Customer Reviews

Complete Films of Edward G. Robinson

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The Complete Films of Edward G. Robinson by Alvin H. Marill.

The Complete Films of Edward G. Robinson was published by the Citadel Press in 1990. I have the 1993 paperback reprint. Both editions are fairly hard to find at a reasonable price probably because they just weren't in print for that long a period of time and it is an excellent illustrated film book.

Each film of Mr. Robinson's career, from 1916 to 1973, is accompanied by at least one photograph, a full list of credits, a synopsis, at least one contemporary review and occasional observations on the importance of the film that is under discussion to Mr. Robinson's career or to film culture in general.

The only complaint that I have about this volume is that the films are crowded in sometimes parts of two to a page which creates a somewhat crammed appearance. But other than that, this is a fine example of what was sometimes done right with the "Films Of" series. If you are a fan of Edward G. Robinson and see one of these volumes at a reasonable price, I recommend that you grab it.

One of the cinema's greatest non-Oscar winners, for a competitive award, is served well with this overview of his work. His "Little Caesar" was a favorite of mimics for decades, but "Five Star Final", "The Whole Town's Talking", "Dr. Ehrlich's Magic Bullet" and "Double Indemnity" show that he wore a variety of hats and they all fit pretty well. His career ups and downs are covered, with each film entry richly illustrated. We're also given a list of dramatic radio and television appearances. His Honorary Oscar, for lifetime achievement, read " To Edward G. Robinson, who achieved greatness as a player, a patron of the arts and a dedicated citizen ... in sum, a Renaissance man." This fine volume proves that statement.