Motion pictures, 1940-1949 : Catalog of copyright entries
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Let's be clear from the start: this is not a novel. "Motion Pictures, 1940-1949: Catalog of Copyright Entries" is exactly what the title says. Published by the Library of Congress Copyright Office, it's a printed volume listing the thousands of films registered for copyright protection in that decade. Each entry is a bare-bones record: the film's title, the copyright claimant (usually a studio), the date of registration, and a registration number.
The Story
There's no traditional plot. Instead, the 'narrative' is the decade itself, told through bureaucracy. You start in 1940, with entries for films like The Grapes of Wrath and Fantasia. As you move through the years, you see the war effort reflected in titles and claimants. You witness the rise of new studios and the sheer volume of production—features, serials, cartoons, newsreels, and industrial films all listed side-by-side. The 'story' ends in 1949, on the cusp of a new era in film with television looming. The book doesn't analyze or connect the dots; it just lays out the raw data, page after fascinating page.
Why You Should Read It
I'll be honest, I bought this as a reference tool for my blog. But I found myself just browsing it for fun. There's a strange magic in its completeness. You see the famous (Casablanca, It's a Wonderful Life) right next to the utterly obscure ("Socko the Sea Serpent" or "Curing the Common Cold with Mustard Plasters"). It democratizes film history. This catalog doesn't care about a movie's budget or critical reception; if it was copyrighted, it's in here. It's a powerful reminder of how much of our film heritage is made up of these forgotten works. For a researcher or a true film nerd, it's a treasure trove. You can trace a director's early work, see when a studio first copyrighted a famous character, or just marvel at the wonderfully weird titles that didn't stand the test of time.
Final Verdict
This is a niche book, but for the right person, it's a goldmine. Perfect for film historians, researchers, archivists, and the most dedicated classic movie fans. If you love diving into IMDb trivia or watching deep-cut DVD special features, you'll appreciate this primary source. It's not for casual reading, but as a reference or a unique piece of film history to explore, it's utterly compelling. Think of it as the ultimate, authoritative list for one of Hollywood's most important decades.
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Liam Hill
1 year agoNot bad at all.
Edward Harris
1 year agoHonestly, the author's voice is distinct and makes complex topics easy to digest. Exactly what I needed.
Emily Taylor
1 year agoFrom the very first page, the author's voice is distinct and makes complex topics easy to digest. I learned so much from this.
Daniel King
4 months agoI stumbled upon this title and the atmosphere created is totally immersive. A true masterpiece.