BearManor Media has released Danny Stewart’s latest book, this one concentrating on Abel Ferrara’s The Funeral.  Stewart’s books take a deep dive into a film, figuring out exactly what makes it work successfully.  He often chooses films that are great, but overlooked, bringing out various points that indicate its true significance as cinema and its place in history.  This book might be his best yet.   Stewart calls Ferrara “one of the most daring and provocative filmmakers of

Because of his massive success on radio and television, Jack Benny’s movie career is too often overlooked.  Some of this is due to Benny himself, as making fun of his cinematic exploits was part of his humor.  In fact, Jack Benny appeared in many delightful comedies, and a handful of genuine classics.  A comic talent at his level could not be contained.   Kino Lorber has released a great double feature that includes two of Jack’s best film appearances from the 1930s at Paramo

In this new book from McFarland, author David Meuel explores the importance of Wellman’s films of the early 1930s.  Films like The Public Enemy, Night Nurse, Heroes For Sale, and Wild Boys of the Road are some of the most important cinematic releases of the pre-code era.  In examining these and other such films, author Meuel makes a case of how Wellman defined Depression era cinema.   Wellman had a long career, continuing to direct films till the end of the 1950s, but the aut

Richard Greene’s latest Promotional Pandemonium book of publicity and promotional material covers Laurel and Hardy’s short films and the later features they did after leaving the Hal Roach studios.  It is yet another magnificent collection of images from BearManor Media.   The book covers everything, from posters, to lobby cards, to newspaper ads (all shapes and sizes) for each film. Along with these graphics, the author gives a written overview of the period being covered, i

Kit Parker Films has released a very special western, the 1955 Jacques Tournier feature Stranger on Horseback, in a restored special edition.   Stranger on Horseback is significant as having been shot in the short lived Anso color (aka Ansochrome) process.  Other notable American films shot this way include The Man on the Eifel Tower (1949) and Arch Oboler’s 3D classic Bwana Devil (1952). Stranger on Horseback has often been shown only in black and white.  Through careful res

In the 1960s, Blake Edwards introduced Peter Sellers as Inspector Clouseau in the film The Pink Panther.  It was a big hit and spawned an even more amusing sequel, A Shot in the Dark.  Eleven years later, both Edwards’ and Sellers’ careers were at low ebb so they teamed up to make Return of the Pink Panther.  When that became an even bigger hit than the 60s films, two more Panther films were made with Sellers as Clouseau. The Pink Panther Strikes Again (1976) is generally con

Gracie Allen is one of the true comic icons during the first half of the 20 th  century.  With husband-partner George Burns, she became a kooky, delightful presence on radio, in films, and finally on television. Episodes of The Burns and Allen Show continue to be run on the classic movie stations and on streaming platforms.   “Gracie: A Biography of Gracie Allen, a new book from BearManor by author Ange Clancy-Sukala,  is a very concise look at Gracie’s life and career from t

In this fascinating study, editor Sue Matheson has gathered fifteen scholars to do as the book's title suggests -- take Mel Brooks' comedy seriously. Subtitled Essays on the Films, Television Shows, and Standup, this book from McFarland publishers takes a deep dive into the humor of Brooks. Many comedians, including that master of cinema's form and function Buster Keaton, would dismiss analyses of his screen work, stating that he just wanted to be funny. Of course that is t

If one owns a complete set of Laurel and Hardy films on DVD and is satisfied with having collected a comprehensive overview of their work, one might casually overlook releases like these Definitive Restorations.  This is not a good idea.  Each of these releases are important additions to any collection that purports to be comprehensive. This latest release from Kit Parker Films is filled with these important additions.   On the first disc of this two disc set, the immediate r

The 50 th  anniversary of the first Rocky movie will be coming up in 2026.  This new book of essays from McFarland publishers examines the Rocky franchise.  Subtitled “Essays on the Rocky franchises and Its Enduring Cultural Impact,” the book is edited by Phillip L. Simpson and Kathy Merlock Jackson.   Sylvester Stallone was a struggling actor getting small roles when he approached producers with a script he had written.  The producers liked his screenplay, but balked at the