Silent Mystery and Detective Movies (2009) - By James L. Neibaur

Book Reviews: Silent Mystery and Detective Movies (2009) - By James L. Neibaur
Posted on Thursday, July 02, 2009 @ 05:41:23 Mountain Daylight Time by Duane

This comprehensive filmography by Ken Wlaschin carefully covers every silent movie that falls under the rather wide sub-genre umbrella of mystery and detective stories. However the 1500 titles contained in this massive reference are not limited to American films, nor do they carefully remain within the mystery genre. Everything from the earliest Charlie Chan features, to serial chapterplays, to one-reel comedies now lost to the ages are included here if they have a mystery or detective element therein.

The book is categorized in a helpful manner. The films are listed by title, annotated, and, in the case where a title included an entire series, the movies from that series are listed under its heading. For instance I was unaware that there were any Boston Blackie mysteries made during the silent era (being only aware of the 1940s Columbia releases with Chester Morris, or the 1950s TV series with Kent Taylor).

It should be noted that this is a reference, not an analysis. The author does not attempt to analyze each film or discuss its significance among detective-themed movies. The alphabetical list includes every conceivable film of its type, made throughout the world, with the author giving a synopsis and available credit information.

An appendix includes a list of authors whose stories were filmed in the silent era, but there is no chronological title listing of the films (something that might have been deemed unnecessary in that this sub-genre does not evolve as would the films of a particular director or star). A two column Bibliography is quite thorough, and there is an index.

Libraries will certainly benefit best from this reference, while film scholars who write about movies with any mystery or detective element will find this book a helpful look at the roots of more contemporary productions. Overall, an excellent reference title.

For more information, go to http://www.mcfarlandpub.com.