This 264-page large format book is extremely heavy on facts but a little light on photos. Including the great full-color photos from "Moulin Rouge" (the 1953 version) and 1950's "Annie Get Your Gun", there are just on 40 illustrations, mostly reproductions of original cinema posters.

DVD movie collectors who are interested in classic Hollywood musicals.

the extended coverage of the 1946 "Ziegfeld Follies". In my opinion, Fred Astaire's dance numbers in this movie are the best he ever did.

the author's nomination of "Maytime" as the best of Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy's pictures. Surely that honor belongs to "Sweethearts"?

buy a whole heap of movie musical DVDs.

glad that these superb entertainments are still available on cable or DVD for everyone to see and enjoy.

is obviously a real expert who know what he's talking about.

it's an essential tool for DVD collectors.

The following review by editor Ross Adams, appeared in a recent issue of "Dress Circle" magazine:

I have just reviewed two of John Howard Reid’s recent publications, "Hollywood Movie Musicals" and "More Movie Musicals". The research that goes into these books is outstanding. Invaluable as they are, film guides such as Maltin’s, Halliwell’s, Ballantyne’s, Blockbuster and Variety are text only and give no visual insight to a film. Reid's books with star photos, stills, and reproductions of posters and newspaper advertisements, show something of the character of a film – essential if one is an avid collector or doing research.

As an aid to the DVD movie collector, John Howard Reid's books are invaluable. Many of us have bought movies, thinking they were well worth the money, only to find a disappointing, second-rate film. Reid gives us all the information we need (as well as his personal opinions) so that we can buy (or not buy!) with confidence.

It's interesting to note that some of our leading film critics and commentators not only recommend but actually use Reid's books, many of which have received rave reviews in front-line newspapers, such as The Times, The Sunday Telegraph, The Courier Mail, The Newcastle Herald, The Bulletin, The Sun, The Mercury, and The Advertiser.

Obviously Reid's passion for his subject is one of total commitment. The books list complete casts and technical credits, songs and musical numbers, prizes and awards, copyright and release dates, running times, title changes, synopses, comments, reviews and essential background information.

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Created Mar 09, 2009 at 5:49am • Submit your own review...