MacMillan International Film Encyclopedia

When I reviewed the second, 1994 edition of The Film Encyclopedia, I called it the basic reference guide to international cinema. Most film encyclopedias are hybrid works, compromised by an editorial staff that must make compromises to satisfy competing sensibilities. The Film Encyclopedia was written by a single individual, editor Ephraim Katz, and his personality and charm, his vast knowledge and love of cinema shone through every entry. Alas, Katz died in the early nineties, but this third edition, which retains most of his original prose, remains true to his vision. It thus holds on to its exalted place in the vast universe of movie reference guides, even as its new editors have updated the relevant entries through the end of 1997. Well-written, user-friendly, and bursting with essential data, famous stories, and terrific trivia, this book is the most intelligent and accessible film companion available, a must for every movie lover. Its chief assets are its in-depth entries on actors, directors, writers, cinematographers, composers, and editors, which come complete with date and place of birth as well as an extensive filmography. You can also read the cinematic history of every major film-producing country; look up technical terms like "boom," "dolly," and "Steadicam"; and find the meaning of those illusive phrases that appear so often in movie credits, assignations like "gaffer," "key grip," and "best boy." Whatever the extent of your movie kno