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Library Journal Review
This large-format one-volume encyclopedia covers popular Hollywood films (chiefly those of the sound era) and television programs featuring Hispanic actors or addressing Hispanic themes. The work is divided into two main sections, plot summaries and biographies, with a good index that leads to information on people and films not listed separately in the main sections. Though covering much of the material included in George Hadley-Garcia's Hispanic Hollywood (Carol Pub. Group, 1990), this new work is much better suited for reference use. Many handsome black-and-white stills from film publicist Reyes's personal collection will provide hours of entertaining browsing. A drawback is the lack of attention to correctly written Spanish; for names of actors known primarily for Spanish-language films and particularly in citing titles of Spanish-language films, accents marks are generally left out (e.g., Luis Bunuel instead of Luis Bun~uel). At least the authors are consistent in ignoring correct usage. Recommended for larger film collections and for libraries with a need for popular material on Hispanic films.-James E. Ross, Seattle P.L. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
CHOICE Review
This encyclopedia covers nearly 400 feature films and television shows (series, miniseries, movies), "listed with credits, short synopses, production information pertaining to Hispanic elements, and critical commentary." There are special short sections on the Cisco Kid and Zorro as developed and interpreted by various stars over the years. Biographies of Hispanic actors are provided and range in length from several sentences (e.g., Angel Aviles, Robert Cabal, Lorenzo Lamas, Geraldo Rivera) to several paragraphs or more (e.g., Desi Arnaz, Sonia Braga, Rita Moreno, Edward James Olmos, Anthony Quinn, Gilbert Roland, Raquel Welch). The historically stereotyped roles of Hispanics as Latin lover, bandito, greaser, sultry spitfire are well illustrated in the informative introduction. Reyes suggests, however, that the clich'ed casting of the past is beginning to fade. The black-and-white photographs of the stars are delightful; one wishes only that there were more of them. Indexing is very complete and easy to use. Even in light of the relative obscurity of a number of these actors, this encyclopedia is very worthwhile as a sourcebook for Hispanic screen figures from the earliest days (1920s) to the present. Especially recommended for collections strong in TV/film and/or Hispanic studies. C. E. Perry; East Central University
Booklist Review
Hispanics in Hollywood has entries for movies, television, and people (actors, directors, writers, producers), as well as a special section on Zorro and the Cisco Kid. Until very recently, Hollywood has generally placed Hispanics in a negative light; there's an informative essay about banditos, greasers, senoritas, and spitfires in the front matter. Black-and-white illustrations. Keller's book, companion to his Hispanics and United States Film: An Overview and Handbook (Bilingual, 1994), has lives of film and TV actors and black-and-white illustrations. It's indexed by name and film or show title and contains an extensive bibliography.
