The Cinéphile's Guide to the Great Age of Cinema is an ideal starting point for movie lovers eager to expand their film literacy. In this compact celebration of 20th-century movies made during an era when the seventh art dominated public cultural discourse throughout the world, film historian Max Alvarez examines the brilliant careers of Alfred Hitchcock, Orson Welles, Billy Wilder, Charlie Chaplin, Ernst Lubitsch, John Huston, Akira Kurosawa, Federico Fellini, and François Truffaut. Each chapter in the book's "Legends in the Director's Chair" provides historical data on the lives of the filmmakers and their essential contributions to the world of cinema, highlighting key films and narratives along with recommendated viewings and readings.

In addition, the section "Themes and Genres" features three vital chapters: "Night and the Cities: The Suspense-driven World of Film Noir," "The Great Age of Hollywood Musicals," and "Early Hollywood Censorship & 'Pre-Code' Movies." The final chapter, "21st Century Tips for Cinéphiles," provides readers with an overview of film technology and tips on obtaining the finest quality viewing copies of the highlighted films - and the best ways to screen them.