gjh777 Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 Hello, I am new to this message board. My girlfriend loves old movies and is constantly watching Turner Classic Movies. She is fascinated with the actors / actresses of the day, and background information/trivia about the movies. Much of what she knows is from the introduction TCM playseach movie. Her birthday is near, and I was wondering if anyone could suggest a film history book covering the types of films on TCM? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GarboManiac Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 Well, most of the great books I have are probably out of print. But, you might be able to find them on ebay or at a used bookstore. My three top recommendations are: They Had Faces Then by John Springer and Jack Hamilton Citadel Press, 1978 Great book about all of the female stars, starlets and character actresses of the 30s. Hollywood's Golden Year, 1939: A Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration by Ted Sennett St. Martin's Press, 1989 Fantastic book about all of the masterpieces filmed in 1939. A must have. A New Pictoral History of the Talkies by Daniel Blum G.P.Putnam's Sons, 1968 Great reference book to all the films made from about 1929 to the 60s. Could have been updated by now, not sure. But, if you can't find those, one you might find, and should have, is a book on the Academy Awards year by year. The most recent one, and still available, I think, is: 65 Years of the Oscar: The Official History of the Academy Awards by Robert Osborne Abbeville Press, 1989 The best oscar book I own, and I have three. It might still be out there and updated, which it should be. Anyway, don't know if any of these will help, but give them a try. It is a great idea for a birthday present for anyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JackBurley Posted July 6, 2006 Share Posted July 6, 2006 There are the film reference books; The Film Encyclopedia by Ephraim Katz; and I believe there's a Halliwell reference. Mick LaSalle has a book out called Complicated Women: Sex and Power in Pre-Code Hollywood. He also wrote Dangerous Men: Pre-Code Hollywood and the Birth of the Modern Man. MGM: When the Lion Roars is a gem if she's into that studio. David O. Selznick's Hollywood is great if she's into his works. Does she have a favorite actor/director/designer/etc? Let us know... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3s2ges Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 One good book to read is called "The Dame in the Kimono", it's about the Hays-Code, who was who and who did what with the code, and goes into a few movies in the code. Its a good read if you want to know about the code. The title of this book comes from the original "The Maltese Falcon" which is being shown this month. Message was edited by: 3s2ges Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nyoka1 Posted July 7, 2006 Share Posted July 7, 2006 I second the motion on Mick LaSalle's two books. They're both just great, but I'd also add Mark Vieira's books on pre-code, horror films, and George Hurrell. All wonderful, with outstanding pictures and text. http://www.greenbriarpictureshows.blogspot.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gjh777 Posted July 12, 2006 Author Share Posted July 12, 2006 Thanks for the help, I am sure I will pick up one of these books mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evelyn_Mulwray Posted July 28, 2006 Share Posted July 28, 2006 If I'm not too late for the party, the Katz Film Encyclopedia is indispensible. You can browse through it for hours. It doesn't just cover movie stars, but movie terms, directors, different countries' film industries and so on. A great book. And, there is an update of Robert Osborne's classic history of the Academy Awards. It's called 75 Years of the Oscar. A movie lover's dream! Oh, and then there are the Inside Oscar books by Mason Wiley and Damien Bona. (Current editions are by Damien Bona only, since his co-author passed away.) Very irreverent but highly entertaining look at the yearly run-up to the Oscars and the ceremonies themselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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