This guide to classic film is divided into chapters such as "Must See," "Drama," "Suspense," "One of a Kind" performers such as Carmen Miranda and Jerry Lewis, "Screen Teams" and so on. The main asset to this book is the many, many photographs from the movies. It falls short as a work of film scholarship for two reasons: most classic movie fans will already be familiar with most of the material in the book. Also, there is no analysis of the individual films, just a brief synopsis and sidebars on the cast, Oscar wins or nominations, and factoids about the famous players. On that level, the book is still a good bet for young movie enthusiasts who might wish to learn more about films released many, many years before their births. Indeed, the author makes the case that, say, a film from the 1980's can';t really be called a "classic." The included movies are generally the ones you would expect -- no "B" movies or forgotten gems -- along with a few that have always been over-rated.
The book was written by Afton Fraser, the wife of actor Brendan Fraser [Looney Tunes: Back in Action] and mother of their three children. Sadly, four years after this book was published the couple ended their ten year marriage. Also an actor Ms. Fraser now goes by Afton Smith.
Verdict: Recommended for readers who don't know much about classic film. ***.
2 comments:
Sounds like the genre of book I would have picked up as a movie loving kid...along with wonderful treasuries like The MGM story and Life Goes to the Movies. I once had a nearly three-foot tall spiral bound book full of glamour shots of classic stars—fabulous shots of Hayworth and Harlow and Turner and Monroe and Gable and Tyrone Power, ad infinitum—and movie posters. I wonder where it is now and what it is worth!
Have a great weekend, Bill! Time to go watch some movies and chill!
- Chris
You have a great weekend, too, Chris. Things are wild and crowded in the Village this weekend. Even Thursday night the bars were packed to the rafters. I may avoid the crowds and stick to the crockpot and movies!
You can probably find that book you mention on amazon or ebay -- for a ridiculous price!
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