George Sidney: A Bio-Bibliography

(Hardback)

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Description

George Sidney directed a number of popular Hollywood films, such as Anchors Aweigh, Show Boat, Kiss Me Kate, and Bye Bye Birdie. His revisions of traditional Hollywood product resulted in films that remain surprisingly modern, and his work continues to influence popular culture. But despite the popularity of his films, Sidney has been a largely unheralded figure in film history. This book is the first serious, full-length study of Sidney's life and work. A critical introduction to the volume explains how Sidney was given a minor place in film history, despite his many significant achievements. The book examines Sidney's canon in relation to the work of his contemporaries and reveals how he was both a Hollywood insider and an iconoclast who created mainstream films with strikingly modern sensibility. The detailed filmography provides thorough documentation for Sidney's many features, short subjects, screen tests, documentaries, and uncredited sequences in other directors' films. By drawing upon interviews with former coworkers, archival material, and rare stills and photographs, Monder reassesses Sidney's career.

Reviews

Any library with an interest in film should own this bio-bibliography on George Sidney. This work offers a thoroughly researched and thoughtful look at this inspirational director. Recommended for all film libraries and those with an interest in popular culture.-ARBA 95
The book is divided into five main parts, with an extensive filmography providing annotated listings of Sidney's uncredited production assistance, his short subjects, screen tests, features, documentaries and unrealized projects. In addition to articles, oral histories and lectures, the Bibliography includes Sidney's personal appearances on radio, television and in films, as well as lists of his movies available on videotape and laserdisc. Monder's observations are keen, his opinions strong and--whether or not you'll agree with then--intelligently stated.-DGA News
"Any library with an interest in film should own this bio-bibliography on George Sidney. This work offers a thoroughly researched and thoughtful look at this inspirational director. Recommended for all film libraries and those with an interest in popular culture."-ARBA 95
"The book is divided into five main parts, with an extensive filmography providing annotated listings of Sidney's uncredited production assistance, his short subjects, screen tests, features, documentaries and unrealized projects. In addition to articles, oral histories and lectures, the Bibliography includes Sidney's personal appearances on radio, television and in films, as well as lists of his movies available on videotape and laserdisc. Monder's observations are keen, his opinions strong and--whether or not you'll agree with then--intelligently stated."-DGA News

Author Bio

ERIC MONDER is an author and film critic. He has written for The New York Times, Film Comment, Motion Picture Guide, Cover Magazine, Classic Images Magazine, The Village Voice, Video Digest, and other publications.