Here we are, the first collection update of 2016! I’ve been doing very well in my quest to only add pre-1970 films into my collection, and to only buy classic film-related books. Let’s take a look at the few little purchases I made last month — just one DVD and two books.

  • Five Came Back: A Story of Hollywood and the Second World War by Mark Harris – Paperback book
    I’ve had this on my to-read list for what seems like forever and I can’t wait to dig into it! I’m thinking of doing a little series on the blog after I read, blending insights from the book with reviews of one or two films each by the directors discussed in the book (John Ford, George Stevens, John Huston, William Wyler, Frank Capra). Perhaps re-watching some of their post-war work and seeing if my views of those films have changed since learning more about the directors’ wartime experiences and influences. Let me know if this is something you’d be interested in reading!
  • Words and Music (1948) – DVD
    Technically purchased in December, but it didn’t arrive until January. I made a TCM Shop order in December and this item was missing. After three attempts to contact customer support they finally shipped me a copy, a month later! Special features: commentary, a featurette, audio outtakes, short film, classic cartoon, video outtakes, and a theatrical trailer.
  • You Must Remember This: Life and Style in Hollywood’s Golden Age by Robert Wagner – Hardcover book
    I was hesitant to buy this as I haven’t had any glowing recommendations of it from friends/fellow bloggers, but it was marked down to less than $5 at a book store I stopped in late in the month, so I couldn’t pass it up. A brief tour/history of Hollywood from the star of A Kiss Before Dying.