This book is a catalogue of Vitaphone features and shorts. The first section lists the features and shorts by release number. The New York productions (1926-1940) are listed first, followed by the West Coast productions (1927-1970). For shorts, the following particulars, if known and if applicable, are given: title, alternate title(s), instrumental and vocal selections performed on screen, composer(s) and performers of instrumental and vocal selections, release date and synopsis of the film, names of major cast members and directors, set information if two or fewer sets were used; and the amount paid to early performers. For features, entries list release dates, genre, and major cast members. The section on performers includes only those who appeared in shorts, listing dates and places of birth if known.
Film buffs will be the main audience for this comprehensive catalogue of features and shorts produced by Vitaphone, a subsidiary of Warner Brothers from 1926-1970. For each entry, the following information is listed (if known or applicable): title, music, composer, performers, release date, short synopsis, major cast members, directors, and set information. The catalogue is divided into films and performers; appendices include a brief history of the company and a bibliography. Liebman, a librarian in California, compiled the massive reference from archives at Warner Bros. and the Vitaphone Project. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
