Science-Fiction & Fantasy Cinema: Classic Films of Horror, Sci-Fi & the Supernatural (Hollywood Classics) [Kindle Edition]

I have long desired to see the 1927 sci-fi classic, Metropolis. I lost interest when I discovered a confusing assortment of versions, restorations, and run times existed. I was delighted to see a movie poster of the film gracing the cover of author John Howard Reid's Science-Fiction & Fantasy Fiction-Classic Films of Horror, Sci-Fi & the Supernatural.

This is the twenty-third entry in Reid's "Hollywood Classics" series. To say that Mr. Reid is a movie buff is like calling the Pope religious. His movie addiction began at age 5 when he first saw Laurel and Hardy in "Jitterbugs" at a Saturday matinee. He began writing movie reviews at age twelve and wrote reviews for rival newspapers as an adult. He drew on his more than 20,000 reviews and his personal collection of over 3,000 titles on DVD and VHS to write this book.

Nearly 300 titles are examined. Some like Creature from the Black Lagoon or Flash Gordon are well known, while others are more obscure: The Hound of the Baskervilles or a Spanish version of Dracula from 1931. Reid doesn't leave out animated favorites like Peter Pan and Cinderella. The best of Elmer Fudd, Bugs Bunny, Roadrunner, Donald Duck, and many others that graced the big screen in the 1940's and 50's was a nostalgic highlight for me. The book looks at several of these seven minute animated films that made up my Saturday morning television routine as a child in the 70's.

For each selection Mr. Reid includes the full cast and the parts played by name. The director, screenplay writer, editor, music composers, and producers are listed, as well as copyright date, studio, worldwide release dates and running times. Many selections include the dates when the movie was made and locations where the film was shot and the cost to produce them. Each title is summarized, many with Mr. Reid's own personal review and other reviewers' comments.

Movies like 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, Karloff's The Mummy, Star Wars, and Cinderella in the same book with Fire Maidens from Outer Space, Daffy Duck and the Dinosaur, and Bride of the Gorilla makes this a fascinating collection.

All this, and the expert advice on the best version of Metropolis, make Science-Fiction & Fantasy Fiction-Classic Films of Horror, Sci-Fi & the Supernatural by John Howard Reid a must read for movie buffs and film trivia fans and for those who take pleasure in a wonderful cinema experience. Twenty-first century cinema appears to be more about special effects and marketing than producing satisfying films. If you are interested in finding the gems that came before, then this book is a key to which you will refer again and again. Highly Recommended.

320 pages
[...]
Large format 8X11 inches
978-1430301134

Reviewed by William Potter for Reader's Choice

Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD: A Guide to the Best in Cinema Thrills

"Fantasy and science fiction! There's a category that's flavor-of-the-month for you," a well-known movie director said to me back in January 2006. "Why don't you write a guide to the best films of horror, sci-fi and the supernatural?" I told him he'd hit upon a great title and that I was actually working on such a book. "The problem is," I added, "that aside from your contribution to the genre, I don't much care for the current crop. I prefer classic cinema." And do you know what he answered? "Me too!" That's what he said. So the classic films of the genre still exercise an influence on the cinema of today. And here they are! I've not only detailed just about all the most loved titles, but also examined some less well-known entries, such as Mexico's "Chanoc" series (which are now available on DVD); serials such as "Fighting Devil Dogs" and "Undersea Kingdom"; cartoons like "Peter Pan" and "Pinocchio"; and "B" movies in the style of "The Wasp Woman" and "The Werewolf". Each entry is accompanied by full production and release details.

I'll be honest - I wouldn't recommend this book which I purchased based on the flawed title - there are many reviews within that aren't sf/f or horror. There are also cartoons, which while I love Warner Brothers, should be a book unto themselves. While some of the movies within have copious reviews and information, others are barely a footnote, lacking synopsis or detailed information. Why include them? I also found "never released in Australia" and "banned in Australia" tedious. If the book is meant for Australian readers, since it's in E-book form, why not have two different versions? That's a bit nit picky, but I found that bit of info simply unnecessary. Also some of the classics are damned by the author, which I found mind-boggling. Needless to say, this was not the best Kindle purchase I have made and won't be finding a permanent home on it.