Hollywood Picks the Classics: A Guide for the Beginner and the Aficionado

by Afton Fraser

Afton Fraser, a classic film aficionado, is constantly asked for her suggestions on which movies to see, which inspired her to create this lively guide. HOLLYWOOD PICKS THE CLASSICS focuses on the movies of the Golden Age - 1930 to 1960 - breaks down the movies into categories such as Film Noir and Romance, and gives the must-sees in each category. Also included is a 'yearbook' of the stars and directors from the movies described, and their top movies...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0821261908
• ISBN13: 9780821261903
• Release Date: November 2004
• Publisher: Bulfinch Press
• Length: 239 Pages
• Weight: 2.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 8.0" x 10.2"

Customer Reviews

Eye Candy for the Cinema Buff!

Here is a well-rounded, nicely illustrated guide to classic Hollywood flicks from the '30s to the 1960s. In terms of coverage, there aren't many surprises; all the "usual suspects" are here but as an introduction to some ageless films, it's a nice piece of work. Author Afton Fraser divides the films into various chapters: Must See, Drama, Suspense, Film Noir, Good Guys & Bad Guys, Comedy, Screen Teams and so on. Each film typically gets two pages of coverage, a mixture of text and four-six photos. Aside from a short plot summary, brief production notes, information on the stars and tidbits on the movie are given. Each section is preceded by a one-two page summary on why Fraser picked the films found in that section. The book is sub-titled 'A Guide for the Beginner and the Afficionado.' I think it would be most useful for those people wanting to learn about America's rich cinematic history. Recommended.

A Great Book!

This book is amazing! This book is written by Brendan Fraser's (The Mummy) wife. This book has 15 chapters. Some of the chapters are Must See, Drama, Suspense, Comedy, Romance, Tearjerkers, One of a Kind, Musicals, Westerns, and Screenteams. Also on each new chapter she has on the side of the page a list of movie stars' picks of classics. It's their must-see list! This book even has a preface by the "Million Dollar Mermaid" herself, Esther Williams. The book includes a lot of never before seen photos. Another great thing about this book is on each movie, Mrs. Fraser includes info on Oscar awards, gossip, info on the leading stars, quotes, and info on screen teams (it shows info on what other movies the stars did together). This book is great for beginners who want to see old movies or just great as a gift for that special movie lover. Afton Fraser did a great job on this book and I hope she does another one! If you love old movies buy this book!

Hollywood Picks the Classics

This is a book for everyone, for those that grew up with the Film Noir and those that would like to discover anew the B & W film era. The photos are beautiful and the information about each film intriguing. I recommend it highly, I will give several as Christmas presents to relatives this year.

Great Catalogue

This is the best list of "must see" films that I have ever seen. It is written by a movie star's wife, who knows many of the old stars, and provides their favorites lists.