Customer Reviews

100 Great Film Performances You Should Remember - But Probably Don't

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

Anyone who loves watching classic movies should buy this book! The author gives thorough reviews of all one hundred movies. He doesn't focus on just one genre and there is a good mix of comedic, dramatic, and musical performances. Some of my favorite performances are here including Jeanette MacDonald in Naught Marietta, Vivien Leigh in Waterloo Bridge, and William Powell in Libeled Lady. After reading this book there are many more films I want to see.

Overlooked performances from the movie stars of old or the present crop, take your pick. Whichever you prefer make sure you read John DiLeo's book. He captures the performances in such a way that you feel you are watching the film while reading his eloquent, captivating description. It is an absolute joy for any movie buff.

Unfortunately, amazon only allows a five-star rating, when this one should get a hundred; one for each segment! I really enjoyed John DiLeo's writing style, which is chatty, informative, insightful and witty.

My newly discovered hobby is tucking this book under my arm, stuffed with an array of bookmarks, old business cards and straw wrappers -- to help seek out these cinematic gems when I enter my video store. Author DiLeo has unearthed a wealth of fantastic performances in films that I never would've thought to view or even knew existed! I actually called in sick to work one day after viewing three of his recommended classics back-to-back till the wee hours. What a glorious night! Mr. DiLeo... you're gonna cost me my job! BUY THIS BOOK!

My newly discovered hobby is tucking this book under my arm, stuffed with an array of bookmarks, old business cards and straw wrappers -- to help seek out these cinematic gems when I enter my video store. Author DiLeo has unearthed a wealth of fantastic performances in films that I never would've thought to view or even knew existed! I actually called in sick to work one day after viewing three of his recommended classics back-to-back till the wee hours. What a glorious night! Mr. DiLeo... you're gonna cost me my job! BUY THIS BOOK!

Disclaimer upfront: I'm a friend of the author's! Having said that, let me assure you, my enthusiam's the genuine article: this book's a real treat for any film buff. John DiLeo's a fount of knowledge about movies, as fans of his terrific movie quiz tome realize, and the new volume's equally wonderful. One could pleasantly argue with a couple of choices here and there (I'd pick ALL THIS AND HEAVEN, TOO for Bette Davis myself), but John's taste is flawless, his prose style's informal and fun, and his picks are thoughtful and intelligently presented. If you know these performances, the book's like a visit with fine old friends. If you don't, you'll go running to the video store (or TCM on your cable box!), and I envy you the fun you'll have discovering these wonderful movies. (Oh, and John's right about holding out for letterboxing if you can!) Enjoy!

What a wonderful book - informative, entertaining, funny, intelligent and clearly written by someone who actually knows what they're talking about. A must for film lovers but certainly accessable to anyone with the slightest interest in the subjetct. John DiLeo writes about these films and these performances in such a way as to make you want to see all the films as soon as possible. I look forward to more books by Mr. DiLeo.

John DiLeo's opinions and quips are quick, tart, and fun. But this book wouldn't be as fascinating if that was all that was going on. The depth of his film knowledge, his obvious love of movies, and the acuteness of his recommendations make this a wonderful book for anyone--from cinemaniac to cultural reader.