Product Description
Over 1,200 DVDs in the mystery, suspense and film noir categories were examined and rated for this illustrated guide. The book is divided into two main sections. In the first, 218 movies are given the glamour treatment with comprehensive details of players and crews, plus background information and reviews. In the second section, essential details on over 500 films are briefly described. Bonus articles includes a survey of “The Thin Man” series, “Sherlock Holmes”, “… More >>
Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD: A Guide to the Best in Cinema Thrills
Tags: background information, Best, bonus articles, Cinema, Detective, dvds, Film, glamour, Guide, Movies, Mystery, mystery suspense, Noir, sherlock holmes, Suspense, suspense film, thin man series, Thrills
#1 by Readers Favorite on April 25, 2010 - 11:24 pm
“Step into my parlor,” said the spider to the fly!
John Reid has managed to pack over 250 tantalizing DVD movie overviews into these 465 pages. This is a real treasure trove of old favorites that you won’t want to be without. Most of the write-ups are black and white mystery, suspense film noir from the 30s, 40s and 50s.
Each film is listed alphabetically and broken down as follows: a thorough list of characters/actors; a list of those credited with directing, producing, etc., copyright information, a synopsis, comments good and bad, followed by a DVD quality rating.
Here are just a few of my favorites just to get you in the mood to watch an old flick…
Bull Dog Drummond with Ray Milland, Charlie Chan’s Secret, a spooky old house scare- um, Frozen Ghost, an Inner Sanctum mystery with Lon Chaney Jr,1941`s Maltese Falcon with Bogart and Lorre, Mr. Wise Guy with the Eastside Kids My Favorite Brunette, a star-studded bonanza,1943`s Phantom of the Opera, the best dark romance of all time, Hitchcock`s Vertigo with Kim Novak and Jimmy Stewart and ,last but not least, The Yellow Rose of Texas with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, a darn good mystery!
The last third of the book is jam-packed with detailed information, primarily film noir, 1939 (the best year in Hollywood),the Thin Man series, movies from Ray Chandler`s books, a comparison between Bogart and Ladd, a listing of these movies, DVD suppliers, and a detailed index of over 250 movies in this volume.
Overall, Mr. Reid has done a wonderful job rekindling my love for the old black and white`s of yesteryear. I`m so glad that I purchased this volume and am quite certain that it will become tattered and torn as I leaf through it over and over looking for that special movie on DVD that I can`t wait to buy next. Mr. Reid, I thank you. When is your next volume coming out?
Rating: 5 / 5
#2 by Gregg J. Haugland on April 26, 2010 - 1:55 am
For all you movie buffs out there, this is an outstanding reference book. Subtitled Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD, this is one of the most comprehensive and detailed summaries of the genres (as indicated by the subtitle) that I’ve seen compiled to date. Written in two parts, the first 300 pages provides short but concise descriptions of well over 200 titles on currently released on DVD. Sorted alphabetically, each mini-review provides detailed information on the cast, the film crew and studio, a synopsis, interesting production notes and a critical summary of the film itself. The book is illustrated by a couple hundred photos-mostly stills from the actual movies-which works nicely to break up the text in this extensive project.
The second part is dominated by a pseudo-historical essay on film noir. (I use “pseudo” here as it’s neither chronological, nor dominated by industry facts). The main vehicle for the education is a discussion of the actors and directors, and comments about the films themselves. This combination provides revealing and colorful insights on the evolution of this long-lived era of film. This includes sub-genres such as musical noir, comic noir and mysteries and thrillers themselves. Also included are interesting (albeit much shorter) essays on film noir character icons such as Sherlock Holmes and The Thin Man; and the screen adaptations of author Raymond Chandler.
It is clear from the writing that Reid knows his stuff. Most of the work concentrates on films from the late 20’s to the 50’s, which includes a mix of no holds-barred criticism and scholarly interpretation of the industry. The author has a crisp and concise writing style that is both rich and at the same time interesting and easy to digest.
If I have one criticism for this book, it’s very minor. I would have liked to see an introduction by the author to introduce the two parts and how they were written. I’m sure that this would have been as fascinating as the rest of the work.
For film aficionados of the genre, this is a must read and fine contribution to your library. I’d recommend reading the essays first (the last 150 pages), then place this next to your DVD player for constant enjoyment.
Reviewer: Gregg J. Haugland, Allbooks Reviews.
Rating: 5 / 5
#3 by Reader's Choice Reviews on April 26, 2010 - 4:35 am
Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD-A GUIDE TO THE BEST IN CINEMA THRILLS by John Howard Reid is a dream come true for movie buffs. If your collection of movies is less than classic or you would like to sample the best thriller flicks of the former century then this book is the place to begin.
Mr. Reid has researched, reviewed and listed over 700 examples of the best in cinema that can be found in the DVD format. The first 218 titles included, feature an extensive review page. He includes the full cast and the parts played by name. The director, screenplay writer, editor, music, sound and producers are listed as well as copyright date, studio, world wide release dates and running times. Each title is summarized with Mr. Reid’s own personal review and other comments. He rates the transfer DVD on a 1 to 10 scale, ten being a superb transfer from film and one being an unwatchable DVD. The remaining 500 films are briefly described.
Most of the titles were released in the 1930’s to 1950’s with several selections from the 60’s and 70’s. You’ll recognise many of the well known classics like Twelve Angry Men or A Kiss Before Dying. However, this book really shines in its ability to bring exposure obscure titles like Attack of Giant Leeches.
What is film noir? Mr. Reid takes a one-hundred page look at Noir, Crime and Mystery with several hundred movies mentioned. Interested in Sherlock Holmes or Raymond Chandler movies? How about the Thin Man series? Mr. Reid designated a full chapter o each of these categories. How about hard-boiled movie tough guys? Mr. Reid takes an in depth look in a chapter called Bogart versus Ladd.
The amount of time and research needed to produce a book this detailed and informative is remarkable. Hundreds of wonderful black and white photos add to the authenticity of the collection. Mr. Reid has over 50 years of writing experience and it shows on every page as his descriptions flow smoothly from point to point without any trite or clichéd passages. All movie buffs should take advantage of this wonderful guide. Flipping through the pages you can’t help making a list of must-sees before running out to the local rental shop. If you enjoyed classic thrillers back in the day and wonder about current DVD availability then you need this book. If you are tired of the CGI filled dribble that Hollywood is passing off as Mystery/Thrillers these days then this is guide is a must read for finding something very different.
Highly Recommended.
[...] (September 27, 2009)
978-0557122233
By William R. Potter for Reader’s Choice Reviews [...]
Rating: 5 / 5
#4 by T. M. Craig on April 26, 2010 - 7:24 am
As I tend to prefer to watch the latest blockbuster coming to my local theater, “Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD” reminded me of the true classics. This guide reminded of when films were true “art” about not about computer enhancements. This book is a great collection of movies even the casual movie lover may know and it also includes the movies that should be known by the general public.
While this book does contain quite a number of films, I had never heard of, it does an excellent job of explaining each film in great detail. Reid lists the cast, director, synopsis and a comment for each film he has listed in this extensive guide. While I am not a true fan of old cinema, there are quite a few films that I will now rent due to reading through this guide.
Rating: 4 / 5
#5 by Reader Views on April 26, 2010 - 7:54 am
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (12/09)
Calling all old movie buffs! This is a great guide for anyone who loves watching old movies. The author does an excellent job capturing not only the great classics, but also some of the more obscure films that should not be missed.
The first part of the book is organized alphabetically by movies. Each movie description is broken down by cast, synopsis, DVD guide and comments. The author is very effective in his movie choices and I was glad to see some of my old favorites like “Rebecca,” “Vertigo” and “Spellbound.” He also was not afraid to discuss the movies that leave a lot to be desired, like “The Woman in Green” where he described the plot as “so full of gaping holes, it makes no sense at all.”
The second part of the book is all about Noir, Crime and Mystery. Reid does an excellent job describing what Noir is and then matches movies to the description. He has many of the old favorites like the “Thin Man” series (which I still watch the entire series on New Year’s Day), “Casablanca” and the “Sherlock Holmes” movies.
I know what I will be doing a lot of in 2010, as I came away with a long list of movies that I absolutely need to rent, like the “Canary Murders” with William Powell and “Gilda” with Rita Hayworth. “Mystery, Suspense, Film Noir and Detective Movies on DVD: A Guide to the Best in Cinema Thrills” byJohn Howard Reid would make and excellent gift for someone who enjoys classic movies, especially those who are new to the mystery, suspense and film noir genre. Unlike his review of the “Women in Green,” this guide book is not full of gaping holes and makes complete sense.
Rating: 4 / 5