Customer Reviews

The Films of Michael Powell and the Archers

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4 star:		(2)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Having spent nearly three years researching this book, it is the most detailed look at the career of Michael Powell and his work with Emeric Pressburger. As Steve Crook correctly points out, a number of spelling errors made it into the final manuscript, but this book serves to introduce fans of The Red Shoes, Black Narcissus, Peeping Tom, and I Know Where I'm Going to their other work. In addition to the most comprehensive filmography and bibliography available, it takes a detailed look at most of his films that are available. Thanks to the cooperation of the British Film Institute, many of his lesser-known works were analyzed in detail, including some that were thought to be long lost.

One star is too many.

I am a long term fan of Michael Powell and The Archers and was horrified when I read this book.

I've never seen a book so full of inaccuracies.

I wrote to the publishers listing about 30 or so of the most glaring factual errors. They wrote back saying that my comments had been noted but didn't say they intended to correct any of them.

"I'm tremendously impressed by your book on Michael Powell. Well written, very interesting, not dry and tedious. Excellent work. Thomas Gifford, New York Times Best Selling Author, The Assassini, The Wind Chill Factor.

"A conscientious, well-documented account of Powell's work." Sight and Sound Magazine.

"Reliable study along currently orthodox lines, with sagacious observations and some nicely disconcerting insights." Raymond Durgnatt, Cineaste.

"Describes and analyzes of Michael Powell the work and his partner, Emeric Pressburger, who released 16 films in 15 years, from the beginning of their partnership until its end in 1956." Booknews.

"Its great to see Powell receiving his due, and this is a welcome addition to the literature of his very special talents." George Turner, American Cinematographer.

"This author has already written well on one British director. This new volume is a thoughtful consideration of the work of the Archers and Powell in particular. . . Salwolke writes with style and grace. . . Anyone interested in British cinema, particularly thinking of researching the subject, should be aware of this excellent book." Graham Roberts, Historical Journal of Film, Radio, and Television.

"A scholarly study of the legendary Red Shoes director and his writer Emeric Pressburger." Howard Maxford Film Review.