Library Journal
The latest entry in the crowded field of film history encyclopedias consists primarily of short biographical essays on stars of the past and present. In addition, there are entries for some producers, directors, cinematographers, et al., as well as for important films and film terms, e.g., ``best boy.'' The information is generally accurate. The opinions expressed are conventional, which is fine for neophytes but tends to make rather boring reading for the knowledgeable. The book is probably most similar to Ephraim Katz's The Film Encyclopedia (LJ 11/1/79), but differs in that Katz's is international in scope and has no entries for individuals film titles. Halliwell's Filmgoer's Companion (Scribner, 1989. 9th ed.) is also international in scope, but even for Hollywood figures it features more entries than the Siegels' book; on the other hand, Halliwell's entries are shorter. Large libraries are already likely to own most of the Encyclopedia's information in some form or other. Other libraries seeking to expand their reference holdings in this area should consider this, especially since it has the added advantage of currency in the topics covered.-- John Smothers, Monmouth Cty. Lib., Manalapan, N.J.

Booknews
Some 700 alphabetical entries (including about 150 photos) cover the major stars, directors, producers, technicians, and screenwriters responsible for the Hollywood "legend." There is also coverage of the major studios and the classic films. Essentially anecdotal, but reasonably well-researched. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR