This book has been an invaluable resource for quenching my film knowledge thirst since I got my hands on my father's 1st edition copy around '82 or so. Due to publisher's restraints, author Quinlan gradually, and unfortunately, weeded out entries for lesser known, or no longer relevant, stars over the years. But fret no more! This edition appears to include every entry he's ever created.
Whether you're looking for the complete filmography of the world's most well-known actors (Eastwood), the birthdate of you're favorite cult star (Marie Windsor anyone?), or the names of those long lost Lon Chaney titles, you'll find yourself immersed in this bible of film history.
Quinlan's research is thorough (and I do mean thorough! Before IMDB came around, I'd never seen anything like it), well-spoken, and virtually flawless in its accuracy. This edition is fairly up-to-date (through 2001 I think) & packs many surprises about the status of actors actors you might have already assumed dead, retired or out-of-work. Superb!

I watched the Oscars with this next to me, and it made them so much more fun! Look up fun, strange and important facts about your favorite stars and see some of the quirkiest, yet best descriptions of the actors you'll ever read!. The author describes everyone by their physical attributes - but it's like reading the cartoon page. This one is guaranteed to make you laugh!

If you want to know every movie that your favorite actor has made, this is the book for you!!! It is well organized, incredibly detailed and up to date!!! Keep a copy next to your TV!!!

my father has two prior Quinlan directories that he has next to his easy chair... so when he started mentioning that he wanted the newest directory, i saw a christmas present moment. the guide has pictures of the actors, movies they've been in, and other notable pieces of information about them...great book.

How many times have you sat around with friends discussing a movie, and someone will say "Remember that strange looking, little guy who played the villain..wasn't he good ! Now what's his name again ?? "

As much as A-list actors bring in the crowds, they just wouldn't be where they are without support from those familiar faces that lend their talents to playing the insidious villains, interfering neighbours, crooked detectives, loyal servants, friendly cowboys or fairweather friends. This very readable and well researched work contains photos on each of the 1100 character actors profiled (great for settling those bets !), and a detailed biography on their appearances on screen !

Included are such well known character actors as jittery Elisha Cook Jr., cantankerous Hermione Gingold, lanky old timer Hank Worden, squeaky voiced Sterling Holloway, ever grumpy Anna Ramsey, serial gangster Marc Lawrence, gentlemanly Denholm Elliot, evil looking Richard Lynch and Hollywood's first three time Oscar winner, Walter Brennan...plus hundreds of other screen regulars from all over the cinematic globe.

This book definitely belongs on any keen film fan's bookshelf. Regrettably it's out of print at present (hopefully because it's being updated), however when it hits the shelves again, be sure to grab yourself a copy. Many hours of interesting reading and arguement settling is guaranteed.

From author David Quinlan, the respected film reviewer for Britain's TV Times magazine, comes what is by far, the best--and most accurate--Tom Hanks biography to date.

The book is well written and easy to read. It is also nicely illustrated with a large selection of film stills and candid photos. There's plenty of information about Tom's personal life which is sure to satisfy even the most curious fan. The only negative in the whole book is that the author continually ridicules Tom's emotional Oscar acceptance speeches.

The book is divided into ten chapters, most of which are named after Tom's films. These include: "Making a Splash" (documents Tom's successful movie debut in Splash), "Nothing in Common" (Tom's failed marriage to Samantha), "Bosom Buddies" ((Tom meets--and marries--his beloved Rita), and "A League of His Own" (Tom's "Sleepless in Seattle" success and subsequent Oscar wins). There is also an index and detailed filmography which concludes with That Thing You Do! (The pending release of Saving Private Ryan is mentioned in the final chapter).