"Includes 450 topics (e.g., amnesia, butlers, football, lookalikess) and major series, with a narrative discussion of each and a list of films (selective for subjects, complete for series) by date. Primarily English-language sound films and television movies. No index. A 2nd ed. [THIS] in paperback adds about 100 thematic categories."(Balay, Guide to reference books, 11th ed, 1996)

"Essays by scholars on 18 individual genres (e.g., screwball, comedy, Western, film noir), covering development of the genre, themes, notable films, influential directors and stars, etc., and including bibliographic overview, checklist of readings, and a selected filmography. Index of names and titles."(Balay, Guide to reference books, 11th ed, 1996)