This has probably happened to you at least once. You're discussing films with friends at a party,when an unequivocal classic gets brought up. The gathered cinéastes are delighted, but your blood runs cold -- you haven't actually seen the film in question. (SFX: Thunderclap.) Do you lie and say it's one of your favorites anyway? If so, you're not alone.
UK film site Lovefilm polled 1500 people, and found that 4 out of 5 participants lied about seeing films to "impress people." Said editor Helen Cowley said: "Whether it is a small white lie about having seen a cult classic or nodding along to friends as they recount the infamous horse head scene in The Godfather, there are some films that we just do not want to admit we have not watched."
What films in particular do people pretend they saw? Well, The Godfather, which topped the list with 30 percent of the vote. Casablanca, Taxi Driver, 2001: A Space Odyssey and, bizarrely, Reservoir Dogs rounded out the top five. You can only assume that those participating in the poll still didn't feel comfortable about admitting they never saw Citizen Kane, either.
All of which begs the question: What famous movies have you lied about seeing, dear Movieline reader? No judgement here -- especially considering yours truly has certainly fibbed about watching Ordinary People. I'll see it eventually! Promise!
· 'The Godfather' tops our film fibs [Press Association via Yahoo!]