Ed Hulse – författare

Acknowledging the iconic, but with plenty of room for the rare and unfamiliar, The Art of the Classic Western Movie Poster presents poster art created for several hundred classic (and not-so-classic) westerns produced from 1903 to 1978. More than 800 images—many reproduced as full page—make this the most comprehensive book of western movie poster art ever published, and the definitive history of a genre often underestimated for its impact on American audiences. One of the earliest narrative films, 1903’s The Great Train Robbery, was a western, and before commercial cinema was a decade old the form had proliferated to such an extent that practically every nickelodeon in the country used short-length shoot-’em-ups in their daily programs. The book begins with a fact-heavy introduction that details how western movies became popular as a result of America’s fascination with the Wild West, as portrayed in dime novels and pulp-fiction magazines. How and when the genre archetypes—white hat vs. black hat, the cowboy’s love for his horse, the western hero as roving do-gooder—were fixed is discussed. The difference between “A” and “B” movies and which westerns fit into those categories are also explained (“A”s including such movies as Stagecoach, Destry Rides Again, and True Grit, and “B”s such films as Gold Mine in the Sky, Saga of Death Valley, and Hopalong Cassidy, and the likes of Gene Autry and Roy Rogers). Each chapter devotes a special feature to a specific “western” star, writer, director, stuntman, or leading lady. Also included are the author’s firsthand interviews conducted from as far back as the mid-1970s. This unique book is a celebration of the American motion picture’s first and most enduringly popular genre.

From the earliest Poverty Row movies to the films of the 1970s, the story of the genre in 800 eye-popping posters Dive into the captivating realm of classic crime and mystery movies with The Art of Classic Crime and Mystery Movies. This large-format treasury unveils over 800 posters, offering a visual journey through the genre's evolution from its earliest days to the gritty films of the 1970s. Distinguished film historian Ed Hulse meticulously curates each chapter, providing insightful commentary and rare historical tidbits. From the emergence of genre archetypes to the rise of international "noir" films, Hulse's expertise shines through. The book's layout is thoughtfully designed, grouping posters by theme and showcasing them in ample size, allowing readers to appreciate the intricate details of each artwork. Special features highlight key figures in the industry, complemented by behind-the-scenes photos and firsthand interviews conducted by Hulse himself. Whether you're a seasoned cinephile or a curious newcomer, The Art of Classic Crime and Mystery Movies is an indispensable addition to any film lover's library, offering a comprehensive exploration of a timeless cinematic tradition.