Turner Classic Movies Presents Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide: From the Silent Era Through 1965: Third Edition

Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide - 2015 - will be the last, we are told. That's one reason to consider buying this Turner Classic Movies Presents Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide: From the Silent Era Through 1965 (third edition). Other reasons: the farther back in time one goes before the early Sixties, the less likely a movie is to be found in his (regular, and final) 2015 guide. Even in the Fifties, it's catch-as-catch can on the older movies. For example, DADDY LONG LEGS (1955), a Twentieth Century-Fox musical starring Fred Astaire and Leslie Caron, is included; but THE OPPOSITE SEX (1956), an MGM musical remake of THE WOMEN (1940), is not. Frustrating!Although the Classic Movie Guide is not cheap, it's welcome relief to know that most movies people might want to learn about pre-1966 are likely to be in this book, with no editorial decisions about which movies made the cut. And, in fact, the Third Edition (here) is more complete than earlier editions. Those used to the "regular" Maltin guide will already understand how this one works: the literal, letter-by-letter alphabetization system, the rationale behind the star-counts awarded. No, this book isn't cheap, but it is worthy, and holds information on precisely those films whose information might be sketchy or nonexistent in online sources.

If you like "classic" (i.e. movies from the silent era through 1965 regardless of quality!) movies, this is the book to buy. I hear that this is the final edition on paper. Future editions, if any, will be digital. Me? I love the feel of a book in my hand, and find it easier to pick it up and search for the movie review in question. Leonard Maltin is the editor, though the reviews are from his team. Mostly they are spot-on, and there is an appendix with a filmography of the biggest names in acting and directing (though oddly Dana Andrews is missing from the list!). I have a later Maltin "Movie Guide," and though there is crossover, many of the less-than-stellar movies of the pre-1966 era are missing, to make room for new releases. This Classic Movie Guide makes up for that. A must-purchase for the "classic" (old) movie lover!

I am thrilled to have this book. There are so many movies in here that had not even been listed in the older copies of Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide (until about the 2000, before films had to be removed for space reasons). The one recommendation I would make is that a movie guide be created that includes TV movies, as the older LMMG's used to include. There is no printed guide (other than Videohound, which still lists some of them) that includes these anymore, and since many of these films are available in digital format, a guide would be a great addition.

In the trusted Leonard Maltin tradition, this third edition of Classic Movie Guide is a priceless film reference book. More than just capsule reviews and * to **** ratings but an invaluable and entertaining collection of movie lore.I've never missed an edition of Leonard's movie guides, ever since the first was published in the mid-sixties, when such information was scant and this book was a godsend for the movie buff. It has yet to be and equalled for accuracy and dependability. Even today, with so much info available in various outlets, this book is essential for concise, comprehensive and no nonsense reviews.Some 10,000 films are covered from the silent era through to 1965 and with so many rare and obscure films from this period becoming more and more available to collectors, especially in the pre and early talkie era, this guide has become even more important and valuable.I may be old fashioned but I much prefer to consult this fountain of knowledge for reliable and correct information than rely on other outlets such as the internet which suffers from dubious facts and not overly trustworthy reviews. And this easy to read, perfectly designed book, one reference search leads to hours and hours of discovering so much more.A credit to Leonard and his expert team of long serving, film loving contributors.

I have relied on Leonard Maltin's Movie Guides for many years; I love the fact that this edition is larger than the standard paperback and the print is easier to read. I am sorry to hear that there evidently will be no more print editions. We have worn out every copy we have. Although I use a smartphone, I prefer to have the paper guide handy and would purchase it every year or so if it was available (in other words, online reviews do not substitute for this wonderful gem!). Thank you so much for printing this...we will try to make it last!

Highly respected film critic and historian Leonard Maltin, who has been working as a critic since the late 1960’s, brings us the latest edition of his classic movie guide that comprehensively lists many of the silent era and classic era films as if Maltin is making sure that he leaves no stone unturned. It’s informative and detailed on factual matters. The capsule reviews summarise the story and his opinion of the film, but I found the reviews lacked colourful detail such as exploring theme and other interesting points that one could make. Pretty straightforward, but as always, a reliable opinion nevertheless, which I go to for an opinion on a film or compare my own view with Maltin’s.

I've long been a fan of the Leonard Maltin books. This narrows the time period, making a very nice size to keep near the TV. Sometimes I read a review before watching, if I'm in doubt about whether a movie is worth investing time; other times I read after watching. With the large number of rediscovered gems, but the limits we have on our time (and DVR space!), this book is a helpful treasure. Entertaining too!

An indispensable review guide to anyone who loves movies that were made more than 50 years ago.

Necessary to checkthe films not included in Leonard Maltins 2015 Movie Guide. A 'Must have'.

A brilliant book for fans of vintage cinema. Leonard Malting is a legend!

Only films made up to 1965 make it into this movie bible. No modern dreck allowed!! Of course, not all films of this vintage are good but, unlike today, there are a lot more good ones than bad. Of course, the best thing about this book is discovering films that you didn't know existed, or ones that were considered lost but are now available once again.Happy hunting!!!

If you've liked Leonard Maltin's reviews in the past, this volume is a must-have - all his movie reviews through 1965. Maltin has now retired, so who knows how long this edition will remain available.