Lawrence of Arabia was pushed into second place

Dr Zhivago came out top of the poll of 140 MPs, quickly followed by Lawrence of Arabia and Chariots of Fire.

The David Lean adaptation of Boris Pasternak's novel about divided loyalty was backed by 14% of the MPs.

Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy named Day of the Jackal, Dial M for Murder and the Italian Job as his top trio.

MPS' TOP TEN 1 Dr Zhivago 2 Lawrence of Arabia 3 Chariots of Fire 4 The 39 Steps 5. Zulu 6 Brief Encounter 7= The Third Man 7= Gandhi 9 The Italian Job 10 The Railway Children

He was the only party leader who responded to the survey, which was sponsored by cable television channel E! Entertainment.

Arts Minister Estelle Morris put as her favourites Whistle Down the Wind, Cry Freedom and the English Patient.

The list suggests some divisions along party lines. Films like Zulu, Battle of Britain and the Dam Busters were among Conservative favourites, while Labour MPs often went for gritty stories, such as Brassed Off and Kes, plus Gandhi.

The film most tipped by Liberal Democrats was Brief Encounter, the romantic tearjerker which with Lawrence of Arabia brought David Lean's top ten tally to three.