Golden Horrors: An Illustrated Critical Filmography of Terror Cinema, 1931-1939 : Book Review

"Golden Horrors: An Illustrated Critical Filmography of Terror Cinema, 1931-1939" by Bryan Senn is a captivating and comprehensive book that explores the fascinating world of horror films during the Golden Age of Hollywood. Senn's genuine passion for the genre is evident throughout the book, as he provides a meticulous analysis of over 150 films, offering a valuable resource for both enthusiasts and scholars.

The book is organized into chapters that focus on specific sub-genres, including mad scientists, vampires, and werewolves, making it effortless for readers to navigate their areas of interest. Senn's writing style is clear and concise, ensuring that readers of all levels of familiarity with the subject matter can easily understand and engage with the material. His extensive knowledge of the films and their historical context adds depth and richness to his analysis.

One of the standout features of "Golden Horrors" is the inclusion of more than 300 rare and captivating film stills, posters, and promotional materials. These visuals not only enhance the reading experience but also serve as a visual archive of the films discussed. The careful curation of these images exhibits attention to detail and contributes visual appeal to the book.

Senn's exploration of the films goes beyond their narratives, diving into the behind-the-scenes stories and the broader impact these films had on the horror genre. The inclusion of interviews with filmmakers and actors from the time period adds a personal touch and provides unique insights. These interviews shed light on the challenges and successes faced by the industry during this era.

In summary, "Golden Horrors" by Bryan Senn is an essential read for horror film enthusiasts, as well as anyone interested in the cultural and historical significance of these films. Senn's expertise, combined with the stunning visuals, makes this book an invaluable addition to any horror film lover's collection.

What are readers saying?

Bryan Senn's book, "Golden Horrors: An Illustrated Critical Filmography of Terror Cinema, 1931-1939," has received positive feedback for its in-depth analysis and extensive research. It offers a thorough examination of horror films released during the Golden Age of Hollywood, specifically covering the years 1931 to 1939.

Readers highly appreciate the comprehensive nature of the book and commend Senn for his detailed analysis of each film. His ability to shed light on lesser-known titles is particularly praised. Reviewers also admire Senn's extensive knowledge of the genre and his evident passion for horror cinema, which shines through in his writing. The book is viewed as a valuable resource for both casual horror fans and seasoned scholars.

The illustrations in "Golden Horrors" are also widely acclaimed, with many readers praising the high-quality images and their contribution to the visual appeal of the book. Senn's inclusion of movie posters, lobby cards, and stills enriches the reading experience and aids in comprehending the discussed films.

Reviewers also highlight the book's organization and user-friendly format. Senn's decision to arrange the films chronologically allows readers to trace the evolution of horror cinema during the specified period. Moreover, the inclusion of indexes, filmographies, and a bibliography makes the book a valuable reference tool.

While some readers note that "Golden Horrors" primarily focuses on American horror films, they still appreciate the coverage given to international productions. Senn's exploration of foreign classics and their influence on Hollywood horror is seen as a valuable addition to the book.

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