American Cinema

The ten-part "American Cinema" is a superb tutorial for movie fans who want to acquire a deeper understanding of the history, development, techniques, and genres of the USA's best export. It richly employs first-person interviews with modern directors, producers, screenwriters, cinematographers, actors, and a slew of other movie craftsmen. Each one- hour episode is liberally seasoned with film clips and includes archival interviews with dozens of the late greats of the first half of this century. Standout episodes include "The Hollywood Style" and "The Studio System." Every self-labeled movie buff should watch this fine series.