This special " Fifth Anniversary Edition " of the acclaimed film reference guide is packed with virtually everything movie lovers need to know about the films they simply must see. Stephen Jay Schneider and his team of writers have brought the book up to date by including the most memorable movies released during the past five years. Among their new additions are " The Queen, The Lives of Others, Brokeback Mountain, " and several more recent movies that have attracted worldwide attention. Covering more than a century of filmmaking and dating back to silent-era sensations such as Edwin S. Porter's " The Great Train Robbery " and Chaplin's " The Gold Rush, " this book describes musicals, dramas, screwball comedies, experimental "New Wave" films from 1950s and '60s Italy and France, major films noir, classic westerns, action and adventure films, and even memorable documentaries. It lists each film's director and cast, presents a plot summary and production notes, and cites interesting, often little-known facts relating to the film's cast, storyline, and production. For students of cinema, discerning film buffs, DVD collectors, and readers who enjoy thumbing through and reminiscing over cherished screen moments, " 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die " is the place to start reading. Filled with 800 movie still shots and actors' photos.