A Western Filmmakers: A Biographical Dictionary of Writers, Directors, Cinematographers, Composers, Actors and Actresses [Paperback]

Henryk Hoffman (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0786437421 | ISBN-13: 978-0786437429 | Publication Date: February 21, 2008

From High Noon to Unforgiven, the "A" Western represents the pinnacle of Western filmmaking. More intellectual, ambitious, and time-consuming than the readily produced "B" or serial Westerns, these films rely on hundreds of talented artists. This comprehensive reference work provides biographies and Western filmographies for nearly 1,000 men and women who have contributed to at least three "A" Westerns. These contributors are arranged by their role in film production. Cinematographers, composers, actors, actresses, and directors receive complete biographical treatment; writers whose work was used in at least two Westerns are also featured. An appendix lists well-known actors who have appeared in either one or two "A" Westerns, as specified.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

The goal of this work is to "pay homage" to the creative talent behind western film, one of the most popular genres of American cinema. Hoffmann divides his 932 filmmakers into nine categories: original author, screenwriter, director, cinematographer, composer, leading man, leading lady, supporting actor, and supporting actress. He specifically concentrates on "A" westerns, or those that are "intellectual and artistic." To be included, an original author must have a minimum of two "A" westerns based on his or her work, and all other individuals must have a minimum of three "A" westerns to his or her credit.

The nine sections are composed of alphabetically arranged entries for individuals such as those involved with the 1953 classic Shane: writer Jack Schaefer, director George Stevens, cinematographer Loyal Griggs, actors Jean Arthur, Van Heflin, and Alan Ladd, and so on. The leading lights of westerns get their deserved space, but, especially in the "Supporting Actors" and "Supporting Actresses" sections, lesser-knowns get some attention too. Though each entry starts with a quick summary of the person's life and career as a whole, the majority of the discussion concentrates on work in westerns, with a brief assessment of contributions to the genre and a list of western films. Depending on work in westerns, the entries can be short or long. Kevin Costner earns less space than Brian Keith, mainly because of the former acting in fewer relevant films.

Following the entries are lists of major actors who have appeared in just one or two "A" westerns and a bibliography. Overall, this volume is a good addition to literature supporting both western and film studies, though most of the subjects are covered in greater detail in more standard reference works. Recommended for academic and large public libraries.
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Review

Recommended. --Booklist/RBB

Detailed...a substantial and credible directory...highly recommended...essential. --Arba

Absolutely fascinating. --Roundup Magazine

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 662 pages
• Publisher: McFarland (February 21, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786437421
• ISBN-13: 978-0786437429
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 6.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,473,142 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars great book!, November 1, 2005

A Kid's Review

This review is from: 'A' Western Filmmakers : A Biographical Dictionary of Writers, Directors, Cinematographers, Composers, Actors and Actresses. (Hardcover)

this book is extroardinary!!! it's a must read!!! this author is simply great!

5.0 out of 5 stars A Western Filmmakers : A Biographical Dictionary of Writers,, March 12, 2001

By 

Wishlist Jan "media fan" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: 'A' Western Filmmakers : A Biographical Dictionary of Writers, Directors, Cinematographers, Composers, Actors and Actresses. (Hardcover)

This book is an excellent reference for anyone who is interested in developing a collection, critiqueing or writing about the western genre of films. It is both concise and thorough.