Majestic Hollywood: The Greatest Films of 1939

1939 was the best year for movies ever - I doubt that the films from the 2014 Academy Awards will be as remembered and loved as those from 1939. This book starts in January and details all the major films released in 1939. There are numerous beautiful photographs from the films (although none in color but then just Wizard of Oz and Gone With the Wind were shot in color). There is a 2 page summary of some of the things that either went on behind the scenes or how casting was done or how the film did as well as one or two reviews. All of this is good. However, I would have also liked a full credit list of the cast and crew of the film. It also would have been neat to have a cross reference chart to see what person appeared or worked on the most of these beloved films of 1939. The book is a must for film buffs but could have had more detail and the cross referencing would have made it a lot of fun.

Indeed there was no other year quite like 1939 for the number of classic motion pictures to come out of the Hollywood studios. This book selects fifty of them and presents them in the order that they were released from January to December. Mark A. Vieira doesn't fill his space by listing the credits of the cast and makers but rather shares interesting things about the films and gives a sense of how the critics in California and New York responded to them. The text is interesting and well worth reading but it is his collection of images from these films that really stand out. The printing of the photographs are quite stunning. Boiled down its a spectacular collection of images from classic films beautifully printed with interesting text to go along with them. Very pleased with this book.

The book may not get as in depth as some but it does feature some interesting backstories and has inspired me to seek out and watch these movies. Overall a very good and quick read.

This is a great book and super resource tool. I am using it for my study of 1939 and everything that happened that year. The films of that year were remarkable - it was astounding that such great films all came out in a single year. This helps me to see the films that were made in 1939 and to know a little bit about them and the plots and the circumstances surrounding the productions. I find it very helpful!

You could not plick a better year for Hollywood film releases than 1939. The photographs were aabsolutely breathtaking. Mr. Viumberiera's description of each of his picks were excellent. If your a passionate film buff as I am, then you need to have this book among your film book collection. 1939 was a magic year for film lovers. Mr. Viera, why stop at just the nuTedmber you included in this book? Why not began preparing for volume 2 or 3 if necessary? Next to Ted Sennett's "Hollywood's Golden Year, 1939, this too captures the best year in Hollywood. Bravo to you!

The book is interesting. Some photos I haven't seen before. Would have liked more in-depth coverage of each movie and more varied reviews, but worth the money and the time to read thru it. I'd recommend it if 1939 is your "favorite year" for movies.

It should have had a glossary listing the major academy awards for 1939 and noting the winners. There was some better movies of that year that did not have a review such as Mr. Chips with Robert Donat.

It is splendidly illustrated, with excellent stories about the making of classic films

I'm a film fan and I really enjoyed this book. Fascinating insights and narrative into the most significant year in Hollywood's history. Well written and lots of great black & white photographs compliment the writing. If you want to know more about the movie magic of 1939 then this is the book for you.

Just received this wonderful book. Mr Vieira has done an incredible job of showcasing the best films of a great year '1939'. The photos are incredibly clear. For anyone who loves the golden years of Hollywood get this book. I realize what an important year '1939' was in the history of movies. But I hope Mr Vieira comes up with a series of these books.

1939, what a monumental year for history, World War 2 was of course the most significant event, but "Gone With The Wind" was a close second. All in all this was a most remarkable year for movies, and this book is an excellent documentation , and is very entertaining.

This is a fine book on Hollywood's golden year

Fabulous photographs of the worlds greatest stars. The ultimate coffee table book. Definitely recommend this to any genuine film fan.