Movies Books

More than you ever wanted to know about the making of the Film Zulu. Superb, but for Aficionados only. Not A History book of the campaign, but it is fascinating to read (in its Unedited Entirety) the Short story which became the source of the Film. Excellent

Do you know all the words to "Men of Harlech"? Do you long to tell some slacker whining about why you got stuck with a dirty job: "Because we're here lad and nobody else. Just us." Do you believe that one of the component parts of a miracle can be, "a bayonet... with some guts behind it"? Well, my lad, then this is the book for you, the book that will tell you everything you ever wanted to know and more about the greatest war movie ever made: Zulu.

This labor of love by Sheldon Hall is chock full of surprises, like the fact that the creative partnership behind it was composed of three flaming leftists: a couple of youthful Communists, John Prebble and Cy Endfield, who avoided the United States during the McCarthy Era, and an unrepentant socialist, Stanley Baker. Contrary to what one might have expected, surprisingly little of their leftist politics showed up on the screen (some of it Sheldon shows ending up on the cutting room floor in what is either dumb luck or good thinking on somebody's part) in a movie that is often condemned today as a tribute to British imperialism. Why? Well, partly it was just a better grasp of reality. They would have realized what contemporary leftists in the film industry are incapable of understanding anymore: that there is more money to be made in celebrating military heroism than in trashing it. But there was something else that IMHO made a world of difference: they had all lived through WWII, and they had all served in the military as well, making it MUCH more difficult for them to despise the common soldier as the subhuman tool of imperialism that modern leftists who have neither served themselves nor faced the realistic prospect of losing their freedom on the battlefield do so easily today.

Mr. Hall's thoroughness is evident throughout. Among other things he exposes Jack Hawkins' famous claim to have walked out on his own premiere to have a serious problem: the scenes he complains about were never in the movie, and then offers a plausible explanation for it. He also devotes a full chapter to the difficulties inherent in making a film on this subject in South Africa during Apartheid. The later prequel Zulu Dawn is also briefly discussed.

Perhaps the most interesting piece of all was Mr. Hall's spirited, and I must say to me quite convincing, defense of the movie against nitpickers looking for historical errors by pointing out that:

1. the subsequent explosion of research on the Anglo-Zulu War, much of it inspired by the movie itself, was rather obviously not available to the filmmakers,
2. some of the nitpicks are hardly settled questions and in any case reflect PREVIOUSLY made stylistic choices: (Should Chard as an Engineer have been depicted in a BLUE coat? In a contemporaneous painting of the battle HE POSED FOR he is shown wearing a red coat.)
3. during volley fire scenes, you can see in the closeups that Michael Caine possesses anachronistic dental work for the period -- I'm forced to agree with the author that, "this is madness!"

I was a bit dubious at first about Mr. Hall's superficially cutesy layout: dividing the book into three parts before, during, and after the film shoot respectively titled: "Preparing for Battle", "Dispatches from the Front", and "Victory and Aftermath", and further subdividing it into chapters titled with quotes from the movie, for example 8. "Fall them in, call the roll" -- Casting the actors and 18. "Volley fire present!" -- Reviews and criticism, but as in the examples cited, I cannot dispute their appropriateness. (I wonder how long it took Mr. Hall to come up with them all?)

Defects? The only one I can think of is an unfair one: I only wish Mr. Hall could have written this a few decades sooner. After forty years so many of the principals are gone, some to the simple ravages of time and many more to the Big C. Fortunately devoted spouses and children, justifiably proud of their lost loved ones' achievements, were able to fill in many of the gaps.

Note: if you want a complete audio recording of the movie's version of "Men of Harlech", which is slightly different from any other, your best choice is the first track on the Best of Ivor Emmanuel, who sang it in the movie as Private Owen. This isn't precisely the musical track heard on the film, but unlike the version heard on the film's audio track, it is complete and in one piece. (A more recently recorded choral version without Ivor Emmanuel is also available: Zulu (1964 Film) (Includes Other John Barry Film Score Selections))

With the market glutted with works supplying overviews of both the whole of filmdom and specific film genres, more and more authors are turning their attention and critical eyes to the study of individual movies. One of the best of these, and a model for future works of this sort, is WITH SOME GUTS BEHIND IT by Sheldon Hall which deals with the making of the film ZULU. To call this work definitive would simply not do it justice. Frankly, it is hard to imagine any area of the creation of this motion picture that Hall has not covered. No nook or cranny has gone unexplored. In addition, it is gloriously illustrated. The absolutest highest marks in all departments. It was a long time in coming but for once the wait was definitely worth it. Bravo!

Of course the real star both in front of the camera and behind it in Sheldon Hall's book, is actor Stanley Baker. Not a household name in America, but one who was certainly a presence in Britain. Enough that is, to personally get this exspensive epic into production. Together with writer-producer-director partner Cy Endfield, they had just as much trouble making the 1964 Paramount release "Zulu", as John Wayne had in filming his version of "The Alamo" four years earlier. Hall is certainly one dedicated "Zulu" movie buff and it shows in his exhaustive research and attention to detail in this book. It's everything you ever wanted to know about the movie and the real event at Rorke's Drift, South Africa in 1879. When a mere 150 soldiers of the British Army, were forced to take on over 4,000 Zulu warriors.

Stanley Baker sadly never achieved international stardom, but a young "pre-Alfie" Michael Caine was introduced to the world in this film -without the cockney accent though. Indeed, this is a good-read, well illustrated with script pages, shooting schedules and set designs etc. I remember myself seeing "Zulu" on it's first release in London, at my local ABC cinema and the place was packed. A schoolboy's dream of an action picture and it was British produced, well American Joseph E. Levine did help to get it financed...

The book Zulu:With Some Guts Behind It is a great book for people who like the movie Zulu. It explains every stage of the film-making, and tells you about the actors and their own carrers. I love the movie Zulu, and I think that the book has, if it is even possible, made it so I enjoy it more! Another great thing about this book, is that it has alot of pictures, so it is not as intimidating if you were just going to start reading, and say to yourself, Wow, thats alot of pages, of alot of words, and letters. And the author breaks it down, so if you just want to read for a short time you can pick the topic you want to read about, and not have to go through the book to find something you are intrested in that is not too long. All and all, it is a fantastic book that you could read over and over.

I have been looking for this book for my grand daughter for about a year. It's not in print anymore so the stores don't carry it. I finally went to Amazon.com, and there it was. Thanks for your help. She was delighted.

Madeline

this book was brand new, my granddaughter loves it as her old book has fallen apart from reading it so much. it arrived in record time, before i even thought "when will that book arrive?"

Walt Disney's 101 Dalmatians

101 Dalmatians is a very good book. Its about 15 puppies that get kidnapped by a cruel Cruella Di Vil. They are tooken to her mansion where there were a lot more dalmatians. They then go through a lot of trouble getting home. I think that any age of kids would like this book. I really like how Pongo and Perdita save there kids. I think that this book teaches kids that if they steal that bad things will happen.

This beautiful book is a full color adaptation from the disney movie of the same name. The illustrations captured my child's attention and made for great story time. Timeless tale of good vs. evil. A great read for any generation!

Well i think that this book was GREAT it takes me back to 4th grade were this would have been my favorite book becaues it as exitment and love.It just was a wounderful story and i see why they make more of theses not alone dose it show right from wronge but it tell you about how the family love the doge weather there where 13 dogs or 101 dogs it was great!

I have several books along these lines, and this is probably one of the easiest to follow. It is a good general overview to the business of acting. The DVD enhances the book as you watch Christina talk with her students about the seven steps; I felt I was right in the class with them. At the end of each step is a brief recap of the key points by Wink Martindale. Thanks to Christina's examples of good and bad photos and resumes, I now know what to do at my next headshot session and I've already redone my resume. I will be taking some classes from The Actor's Edge after I move, and I will definitely be submitting myself to her casting agency!

Co-written by founder and president of "The Acting Edge", one of Hollywood's leading acting schools for 15 years, The 7 Steps To Stardom: How To Become A Working Actor In Movies, TV, And Commercials is an easy-to-use workbook-and-DVD set that gives the practical advice on earning success in the entertainment business. Printed in color with photographs and a number of consumable pages, the workbook covers how to network and find an agent, avoiding scams, taking appropriate headshot photographs, writing an actor's resume, the business side of acting, honing one's acting skills and more. The two-hour DVD is divided into seven lesson segments: You are the Product, Acting Skills, Your Photograph, Your Resume, Your Agent, Your Unions, and Networking. Written in a direct, no-nonsense instructional, The 7 Steps To Stardom is a "must-have" for anyone contemplating or getting started in a profitable career in acting.

This book is really well put-together - easy to use. Some of the tips and suggestions may seem like no-brainers, but there are a lot of little things you may not think of when marketing yourself in the entertainment industry. Resumes, agents, your photo, Ferra-Gilmore breaks it all down and gets you to rack your brain for other attributes you can use. A reference/workbook in one, with a two hour DVD.

Usually, when one is looking for information on what you need to really make it in Hollywood costs a lot of money. This little book with a 2-hour DVD is amazing for what it costs! Sure, the production is a bit cheesy, but the content is amazing.

Now that I have redone my headshot, and worked out my resume, I feel that I am much better prepared to deal with what I will be up against at my next audition.

Thanks Christina!

This book is a very quick read yet its pages contain some very helpful, specific tips to enhance your resume, headshots and acting skills.

I am grateful that Ms. Ferra-Gilmore is willing to share her expersites with up and coming actors.

Gorgeous color reproductions of great movie posters remind you how captivating the appeal of movies has been. Bruce Hershenson's books are a tremendous value, and his efforts to record movie history through poster art represent a real service to movie lovers.

For lovers of film, film history, and specifically, poster art, Bruce Hershenson's series of full-color books is the cream of the crop! And, the quality of printing and photography is superb, with razor sharp images and vibrant colors.

Bruce Herhsensons' series of poster books have become the bible of the poster world. The images captured are of extremely high quality and are a must have for any collector of movie materials. I highly recommend these series of books to anyone who is interested in the subject matter.

This book, along with its companion volume, "Best Pictures Movie Posters" is part of movie poster maven Bruce Hershenson's exhaustive multi-volume series of books highlighting the history and beauty of what much of mainstream America has only in the last ten years begun to recognize. And that is movie posters are a "popular art" form that can stand proudly next to all other styles of art from gothic to modern, from expressionist to impressionist. Great film art borrows from all of these styles and this volume, which focuses only on posters associated with Academy Award winning movies, illustrates innumerable examples. A fine book for any collector (get the hardcover edition if you can, it's harder to find; if Amazon doesn't have it, it's available from Mr. Hershenson directly at mail@brucehershenson.com.

This review can easily apply to any of the books in the Bruce Hershenson edited series of film poster history. Hershenson rightly treats film graphics not just as pop culture artifacts but true works of art. His books are filled with a curator's eye for superior choice and reproduction, each poster in striking color and with a clarity of printing that rivals most any coffee table art book. Somewhere between advertising and illustration, film posters, like book jackets and record covers, inhabit that imaginative and atmospheric zone where one art reflects another. It's not just the history of film or the history of film design, it's a history of twentieth century Saturday afternoons and Saturday nights. How often we would go into the dark theatre armed only with the ideas and ideals of the posters outside, and then return to them afterward, perhaps with nodding affirmation or smirking disillusionment, but still a vision of what could be. This series of books should be subtitiled: THE FINE ART OF ANTICIPATION, for no matter if expectation was filled or emptied by the films behind them, their posters kept on shining.

The intercut of the church & prison was strange yet wonderful. The abolitionists gave Yomba an illustrated Bible and he gave his heart to Jesus[alternate version]. Cinque was the man who subsequently gave his life for his clan...Yomba was the informer who died beside Cinque in remorse. Cinque did what he did because he had to.

Put yourself in the shoes of the victims of slavery. Allow yourself to really, really feel what it would be like to have every aspect of your culture, values, language stripped from you. Imagine having to sit by while someone rapes your wife, mother, 11 year old daughter. Imagine having to eat an animal which you have been taught is poison. Imagine not having freedom to marry and having to watch your baby being driven away in a wagon, never being seen again, because one man has taken it upon himself the right to sell another. Sit there, close your eyes and then you will be brought into a deeper understanding of the people of the Amistad.

MAYA ANGELOU opens this moviebook with truth. The answer to why our story must be retold over and over again. The shocking truth that a black man's skin could be cut into a postage stamp size flap and sold as souvenirs by his racist white murderers. The generational truth that Cinque's remarkable, chilling story lives on beyond the relic flap of that lynching. America today is the reason AMISTAD must live another generation in hopes that we try to do better.

In the palpable words of Debbie Allen, the inhumanity of slavery in America was put on trial. When Joseph Cinque courageously and unselfishly challenged America's Declaration of Independence, its Constitution, its President of the United States, its abolitionists, its Supreme Court, and the Queen of Spain, the entire world watched. The truth about America's slave system was revealed. That truth must continue to be discussed and explored and remembered from one generation to the next. AMISTAD, therefore, should never die on a bookshelf or in history. AMISTAD forces Joseph Cinque's story into eternity. The pictures and quotes in this fine moviebook should continue to shame and inspire all of us today to paint a better existence for all mankind.

Ask a man of extraordinary intellectual power who is equally creative such as Steven Spielberg to define "truth" and he will show you it in living color page after page, clip after clip. You will beg to discover it over and over again because AMISTAD commands that type of loyalty to tell our story repeatedly to our children, black and white. Readers will gain a different perspective on "Give Us Free" each time. You will cry your own script to the young and help keep Cinque's purpose alive to make life better. The truth not only sets us all free, it keeps us free. AMISTAD is indeed truth.

The post list of additional reading resources about Amistad for both the young and the old are an integral part of this masterpiece.

Reviewed by Swaggie Coleman
for The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Just like his film on it, Steven Spielberg's work on this book, "Amistad: 'Give Us Free'", was well-executed. It reminds one of Alex Haley's "Roots". Both stir emotions. Every bit of the story shows how cruel a man can be to his fellow man. And, I disagree with all those who term this true story "a story of illegally enslaved Africans", (Mr Spielberg didn't). We are shying away from the truth, which is that no African, (not even one), was a legal slave. There is nothing that made one slave legal, and the other illegal. There is no legality in slavery. Absolutely! That treacherous and heartless people overpowered, kidnapped, and transported, (in the most inhumane manner), their fellow human beings to America and other places does not, in any way, make those victims of inhumanity "legal slaves". Regardless of all the face-saving tales that those who defiled our lands with the innocent blood, tears, and sweat of millions of Africans will like us to believe, the truth is that not even a single African volunteered to become a slave in any circumstance. They were all forced into it: with no option but death. Those who ripped and enjoyed the bloodied fruits of slavery merely sought cheap excuses in order to justify what they did. But we know that there is nothing legal in kidnapping and subjecting human beings to such a horrible condition.
'La Amistad' tells a soul-eroding story. Cinque and his cohorts are true heroes. They are heroes of freedom, heroes of justice, and heroes of human rights. Songs have been composed about them. Books have been written about them. Films have been made about them. And, history will forever appreciate their gallantry.

"THE BEST!", Its inspiring on one's will to keep himself and other Africans from the early slave trade which destroyed many families in America. Exciting effort to fight in a foreign country without knowing its language or laws. Very forth right in telling truth of American's untold "ugly" slave trade and what slave traders were willing to do just to keep it alive. Amistad's truth about slavery was very emotional, determined to express the will of any free man who's fighting williness to remain a free soul. A Heartfelt story about a lone struggle for Africans coming to America for the first time and having to face the ugliness of slavery, this was not right and should not have happened. All wasn't lost in the end and my true thanks to the many allies: former President - John Q. Adams, Mr(s) Baldwin, Gibbs, and former slave Joadson for their unyeilding efforts to abolish this ugly sore(slavery) which infested deep within America. I truely loved this story, because it was simply "THE BEST!" Also, thanks to Alex Pate and Steven Spielberg and the many others for bring out this ugly hidden part of America's history, I never knew this happened. This could have been me and I cried when I saw the movie. "THE BEST...."

Hunchback of Notre Dame is one of my favorite Disney classics. This book is a must-have for Disney fans and those who loved the film. The pages have rarely seen actual artwork and production stills(pictures of scenes form the movie) and stunning artwork of medeavile Paris. From page to page there are artwork of the characters from the film and details on who animated them and you'll see concept art of the characters, backgrounds and actual storyboards. Some pages fold-out to reveal storyboards from certain scenes.

If you loved the Hunchback of Notre Dame or is a Disney fan, then I would recommend this book to you. You would definitly read this book again and again. The artwork is so stunningly gorgeous that you just can't look at it without your jaw dropping.

This book can be compared to others such as "The Art of The Lion King" or "Prince of Egypt: New Vision in Animation," which are both great to own. Even if you're not a fan of the movie, this book still overflows with beautiful artwork: concept sketches, background paintings (which are my personal favorite), production stills, and many other treats. It also talks a bit about the making of the film, including the animation department's trip to Paris.
Of course, this book is a must-have for Disney fans, but for those interested in animation in general, this is definetely worth getting.

im actually 14 but still lol x
This film is yes for kids but has a whole different story under the main one , its about what makes a monster and what makes a man. That yes one may look like a man but inside hes the monster where as quasi is a true man inside.

The focus of this book was certainly ART, as it provides stunning pictures of Mideval Paris from historical archive that Disney artists meticulously researched before finalizing the background scenery. We also get a glimpse of the profiling of the psychology of each character, and their interaction that drives the story. However, at this price, I wish that they had CD-ROM version that catered to the sophisticated fans of animation art who are very interested in all of the gory technical details.

Like Rebello's previous "Art of" books (Lion King and Pocahontas), this one is a joy to look at, but it's missing one thing. I wish it had more about the characters' voices. Often the actor or actress who voices a character influences the visual development of that character. The animator may model the character after the actor, or he or she may take one particular gesture from the actor and incorporate it into the character (like Belle - she kept brushing that lock of hair away from her face because her voice, Paige O'Hara, did the same thing). So including some information about the voices behind the characters would provide even more insight for those of us clamoring to know about how an animated film is made. But even with this one flaw, the book is gorgeous, especially the production stills of the interior of Notre Dame. And the concept art is great - sometimes it's wildly different from what actually shows up on screen, so you get a look at the evolution process. Oh - don't skip the index. The illustrations of how animators let off steam are hysterical! My favorite - "Quasi and Harriet". So, if you're a fan of Disney animation, get this!

THE BOOK DESIGN AND CLASSY JACKET ALONE ARE WORTH THE MONEY. LOVED THE MOVIE. THE ONLY PROBLEM THAT I HAVE IS THAT THEY DON'T PUT ENOUGH COHERENT STORYBOARDS INTO THE CONTENT. ALSO, THE NIGHTCRAWLER'S MOCK-UP CIRCUS POSTER DON'T REALLY GIVE ANY ADDITIONAL VALUE OVER THE BOOK'S GENERAL CONTENT.

My first impression was WOW! This book captures the essence of the movie. It's great to see the story boards it just makes you remember every scene of this excellent movie. It's obvious all the crew involved in X2 cared a lot about details and art and this book crowns it. The addition of the movie script is great, i think we fans love to read the original script to see what scenes didnt make it to the final and wonder what they looked like (if they add them in the DVD it would be fantastic). The quality of this book is absolutely great. Beautiful pictures in every page you turn. A must to every X2 fan.

Being new to the world of the X-men, this book has everything to offer for the die hard fan. The Beautiful black hardcover (not to mention its wonderful slipcover with the entire cast on front) is amazing! The book is filled with illistrations, costume drawings, stroyboards, idea drawings of the proposed danger room, characther bios, and the best part...the complete movie script of X2! Well worth buying. I would suggest any fan to buy to add to his/her collection.

An astounding companion to the film, this book should be on every X-fan's wish list, and probably on that of anyone interested in how a real two-hour block of entertainment is made. There is real heart in this film--it stands out from most summer blockbusters as a simple, non-preachy statement on tolerance, gorgeously wrapped up in the craftsmanship of thousands of film artists, performers, computer graphic artists, and editors. It's a work of art, a rollicking ride, and this book is a terrific tide-me-over for anyone yearning to own the film on DVD in the future.

If you are looking for concept art, production stills and behind the scenes photography, this is the book.

The book goes in chronological order, for the most part, and shows the concept drawings and paintings, the storyboard sketches (and text), and places them next to finished photography of the sets and characters, which gives you a great idea of how the concepts are turned into reality.

It takes you into character development for all of the major characters, with concept art to final film stills. The characters covered are: Nightcrawler (with a great full page poster of "the amazing nightcrawler"), Charles Xavier, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Cyclops, Rogue, Storm, Pyro, Magneto, Mystique, Mutant 143, and Lady Deathstrike. Most characters have only 2 pages each, but Nightcrawler, Mystique, Wolverine, Mutant 143, and Lady Deathstrike have multiple pages which show sketches and final photography.

The locations/sets covered in the book are: the White House, X-Mansion, Cerebro, Plastic Prison, X-Jet, Alkali Lake, and Stryker's Base.

This book is 100% filled with great content: drawings, photos, and storyboards, along with a section on the special effects. I wish it were twice as big, but everything in the book is awesome.

Over the years, "The Twilight Zone" has grabbed us by the imaginations and refused to let go. It has given us things to think about, it has given us a good chuckle or two, and it's also given us nightmares.
But what made "The Twilight Zone" what it is today? Two things: Rod Serling and his stories. Rod Serling weaved incredible tales of value disguised with Martians, robots, and other fantastic things. Many believe him to be one of the best writers of the twentieth century, and this book is proof.
"As Timeless as Infinity: The Complete Twilight Zone Scripts of Rod Serling, Vol. One" is a magnificent book that contains exactly what the title says. Rod Serling's "Twilight Zone" scripts. "Yeah, that's really cool," you may think. But consider this. It's not re-typed or anything like "Richard Matheson's The Twilight Zone Scripts" or "The Twilight Zone Scripts of Earl Hamner" (also edited by Tony Albarella). Instead, this gigantic book contains Rod's actual type-written scripts, some even including hand-written notations from the creator of "The Twilight Zone" himself. Each script has been preserved quite nicely over the years (they're each a little over 40-years-old) and each has a wonderfully-written commentary by Tony Albarella, who dives into the technical aspects of the episode and even interviews some of the cast and crew. The book is even signed by Carol Serling, who has provided magazines and text books with Rod's scripts over the years. It also has some nice words from Richard Matheson and Rockne S. O'Bannon.
Scripts included in this volume are:
"The Time Element" - The hour-long unofficial pilot for the series.
"Where Is Everybody?" - The official pilot.
"Third From the Sun" - Based on a short story by Richard Matheson.
"The Purple Testament"
"The Big, Tall Wish"
"Eye of the Beholder"
"A Most Unusual Camera"
"A Most Unusual Camera" - Alternate version with different ending.
"The Mind and the Matter"
"The Dummy" - Based on an unpublished story by Leon Polk.
I thought it was the perfect "Twilight Zone" book, and even that is an understatement. We can all thank Mr. Albarella for doing the marvelous task of bringing Mr. Serling's unnaturally amazing scripts to the public. We can also thank Carol Serling for entrusting Mr. Albarella with such an unimaginable responsibility.
I found myself glued to this book. Rod's scripts are all incredible and each one is written so well. Rod truly was a master story-teller, there's no doubt about that. A truly fantastic book.
I give it 90 out of 10 stars.

MM

Rod Serling was so great as host of The Twilight Zone that it's easy to forget that he was also a writer of immense talent. His stories strike a reader with almost as much force as they do those who view them in televised form. Usually lacking the hamstringing luxury of excessive time in which to unfold a tale, Serling made use of economy and compacted irony and intelligence into his writing as virtually no other individual throughout literary history ever has before. This anthology is a fine presentation of some of this master's most extraordinary works.

Rod Serling rode the leading edge of culture in his era. His work still resonates today, forty-five years after the debut of his masterwork. That masterwork has been on the air continuously ever since.

Serling's passionate commitment to equality and justice--and especially his willingness to fight The Powers of the Day for these beliefs--anticipated the social turmoil and progress of the Sixties. His use of fantasy to illustrate relevant points about the real world, transformed drama.

That's one hell of a legacy to document, but "As Timeless as Infinity: The Twilight Zone Scripts of Rod Serling" is up to the task. Its finest touch may be presenting the master's work in its original hand-typed and pencil-edited form. The script pages are as blurry and old-fashioned looking as the black-and-white episodes of Twilight Zone. And Serling's brilliance shines through this time-frozen fog as clearly on the page as it does on the screen.

The scripts are the core of this book, but they have elegant support: touching tributes, heart-felt appreciations, and sublime treats such as original clippings of ads and reviews and telegrams and contracts. And of course production photos. There is something for everyone in this volume, the first of a projected ten. These additional pages lend an unusual authenticity to the book; they frame the time that surrounded yet could not restrain The Twilight Zone.

Perhaps the finest aspect of this book that is external to Serling's work is the editor's commentary which follows each script. Tony Albarella is a lifelong fan and affianado of The Twilight Zone. He offers the same thoughtful analysis that he gave to Earl Hamner's Twilight Zone scripts in an earlier book, and so much more. You are treated to production notes, snippets from interviews, historical background, philosophical comment.

I found myself entranced by the tale of how the projectionst for "Where is Everybody?" got so wrapped up in the story that he left CBS President William Paley sitting in the dark between reel 2 and reel 3 of the audition screening. And my mouth dropped open at the real-life twist regarding Cliff Robertson's brush with death before production of "The Dummy."

You want the details? Buy the book. There's a treasure on every page.

Ever since the release of "The Twilight Zone Companion" by Marc Scott Zicree twenty-two years ago, followers of THE TWILIGHT ZONE and Rod Serling have awaited the possible release of a second opinion, if you will. Zicree's comprehensive volume covers the series in depth, and everyone who calls themself a fan of THE TWILIGHT ZONE has a copy of this book. "The Companion" has been criticized for its brevity and lack of thorough coverage of many episodes, possibly due to publisher requests that the book serve as a casual episode guide.

Other attempts have been made in recent years to expand upon what "The Companion" did. Most recently and notoriously, the horridly-written and overpriced volume by Presnell and McGee (1998) and several other books on the series that have included episode guides with commentary. 2001 and 2002 marked the release of Richard Matheson's TWILIGHT ZONE SCRIPTS, and in 2003 Earl Hamner's eight scripts were released. The scripts of Charles Beaumont are also scheduled for publication (edited by Roger Anker, to be published by Gauntlet Press), the three TWILIGHT ZONE scripts written by Jerry Sohl (edited by Chris Conlon, to be published by Bear Manor Media), as is a collection of eight scripts written by non-mainstream writers compiled by Andrew Szym (to be published by Bear Manor Media). The eight ZONE scripts and stories written by George Clayton Johnson were released a number of years ago, in 1976.

Tony Albarella undertook the project of introducing all ninety-two scripts written by Rod Serling. Having gotten a warm-up on the art of commentary writing as editor of Hamner's TWILIGHT ZONE SCRIPTS (Cumberland House, 2003), Albarella's commentaries here are excellent. Although not cast as an episode guide, this looks to be the finest analysis of TWILIGHT ZONE episodes to date. After audiences have taken Zicree's words as 'the last words on TWILIGHT ZONE' for many years, Tony Albarella gives a particularly insightful look at each episode. He has taken the time to interview many actors who appeared in/starred in each segment. His analysis of the episode "The Big Tall Wish" (the only TWILIGHT ZONE episode to star black actors) is particularly impressive; this episode is largely downgraded in fan circles for its problematic and flawed plotline, but here receives a thorough explanation for why it succeeds.

Included in each volume are the original, unedited, typewritten copies of Serling's scripts, sometimes with handwritten annotation. Bonus items include a photo gallery with production and publicity stills, and short but touching tributes to Serling and the series by actors. Also included are nice essay appreciations by well-known TV and sci-fi writers.

After years of being bottled up and not readily available, this series of script books surely looks to be one of the finest of TV script collections available.

For those interested in the particulars, the following press release (courtesy publisher Gauntlet Press - www.gauntletpress.com)lists the details of this series as a whole and volume one in particular:

Gauntlet Press is thrilled to announce we will be publishing all 92 of Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone scripts, authorized by his wife Carol Serling. This will take the form of a 10 volume signed, limited edition set entitled AS TIMELESS AS INFINITY: THE COMPLETE TWILIGHT ZONE SCRIPTS OF ROD SERLING.

Except for The Twilight Zone Magazine and a few textbooks, this is the first time that Carol Serling has authorized (and will take an active role in) the publication of these scripts. Each volume is limited to a run of 750 copies. Each copy is hand-signed by Carol Serling and hand-numbered. The books are edited by Tony Albarella, one of the Board of Directors for the Rod Serling Memorial Foundation and the co-author of THE TWILIGHT ZONE SCRIPTS OF EARL HAMNER.

AS TIMELESS AS INFINITY will offer a unique and definitive look at Rod Serling's landmark The Twilight Zone teleplays. The classic scripts will be reprinted directly from Serling's personal collection, currently housed in the Special Collections Archive at Ithaca College. As editor, Albarella worked closely with Carol Serling to bring out material that has never before been made available to the public.

The scripts will appear in their original format and will not be typeset or altered in any way. In many cases this includes Rod's handwritten changes or notations. The Ithaca material also includes some revisions and earlier script drafts that differ, to varying degrees, from the final shooting scripts. Variant details will be included where appropriate to document the creative process and track the evolution of the stories.

A commentary will accompany each rare script; in many cases this will include interview material with cast, crew and select comments from Serling himself. In addition, many of Rod's friends and colleagues will pay tribute to the man and his work. Included will be appreciations from contemporaries that worked with Serling as well as current talents that were inspired by him. Participating in volume one will be legendary author Richard Matheson and Rockne S. O'Bannon (creator of the television series Alien Nation, Sea Quest DSV, and Farscape, as well as a principal writer for the 1980s revival of The Twilight Zone).

Preparation for this ambitious collection began in early 2002. Since then, scores of exclusive interviews have been conducted and the gathering of unique material is an on-going process. A few surprises will be offered along the way, including examples of Serling's personal correspondence, vintage communications from CBS, rare production photos and much more.

Rod Serling was a true visionary - one of the pioneers of early television - and The Twilight Zone showcased some of his finest creations. AS TIMELESS AS INFINITY will present these ageless tales in a tribute worthy of Serling's legacy.

The list of scripts to appear in Volume One is as follows:

1) "The Time Element"
This hour-long was not an official Twilight Zone, but the widely accepted unofficial pilot. A Desilu Playhouse production from 1958 about time travel, it recieved surprisingly good ratings and that's what encouraged CBS to consider Serling's "sci-fi/fantasy" proposal. This show is seldom seen and has never been offered in print in any form.

2) "Where is Everybody?"
(the official pilot)

3) "Eye of the Beholder"

4) "Third from the Sun"

5) "The Purple Testament"

6) "The Big, Tall Wish"

7) "A Most Unusual Camera."
Two versions of this script are included with the book - one that is the "final shooting script" and one that is a complete, alternate version that varies from the other in several respects.

8) "The Mind and the Matter"

9) "The Dummy"

Volume One is 488 pages in length.

Wow! The Avant-Garde Finds Andy Hardy is the best book on film that has ever been published. Ray's use of Andy Hardy is a perfect vehicle for understanding film in general. This book's scholarship is deep without being obscure or boring in any way. Ray's clear writing allows even the most novice reader to understand his most profound ideas. Yet, serious cinema afficadadios still have a great deal to learn from this master. Ladies and Gentlemen, Harvard publishes this book for a reason. The Avant-Garde Finds Andy Hardy is film study at its best.

I HAVE taken Mr. Ray's courses, and this book is an excellent introduction to his methods and viewpoints. Mr. Ray's ideas are the sort that should change film thought for the better.

Though this text is certainly an excellent attempt at rethinking the problems in which film studies has become trapped, it is also a useful model for new approaches within the wider disciplines of English and cultural studies. Top notch and very readable!!

I am a film student from Australia and Ray's book 'A Certain Tendency of the Hollywood Film' was one of the best texts I have read on American cinema. I haven't read this, his more recent book yet but want to deperately. I live in Japan and would like to know its availablity.

i attend the institution where ray teaches, while i have not taken any of his classes, i have read this book and i must say it is by far the most enjoyable "theory" book i have ever read. ray uses andy hardy movies as a base for discourse on both the "meaning" and value of film studies, as well as links current theorists (derrida,barthes, etc.) within the avant-garde of surrealism. a great intro to film theory, narrative analysis, or for anyone interested in ways of teaching courses outside of tradtitonal cirriculum. abc....method included arp...........arp...........arp!!!!!!!!

Twelve O'Clock High! is the story of the 8th U.S. Army Air Force in England during World War II. Written by authors Beirne Lay and Sy Bartlett, both original staff officers of the 8th Air Force, this novel draws heavily from actual experiences of airmen in battle and their commanders on the ground. This is "must reading" for any serious aviation enthusiast or historian, as the book weaves a spell-binding and realistic tale of drama, action, and human suffering. A chronicle of patriotism, Twleve O'Clock High! is the novel of America's "Gettysburg in the Sky."

I have read this book two to three times a year since 1968, and just finished it again. The one copy I have had over the years has fallen apart, and the book is rubber banded together.

This title should be required reading in Jr Hi to teach children what americans have been through to become the people we are today,as will as to salute this "Greatest Generation". The characters are three dimentional, and touch you like no others will again. When I read this book, it is like sitting down and visiting with an old friend. I will never get tired of this tale. This story is one that will live forever in your heart.

Twelve O'Clock High is, of course, one of the best works of fiction about the air war in Europe ever to be published. But that is not why it's still required reading at America's service academies. The book is a fascinating study in the psychology of command and commanders. It explores the satisfaction of command - taking a dispirited air group and turning it around to become the point of the 8th Air Force's aerial spear, and changing a group of crybabies into a disciplined, proud unit. It also shows the price in human lives and mental anguish inflicted upon a commanding officer who must, time and again, order his men into battle with the certain knowledge that some of them won't be coming back. It further offers hints on how a commanding officer can deal with the stress he must needs inflict upon himself, and shows clearly the fine line a leader walks between familiarity and emotional disassociation. In some ways the book is almost a roman a clef, particularly in the characters of Savage, Bishop and McIlhenney, with the action itself a composite of various air actions, including the notorious "Black Thursday" raid of October,1943 on the Schweinfurt ball bearing works. But for all that, it's still a compelling read for all who are interested in what makes miltary leaders tick. This book cannot be recommended too highly, and it is so superior to the movie that there is no comparison. I rate it as a "must-read."

Lt.Col.Beirne Lay, Jr. USAAF flew B-17 combat missions in the European Theatre in World War II. He created the 918th Bomb Group by putting together his unit the 91st Bomb Group and the 8th Air Force. Brig. Gen. Frank Savage was based on the real Brig. Gen. Frank Armstrong. After World War II Lay and writer Sy Barlett wrote the novel and the 1949 Screen Play 12'O CLOCK HIGH. This book is excellent.

Lt.Col.Beirne Lay, Jr. USAAF flew B-17 combat missions in the European Theatre in World War II. He created the 918th Bomb Group by putting together his unit the 91st Bomb Group and the 8th Air Force. Brig. Gen. Frank Savage was based on the real Brig. Gen. Frank Armstrong. After World War II Lay and writer Sy Barlett wrote the novel and the 1949 Screen Play 12'O CLOCK HIGH. This book is excellent.