Customer Reviews

Movies of the 40s (Midi S.)

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When reviewing a previous book in this outstanding series, I was criticized for concentrating on the attractiveness of the illustrations and neglecting the text. Frankly, I see these books as containing such a wealth of beautiful stills, the text is most definitely a secondary consideration. If you must know, the text is not always 100% accurate, the result of (1) trying to compress a large amount of information into a very small space; (2) a Germanic rather than an American way of interpreting facts; (3) a reliance on European rather than American sources and press reports. Some readers may also find the selection of movies chosen for inclusion somewhat odd, although this particular volume has far fewer surprises than other titles in the series. The surprises on this occasion are not so much in the inclusions as the exclusions. Making a comparison with my own book, MEMORABLE FILMS OF THE FORTIES, the first omission I noticed was "The Picture of Dorian Gray", which presumably does not currently enjoy the same cult status in Europe as it does in the U.S.A. In fact, no Albert Lewin at all. No Maria Montez either. Therefore no "Cobra Woman". No "Yankee Doodle Dandy" in the main text either, although it does have a small still in the addenda. No Sherlock Holmes, but Basil Rathbone is represented by "Bathing Beauty". No Errol Flynn at all! No Bob Hope. No "Tree Grows in Brooklyn". No Alice Faye, no Bing Crosby, no Fred Astaire. No Ronald Colman, Ginger Rogers, Susan Hayward, John Farrow, Elia Kazan. The list goes on. However, it could well be argued that the 1940s presented such abundant cinema riches, it would be impossible to make a selection that would delight everyone. Many of my personal favorites are so handsomely presented in this book, it's a highly valued acquisition.