The Films of the Thirties

"The old Hollywood I knew is dead. It only exists now in still photographs and a few people's memories." -- Olivia de Havilland The Films of the Thirties covers a truly wide range of films and stars which, while by no means comprehensive, is full of delightful surprises. Rather than simply choose all the films people would know or perhaps fondly remember, author Jerry Vermilye has interspersed these with films of merit not nearly so commonplace to the average movie fan. This has the effect of opening a treasure chest for newer fans of classic films, and brings a smile to the more seasoned film buff's face. How could you not like a book which remembers Nancy Carroll, Helen Chandler, Evelyn Brent, Dorothy Mackaill, Evelyn Venable, and Ann Harding? Yes, you'll get wonderful films such as The Thin Man, Red Dust, The Gay Divorcee, The Awful Truth, Gunga Din and Wuthering Heights. But you'll also get The Silver Horde, Outward Bound, The Story of Temple Drake, Born to Love, The Last Flight, Three Comrades, and scores of others. Each film is represented with several black and white photographs, many quite lovely. The 1930's was a marvelous era for film fans, as the movies began to talk, acquiring more technical sophistication with each passing year. The last year of this decade is widely regarded as the zenith of American film. The eloquence of the silent art form had undergone a metamorphosis into a different art form. This is on full display in this lovely book paying homage to what became in film as well as where it came from. Each year is represented by 10 films, each having cast and credits listed, as well as commentary on the film and the stars represented. Those who love film can never have too many entertaining and informative books about their passion. I would say this book is very informative for new fans of classic films, and great fun for those who get excited seeing Ann Dvorak and Richard Barthelmess, simply because we already know how great they were onscreen. The big names are here too, so no need for worry. The film chosen to represent your favorite star may come as a pleasant surprise, however. If you can find this softcover coffee table size book at a fairly inexpensive price, it is definitely worth it. A fun pick up for fans of this era in film.