Film Review Book.

[Elaine]

While wasting some time on Ebay looking through the book and magarines pages[ I had decided to try and find old issues of The Radio Times, aren't they expensive?] By chance I noticed, right as the last minutes counted down. Two books from 1959-1960 of Film Review. On impulse I bought them. Hopefully they will have some interesting photos and information on our favourite films from then. I remember they used to be sold in cinemas years ago. The magazine, that is. Will soon see.

[darrenburnfan]

I don't think that the monthly ABC Film Review magazine had any connection with F. Maurice Speed's yearly Film Review annual, Elaine (both British publications, by the way). But you'll find the ones you got on eBay very impressive, packed with info, black and white photos and full page colour photos from the then latest films, as well as a comprehensive list of the year's releases in British cinemas.

[CaptainWaggett]

This site is pretty good if you're looking for Radio Times back numbers though, as you say, they aren't that cheap

Radio Times Back Numbers - TV Times Back Issues

[Elaine]

This site is pretty good if you're looking for Radio Times back numbers though, as you say, they aren't that cheap

Radio Times Back Numbers - TV Times Back Issues

Thanks Captainwaggett for that information. I have bookmarked it for future reference.

[Elaine]

I don't think that the monthly ABC Film Review magazine had any connection with F. Maurice Speed's yearly Film Review annual, Elaine (both British publications, by the way). But you'll find the ones you got on eBay very impressive, packed with info, black and white photos and full page colour photos from the then latest films, as well as a comprehensive list of the year's releases in British cinemas.

That's great. Now I really will look forward to them coming. Many years ago, I bought something similar at a jumble sale. It was full of American film stars from 1949. Great photos, I still have it.

[didi-5]

I paid £8 for a 1968 Radio Times recently but it was a fascinating read. The Film Review annuals I really do like so I think you have a good buy there Elaine.

[CaptainWaggett]

You won't be able to see any of the programmes but you can find all the pre-war Radio Times at this excellent site

Home | Radio Times Archive

[Harbottle]

Well Elaine your purchase has tempted me into releasing a few moths for the Film Review 1962-1963, who can resist a hardback volume with Hayley Mills on the cover?

[darrenburnfan]

Yes, didn't she look gorgeous back then? I was real gone on her in those days...well, me and at least twenty million other boys!

[Harbottle]

Well the volume arrived in quick time from an Ebay vendor and quite a nice item it is too. Rather a lot a lot of US content alas, but Babs would love the feature on the Film Review 'Star of the Year' Dirk Bogarde.

[Elaine]

Mine came too today. Dozens of colour and black and white photos. Just about every British film star from the years 1956 through to 1959. Plenty of Americans as well. A really good buy.

[darrenburnfan]

I'm glad you both received them okay. Yes, Elaine, I knew you'd like it.

[Rick C]

DarrenBurn and myself bought our versions during those years in the 50's and 60's when they were printed. We thought the appreciation for good film literature would last for ever, but come the 80's and beyond we became crestfallen it didn't. I for one am glad that Elaine has rescued these items for the planet!

[darrenburnfan]

Yes, I've still got mine. I used to receive a Film Review annual and a Western Film and T.V. Annual (both by F. Maurice Speed) in my pillow case every Christmas. They were wonderful books and I never got tired of looking through them. The Film Review annual was the most expensive of the two, though, at 12/6d (62 pence) a copy. That was almost a week's rent in those days. However, it was certainly worth the money.

[cassidy]

We must have had the same pillow case. Sadly only one Western Film Annual (1951) remains, but I recently inherited two Film Reviews 1947 and 1951 and it's great to see some of the "rising stars" of their day such as Jean Simmons, and new faces such as Marlon Brando. Anyone for the 2/9's ???.UOTE=darrenburnfan;1973636]Yes, I've still got mine. I used to receive a Film Review annual and a Western Film and T.V. Annual (both by F. Maurice Speed) in my pillow case every Christmas. They were wonderful books and I never got tired of looking through them. The Film Review annual was the most expensive of the two, though, at 12/6d (62 pence) a copy. That was almost a week's rent in those days. However, it was certainly worth the money.[/QUOTE]

[theuofc]

Well the volume arrived in quick time from an Ebay vendor and quite a nice item it is too. Rather a lot a lot of US content alas, but Babs would love the feature on the Film Review 'Star of the Year' Dirk Bogarde.

Hi, Harby,

A kind friend gave me the Film Review with Dirk as 'Star of the Year'. A splendid issue and a great purchase.

I love those old film annuals, Picturegoer, Picture Show, Film Review and I buy them when I can. I've even bought a few 'damp' ones, but the pics are priceless.

Barbara

[Harbottle]

Hi, Harby,

A kind friend gave me the Film Review with Dirk as 'Star of the Year'. A splendid issue and a great purchase.

I love those old film annuals, Picturegoer, Picture Show, Film Review and I buy them when I can. I've even bought a few 'damp' ones, but the pics are priceless.

Barbara

Ah excellent news, I was going to attempt to scan it but thought you probably had a copy. I might well pick a few more of them up over time as I agree with you they are rather good.

[ChuckEddie]

I bought them if I saw them, in the many book shops I have frequented.

I have the 1985-6, 1992-3, 1993-4, 1995-6 and 1997-8 editions, will have to have a browse now.

[theuofc]

Ah excellent news, I was going to attempt to scan it but thought you probably had a copy. I might well pick a few more of them up over time as I agree with you they are rather good.

Hi, Harby,

You're a gem, and much appreciated the kind thought.

All best,

Barbara

[darrenburnfan]

BELOW: The front cover and two selected pages from one of my childhood books,
F. Maurice Speed's WESTERN FILM AND T.V. ANNUAL for 1956-1957.