The Film Encyclopedia: The Most Comprehensive Encyclopedia of World Cinema in a Single Volume

by Ephraim Katz

“The best movie reference book, hands down” ( Newsweek ) is now available in a deftly revised and meticulously updated seventh edition. Ephraim Katz’s celebrated and comprehensive cinema Bible, The Film Encyclopedia , has been lovingly expanded to include new, thorough coverage of independent films, the artistic and technical aspects of filmmaking, and the trends that lie close to the heart of today’s movie buff. Cinephiles will delight in new entries ranging from Sophia Coppola and Wes Anderson to The Lord of the Rings and Captain America . Built upon a foundation which inspired Katherine Hepburn to comment, “Wow! What a book!,” The Film Encyclopedia 7e is an indispensable addition to any movie fan’s home library.

Genres: Film, Reference, Nonfiction, Media Tie In, History, Art

1542 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Carmen]

I bought this for fifty cents as a kid and it is likely to blame for my movie madness. I constantly had my nose in this book, looking up directors, actor bios and production notes. A great film reference book made somewhat obsolete by the internet, although not completely since many people may prefer the clear-cut presentation and accessibility of the print format. A sentimental fave as it fed my adolescent movie mania, along with Roger Ebert's book of movie reviews that I was also able to pick up for fifty cents thanks to the local public library. Both books informed my eager and developing interest in the art of movie making, and I would highly recommend either to any budding film lover.

[Steve]

I've also had an earlier edition of this and have so far been able to restrain myself from buying each new version as it becomes available. Of course, much of this information can be found online where it
may be constantly updated. The actual book is better for browsing, though.

It isn't as goofily idiosyncratic as the Leslie Halliwell film books or the David Thompson Biographical Dictionaries but it has more pure information than those. I refer to my (somewhat outdated) copy of the sixth edition frequently and usually find what I'm looking for.

[Evan]

It's massive, yet has massive gaps. I've always had issues with this guide, but admired that it was compiled by one person, thus it had at least a certain critical "auteur" imprimatur. And it IS an excellent reference, but not the only one to have around. I also came into an earlier (1982) edition; with slightly less info. A lot of the deficiencies of the early editions were corrected in this later one. So, now I have two.

[Andy Hickman]

I loved this book. Super reference guide.
e.g.
The PAIN of FAME, Marilyn Monroe
"People expect to find me one of two things, either a tart or a dumb blonde. I'm neither. The fact is that I'm lonely-- in spite of the fastest ride to popularity that any girl ever had. Too much publicity makes you lonely. Suddenly you see people speaking to you & being nice to you. But they never did before, & you feel it's happening only because you're now a personality. And with me, I know, it would have meant a lot more to have had a few words of encouragement before-- when I really needed them."
"It stirs up envy, fame does. People you run into feel that, well, who is she who does she think she is, Marilyn Monroe? They feel fame gives them some kind of privilege to walk up to you and say anything to you, you know, of any kind of nature and it won't hurt your feelings. Like it's happening to your clothing." -

[Bernie4444]

Need Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide?

This film encyclopedia is great for looking up people. I keep it next to the TV. When "The Deadly Mantis" (1957) came on I looked up William Alland. I knew he also produced "It Came from Outer Space" (1953). What I did not know was that he was a stage manager for Orson Welles's Mercury Theater.

This book is like "Connections." You can follow the producers and actors.

What you cannot do is follow the films. The title of this book is misleading It should be "The Actor and Producer Encyclopedia." You still need Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide to find the person to look up in this book. Sorry for the four stars but there is not even an index.

[Vincenzo Ridente]

The ultimate film encyclopedia for the ultimate film everything you want to know is here at your fingers the stars,the director's,producers film terms and anything else concerning the film industry I am proud of owning this book and it's a good collection for the film fan

[James S.]

This book represents a colossal amount of work, but unfortunately I didn't find it terribly useful, chiefly because Katz chose to approach the subject of cinema through a biographical lens. There is very little in here about any individual movies, strangely enough. But if you want to read a biography of a second-unit cameraman who worked on Broadway adaptations in the 1940s, this is the encyclopedia for you.

[Susan]

Most of this is now in Wikipedia. A lot of this is out of date or wrong. The information is poor.

[J-Sin]

I read this book (it's a monster) when I was 17 and it remains one of my favorite books. In fact, I still have it tucked away in storage and wouldn't sell it even if I was offered a hundred bucks. Okay, that's a lie. I'd sell it for twenty-five bucks and go buy a newer edition and the buyer would be stuck with a 17 year-old book covered in dust.

[John]

In the market for my third copy (my brother's cat tookout the other two). Indespensible resource for film lovers.

[Kristen]

The 1979, may be out of date, but it's still great.

[Sean W.]

Not as good as I expected, but I was expecting everything. This is a very convenient reference book.

[Dave Haskins]

Films

[James]

An excellent resource for anyone interested in the movies. Second to none.