able to hold the attention of the modern viewer with a great story, spooky tension and one very talented leading lady.