In the mood for a video so turgid or escapist that the problems of the day will disappear within minutes of the opening credits? Check out Michael J. Weldon's epic The Psychotronic Video Guide, a listing of 3,000-plus films.
This book covers the whole shebang of cinematic excess and exploitation. Each entry includes a brief plot summary and, where applicable, tidbits of production history and theatrical notoriety. The usual suspects are present - Roger Corman, Troma Pictures, and every women-in-prison flick imaginable. There are also many discoveries (including D. W. Griffith's chiller The Avenging Conscience) and tributes to forgotten genres (such as the British Carry On ribald comedy series, virtually unknown to US audiences).
Some productions - such as John Huston's Moby Dick - just do not fit into the B-movie category, no matter how far it is stretched. Likewise, there is the conspicuous absence of several cult classics, notably Jayne Mansfield's nudie landmark Promises! Promises!
Despite occasional shortcomings, The Psychotronic Video Guide reminds us what movies are about - having fun!
The Psychotronic Video Guide, by Michael J. Weldon: US$27.50. St. Martin's Press: +1 (212) 387 9100.
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