Title: Science-Fiction & Fantasy Cinema -- Classic Films of Horror, Sc-Fi & the Supernatural
Genre: Film Guides and Reviews
Pages: 320
Synopsis:
John Howard Reid's books just seem to get bigger and better and more informative. His new release will fill a void for all who are interested in movies that deal with science fiction, fantasy, horror and the supernatural. Many books deal with these subjects, but most are just glossy picture books. JHR's book delves into all of the films' actors, directors, producers, release dates, opening nights, technical staff and much, much more.
This book is a must. It opens up new areas for appreciating a film. Most books just give the critic's own comments, but JHR offers critical comments from other reviewers as well, so that the reader obtains a more balanced view of the film's qualities.
For the Disney version of "10,000 Leagues under the Sea" for instance, in addition to relevant notes and comments about the film's production and its stars, Reid offers succinct quotes from a number of critics who either praised or damned the film.
Fantasy cinema offers a greater variety of movies than most people realize. For example, Reid includes comedies and spoofs like the famous "Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein" and Bob Hope's "The Ghost Breakers" as well as fantasy cartoons like Disney's "Ichabod and Mr Toad".
The front cover features a magnificent color photo of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis"; the back cover, an equally colorful poster from "Forbidden Planet". There are also pages of fascinating original lobby card reproductions.
Although it presents well as a coffee table book, JHR's "Science Fiction and Fantasy Cinema" is much more than that. It is an invaluable addition to any film lover's library.
-- Ross Adams in "Dress Circle" magazine
