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The Bibliophile

The 95^th Academy Awards will be presented March 12. Not up to speed on new releases? You may prefer a stroll down memory lane. These books add context to your favorites of years gone by.

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli: The Epic Story of the Making of the Godfather, by Mark Seal, 448 pages, Gallery Books hardcover, 2021

Journalist Mark Seal has penned a rollicking and entertaining account of the making of The Godfather. The 1972 film directed by Francis Ford Coppola was based on the bestselling novel by Mario Puzo.

Leave the Gun, Take the Cannoli reveals the hectic, ego-driven, money-fueled rollercoaster ride that generates great cinematic art. The behind-the-scenes stories are riveting. Seal offers a fascinating glimpse into the collective creative process: the push-and-pull and give-and-take among producers, studio executives and the artists in front of and behind the camera.

The discovery of young, talented, unknown actors such as Al Pacino, Diane Keaton, Robert Duvall and James Caan adds luster to the tale of Hollywood, the dream factory. So does the comeback of a fading star, Marlon Brando, who was considered washed out at the age of 47.

Sixteen pages of photos accompany the text. Be astounded by how this great film emerged from utter chaos.

Hollywood Victory: The Movies, Stars, and Stories of World War II, by Christian Blauvelt, 228 pages, Running Press hardcover, 2021

This highly engaging account from the archives of Turner Classic Movies tells the story of the intersection of history and art between 1933 and 1945. Members of the movie industry were inspired to aid the military effort by employing their unique talents to promote patriotism. Hollywood Victory examines moviemakers’ contributions to the war effort.

Hollywood had already become a welcoming haven for European refugees before the U.S. entered World War II. Films foreshadowed the eventual U.S. entry into the war in December 1941. Movies had made heroes of the Resistance and portrayed as villains Nazis and their supporters.

Most remembered are the films of the era that framed the war in terms of a fight to eradicate evil. They helped boost morale and unite the country. The courage of those battling Hitler was highlighted in classic films such as Casablanca and Mrs. Miniver.

Stars enlisted in the armed forces and performed valiantly in combat. Directors employed their cinematic skills to further the aims of the military. Their films recruited volunteers, documented the war, and trained members of the armed forces.

Others toured the country to sell war bonds and entertain military personnel. Bob Hope traveled overseas with the USO.

Entertainment journalist Christopher Blauvelt has written a comprehensive and highly readable book illustrated with more than 165 photographs. He deftly integrates showbiz news with concurrent events in the war. Turning the pages takes readers back to the glory days of Hollywood and the iconic battles fought by the Greatest Generation.

1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, by Steven Jay Schneider and Ian Haydn Smith, 960 pages, Sourcebooks hardcover, 2021

This encyclopedic compendium of movies is a treasure trove of material for those seeking to find the right flick to fit their mood and interest.

Each film is presented chronologically, starting with Georges Méliès Le voyage dans la lune (A Trip to the Moon) of 1902 and ending with 2021’s Nomadland, starring Frances McDormand.

Twelve decades are color-coded on each page, visible on the fore-edge. At the beginning of the book is an alphabetical list of the films, and in the back are indices of movies by genre and director.

Each of the 1001 movies is described in an essay written by one of 90 contributors. The entry encompasses a synopsis that covers the plot line, significance, commentary and even insider gossip. Included in a sidebar are the length of the movie, cast members, studio, country, language, producer, photographer, screenwriter, composer and awards.

Promotional posters and publicity stills accompany the text. Movie buffs will enjoy the famous quotes from or about the movie. Editors Steven Jay Schneider and Ian Haydn are film journalists.

If you love movies, 1001 Movies will be of enormous help in curating your personal continuous film festival.