Since December 2004, the Black List has tallied “the most liked” unproduced Hollywood screenplays of the year as voted for by producers, financiers and other Hollywood insiders. An entertainment industry staple, the List has gone on to boost careers, help get films made and even become a predictor for the Oscars©.

He had neither the glamour of a Clark Gable nor the rugged sex appeal of an Errol Flynn. And yet Spencer Tracy, like our very own Sanjiv Kumar outshone almost everybody else during his day, and ruled the movie land as perhaps the most natural actor ever to walk left to right along the film frame.

The original movement of Hollywood sequels, prequels, remakes and spin offs which has its genesis in the 1970’s (but dates even further back) inspired this piece in the July-August 1978 issue of American Film™. It discusses film recycling in the ’70s and traces its origins back to the earliest days of filmmaking in America.

Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy, next only to Chaplin in evoking instant laughter, ruled the world of screen comedy for decades like a modern day Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, spreading sunshine even in modest homes in remote parts of the world. The high priest of modern China, Mao Tse Tsung and Marshall Tito had a private library of the L& H films to neutralize their political tensions. And man of iron who seldom laughed, Stalin was an ardent fan. Even the Vatican has the comedies in its archives.

This article is a 1980 issue of American Film™ magazine chronicling the making of ‘The Shining’. We learn about Stanley Kubrick’s process for selecting which book to adapt for his next project (hint: it involves an endless hurling of books) to the nearly year-long production schedule, a timeline which itself seems frighteningly lengthy. It’s a fascinating look into the brilliance that went into the creation of a classic horror that can give you a chill no matter which season you watch it.

The world has enjoyed a cinematic love affair with Sophia Loren for over 60 years. As a screen icon, she has an uncanny ability to embody a fervor and naturalness that have left audiences breathless the world over in anticipation of her next leading role. It’s clear Loren remains an iconoclast of the motion picture community in her limitless ability to transform herself to embody whatever the story calls for in her acting talents.

With a history that dates back to the early days of filmmaking, stop-motion animation has enhanced the art form since the late 1890s. Having lost favor to its technologically advanced cousin, CGI (computer-generated imagery), the new magical film THE BOXTROLLS, is keeping the tradition alive. Coming to theatres this month.

With ‘anything for fun’ as their motto, the Brothers Marx were Harpo, Chico and the one and only Groucho. In his own immodest way, Groucho changed the world around him, like his great namesake, but unrelated, Karl did!

The traditional westerns sent up conventions of melodrama and the highfalutin themes of Cowboys vs. Indians, Man vs. Nature, Good vs. Evil, Godliness vs. Greed, and Justice for All. Stick ‘em up violence became the stuff of punch lines when audience familiarity with its conventions made the Western ripe for spoofing and satire.