Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

In one convenient volume, Karsten lists all major biographical films shown in the U.S. since the advent of sound, among them The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex, The Babe Ruth Story, Patton, Sophia Loren: Her Own Story, The Eddy Duchin Story, Words and Music, Pride of the Yankees, Born Free, The Lion in Winter, Magnificent Doll, Deep in my Heart, and A Man for All Seasons. This filmography of feature-length biographical films includes those released in English or with English subtitles and shown commercially either in a theater or on television. The majority of films listed are also available in video format.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

CHOICE Review

Compiled by a librarian who perceived the need for an index to biographical films, this worthwhile book intends to list "all the major biographical films and documentaries shown in the United States since the advent of sound." Films listed turn out to be feature-length productions that had some measure of commercial success, and a limited number of television productions (through 1986). Westerns and historical films are excluded if they are not primarily biographical. The 1,022 entries are arranged alphabetically by biographees, who are identified by one-line descriptions. Entries give date of release, distribution or production company, director, running time, and principal cast. There are liberal cross-references and indexes of performers, film titles, and release dates. An index to categories of biographees is creative (including "acquitted murder suspects," "husbands of prominent women," and "presidential aides" as well as the familiar baseball players and songwriters), and a useful introduction gives a capsule history of biographic filmmaking. But problems abound: no attempt is made at evaluation; no audience level is indicated; neither commercial success nor running time is a valid measure of film quality; the compiler has relied on secondary sources rather than viewing the films personally; her generalization concerning the static nature of educational films is debatable; some independent productions and numerous films profiling musicians, artists, and writers are omitted; and video and TV productions need to be included. Recommended for general collections. L. E. Jorbin; Cleveland State University

Booklist Review

This listing of film biographies contains more than 1,000 sound films (including documentaries), in English or with English subtitles, made for theatrical release or television, which have a person's life as the subject. The authors, both librarians, have created a convenient source for researchers, film buffs, and reference librarians. Arranged alphabetically by subject's name, entries include film title, date of release, producer and director, running time, and cast and characters. Birth and death dates and a brief descriptive tag are provided for each subject. Films range from The Miracle Worker (Hellen Keller) and Reds (John Reed) to many TV docudramas. In addition to the filmography itself, the book contains a bibliography that lists sources the authors consulted and indexes by film title, performer, date of release, and subject by occupation--comedians, criminals, kings, etc. This volume will serve a purpose for academic or large public libraries with a film-studies collection. Because it does not annotate films or indicate if they are available on video, it will not be as valuable in other settings. (Reviewed Sept. 15, 1993)