The Holt Foreign Film Guide - Hardcover

The A-Z, short-entry format is similar to Leslie Halliwell's justly famous Halliwell's Film Guide ( the sixth edition of which was released in March), providing release date, running time and other technical details, production and cast credits, a brief plot summary with critical commentary, and awards won. Since this work was originally published in Britain under the title Bloomsbury Foreign Film Guide in 1988, the films are listed under their British release title, an inconvenience for American readers which is ameliorated by comprehensive cross-references from the U.S. title as well as the original foreign-language title and variants. Expected classics from Italy, France, Germany, and the U.S.S.R. are included, but there is also a rich sampling of titles from India, Japan, Poland, etc. The annotations are especially good, showing considerable cinematic erudition while maintaining an accessible, entertaining style. No illustrations, and no information on home videos, but still a worthy complement to Halliwell, whose foreign film coverage is skimpy.
- Richard W. Grefrath, Univ. of Nevada Lib., Reno
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

YA-- An invaluable text, from A to Z, in reviewing, rehashing, and remembering foreign films. The film legends are here, but also included are those films which were not released to even small art cinemas. Sadly lacking is an index by which to cross-reference, and therefore one must browse. Major figures (director, screenwriter, cinematographer, composer, and principal actors) are included. A brief synoptic review gives some idea of the film, and happily, other connected works are often mentioned, which is a great help for aspiring cineastes. The book would be valuable where films are studied as art or literature; it is also interesting to read.
- George F. Hawkins, Episcopal High School, Bellaire, Tex.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.