I enjoyed reading this book. Yes it can be insulting and gossipy but it is also a lot of fun. I enjoy movies and I enjoy reading about them so I was familiar with many of the characters and stories. I like reading about the long forgotten fans. Some chapters I enjoyed more than others. The chapters on the Silent Movie Theater, The Bookstores and Joe Franklin were a some favorites. I did feel that there was too much emphasis on the sexuality, it is no longer important. The text is accompanied with some photographs. If you are looking for a scholarly look at movies and the fans that love them this book is not for you. If you are looking for fun gossipy book you will enjoy it. And yes I am reviewing this book despite what he says. Enjoy

What a fun book for movie lovers. I consider myself a fan of old movies but not necessarily a movie buff. Still, for people who like reading books on films this is a great read. Bascially it's about movie buffs, fans, historians, academics - the line can't always been drawn. But lots of great anecdotes about people I have never heard of and ones I have admired for a long time (William K. Everson) as well as old movie theatres. It's far from being a perfect book, sometimes it is a little bit haphazard and some things get short shirft (Blackhawk Films - one line?). Also, you need a strong stomach for the chapter "Sex and the Movie Buff". Nevertheless, I devoured it and I wish it had been about double the length. Juicy and great fun!