Illeana Douglas picks 3 underrated female-directed movies for TCM's 'Trailblazing Women'

Of the 100 titles cited by the American Film Institute as the best all-time American movies, none was directed by a woman — an oversight that gnaws at Illeana Douglas. In preparing to host "Trailblazing Women," an interview series that precedes female-helmed flicks on TCM throughout the month, the actress and filmmaker discovered three movies she thinks should be considered for any updated lists.

"Outrage," Ida Lupino (1950): "This was made completely outside of the system. It's about the aftermath of a young girl's rape [Mala Powers] and how brutality robs you of innocence. It's a tough, tough story to watch, but it demands to be seen." 8:45 p.m. Tuesday

"Wanda," Barbara Loden (1970): "This is a story about an alcoholic woman [Loden] trying to find her place in life. Barbara was a former pinup girl who married Elia Kazan. After she made this film, Kazan changed his whole style of filmmaking. He took a lot of her creative ideas, but yet worked really hard to suppress her contributions. I would put this film right up there with the work of John Cassavetes." 7 p.m. Thursday

"Harlan County, USA," Barbara Kopple (1976): "It changed documentary filmmaking forever. It's not just a documentary; it's an experience. She puts herself right in the center of the action. Her goal was to let people speak who are not often heard [Kentucky coal miners participating in a violent strike] and she accomplished that." 8:30 p.m. Oct. 15

Neal Justin