<div>In this book Carlos Clarens, author of <i>Crime Movies</i> (also available from Da Capo/Perseus), <i>George Cukor,</i> and many articles in film magazines, brings his encyclopedic knowledge of films and filmmakers to the subject of horror and science-fiction films of the classic era. Whether discussing the erotic aspects of <i>King Kong,</i> examining the works of Val Lewton, contrasting the director's attitude toward the monster in <i>Frankenstein and The Bride of Frankenstein</i>, accounting for the special genius of Lon Chaney, or comparing the various versions of <i>Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde,</i> Clarens entertains as he enlightens. Supplemented with a new introduction by J. Hoberman, <i>Village Voice</i> film critic and coauthor of <i>Midnight Movies </i>(also available from Da Capo/Perseus), and an extensive filmography listing complete credits for over 300 films, this fascinating study illuminates both the genre and the reasons for its popularity.</div>