The Films of 20th Century-Fox: A Pictoral History, 50th Anniversary Edition

by Tony Thomas

Book by Tony Thomas, Aubrey Solomon

Genres: Media Tie In

496 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This pictorial history of 20th Century-Fox offers readers an overview of the studio’s film catalog from 1935 through 1979. Listings include producer, director, and photographer as well as screenplay writer(s), choreographers, lyricists, and music composers and directors. Cast lists include only top-billed and supporting cast members; readers desiring a more complete cast listing might want to check out the Internet Movie Database as their cast listings tend to be far more complete and include uncredited performers. A brief summary of the film is also included as are film stills for some of the listings.

Of particular interest is the opening chapter on the studio and the men who ran it as well as a pictorial “through the years” look at the lot itself. Also included is a chronological listing of films from Fox Studios from 1914 through 1934 and an interesting retrospective on Darryl F. Zanuck’s founding of 20th Century Pictures in 1933.

Finding information on a particular actor or actress associated with the studio is particularly problematic as the index is limited to film titles. Another disappointment is the relative dearth of pictures . . . more than half of the listings do not include a corresponding film still.

However, pictures of the studio’s early superstars, such Shirley Temple, John Barrymore, and Rita Cansino [later Rita Hayworth], or stills from films of the early years . . . Victor McLaglen and child actor Freddie Bartholomew in “Professional Soldier” or Barbara Stanwyck, Joel McCrea, and Katherine DeMille in “Banjo on My Knee” . . . are simply delightful.

Film buffs are sure to discover some intriguing tidbits in this history of the studio that reigned as one of the “Big Six” major American film studios for more than eighty-three years.

Recommended, particularly for film buffs, film historians, and researchers.

[TrumanCoyote · Rating 4 out of 5]

One decided drawback to this volume (compared to other Studio Story tomes): it doesn't feature a still from every film. On the plus side, it does have more complete synopses on the entries--and the attitude is more even-handed and less judgmental than the others tend to be (although it's true that their outlook can come off a trifle airheadish and squaresville from time to time).

[Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Of all of the "studio history" books, this one was the weakest. No real good information on the films it listed, no production photos. There should have been more info on the Fox studio and 20th Century Pictures.
I would like to see a book made on the films of the Fox Studio, since no information is readily available.
This book had so much promise and delivered so little. Very disappointing.