“Bergman, Fellini, Kurosawa: The Foreign Film in America” (400 pages in color) is actually Two books in one. Part one of the book deals with the previously untold history of the “Golden Age of Foreign Films”, while part two provides a unique reference and listing of every major foreign film produced in the 1950’s and 1960’s.

Written by James Selvidge, former owner and operator of the Ridgemont Theatre in Seattle, WA, this book details his struggles with and the hypocrisy surrounding foreign films’ early years in the US. Detailing his fights with censor boards, court rulings that ended up at the Supreme Court for decision and the struggles of running an “art theatre” despite the threatening of the porno industry and Hollywood, this book provides keen insight into the history of the film industry.

Part two of the book, details every major foreign film, to include a color picture of the movie poster, a description of the film, and Jim Selvidges’ personal opinion on the artistic merits of each film. This section is a veritable treasure trove of knowledge and insight that is not found in any other publication in print today.

It is no wonder that the past editor of Movietone News and Film Comment called it an “important story”, or that Cy Harvey, founder of Janus Films remarked that “Those were the days!” An essential read for any Foreign Film buff, this book will allow the reader to understand how art can triumph over censorship.