Richard Barrios is one of the premier film historians of our time. He has written three previous film-history books, all of which are superb.
This one,
Turner Classic Movies: Must-See Musicals: 50 Show-Stopping Movies We Can't Forget
, is his most accessible for general readers and for those whose interest in this type of film has been piqued by LA LA LAND.
In addition to the superb writing in it, the book is lavish and full of pictures. The quality of those pictures, both the color and the black-and-white ones, is also superb. The paper, binding, and print are all absolutely first-class too. It is a genuine pleasure to hold and read this book.
Many years ago, movies were the primary form of entertainment for most people. One could see - but not hear - their favorite actors and actresses.
Radio made inroads to audiences because it was "free" entertainment and could be had in the home. However, while one could hear their favorite personalities on the radio, one could not see them.
When sound films were introduced, everything was linked, as it were, and audiences were treated by the experience of seeing and hearing their favorites.
So-called "silent" films had used just about every type of plot and genre one could imagine EXCEPT for musicals. It is true that some operas were filmed as silent movies and many silent movies had some elaborate scores written especially for them, though these were generally played only in the larger cities.
"Sound" films offered movies the chance to sing and dance and, even in the early days, feature color sequences and even full-color.
Unfortunately, for various reasons, many, perhaps most, of these films have been lost or have certainly been forgotten, and this applies even to movies filmed later (even MY FAIR LADY made in 1964 had to be restored!).
This "forgetfulness" is, I believe, the reason for this book. Film history, a part of social history, is important, I believe, because it shows us where we have been, and how we lived, dressed, and even spoke, as do the films themsleves. And the musicals have always been one of the most important type of films even when they temporarily fall out of favor.
Richard Barrios has written some very literate and voluminous books about early musicals (especially
A Song in the Dark: The Birth of the Musical Film
which I HIGHLY recommend).
However his earlier books are written more for "movie buffs" (of which I am one) rather than for the general public, though I have to say that A SONG IN THE DARK is a very easy, funny, and compelling "read," one which almost everyone will enjoy.
This new one offers that general public a chance to read and learn about musical films made over the last ninety years and in a fashion which, to me, is positively amazing.
It is fairly simple (I'm writing rhetorically) for a historian to write at great length about a particular subject of special interest to him or her. Often such books are tiring for many readers (though Richard Barrios' are not).
It is VERY hard to write concisely about a subject yet "get the message across" to general readers without boring them. Richard Barrios has succeeded in writing in such a way that no one will be bored!
Barrios includes fifty of his particular favorite musical movies (with mention of others which didn't make the cut). He devotes four-to-six pages to each yet gets the essence of each film such that almost any reader will want to watch almost all of them. This level of writing, pithy and to the point, is rare (obviously I can't do it!) and effective.
He divides each review into sections: The movie listing (with credits), a one-sentence synopsis (clever and correct!), the review itself, a "What's More" section, a "Musically Speaking" section, and a list of two movies which may be similar to the one under discussion but which could not be included. All of these sections are short, sweet, and to the point.
I am amazed that he was able to do this!
All of the movies listed are accessible and can be seen on television, in revival theaters, and even on streaming services.
Will there be quibbles about the choices of films contained in this book?
You bet!
You'll see some of them in the reviews here on Amazon. You'll hear some among people discussing the book. I myself wish that certain films had been included.
Everyone has his or her own list of "the best."
But, considering that this book is limited to fifty musical titles only (with mention of at least another 100), is there ANYONE who can say that any of the titles included should have been eliminated?
Not me!
I'm sure that an electronic book edition will be fine but I should positively recommend that you buy the printed edition. No electronic book can duplicate the feel and the arrangement of this printed one. (Frankly though, there's nothing wrong with having both.)
I only wish that the publishers had chosen to issue this in a slip-cased cloth-bound version! That's how important and wonderful I feel this book is. (If it's ever issued in such a format, I'll buy it immediately!)
Obviously I am enamored with Richard Barrios' writing in general and with this book in particular.
I cannot recommend it too highly. Buy it. You'll thank me for doing so and you'll thank Richard Barrios for writing it.
And I thank you for reading this review.
Lawrence H. Bulk
Enjoy fast, free delivery, exclusive deals, and award-winning movies & TV shows with Prime
Try Prime
and start saving today with fast, free delivery
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now
Frequently bought together
$20.22
Get it as soon as Tuesday, Apr 30
Only 13 left in stock (more on the way).
+
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Choose items to buy together.
Similar items that may deliver to you quickly
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on October 13, 2017
Reviewed in the United States on December 17, 2023
Reviewed in the United States on January 16, 2020
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2022
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2023
Top reviews from other countries
Mr Terence Flint
book in excellent condition-as good as new.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 9, 2023
Vanessa
Gorgeous book about the best Hollywood musicals!
Reviewed in Canada on January 9, 2018