features conversations with legendary directors who created many of film's all-time classics, including Frank Capra ( 1946), Richard Fleischer ( 1954), Alfred Hitchcock ( , 1960), Ralph Nelson ( 1963), Robert Wise ( , 1965), and Chuck Jones ( 1966). Tantalizing firsthand details about many acclaimed films are revealed, such as the revelation of Mervyn LeRoy's first-choice of lead actress for and transformed it into ("The part [of Sam] almost went to Lena Horne, but I thought she was too beautiful"). The authors also celebrate the contributions of marginalized filmmakers such as Ida Lupino, James Wong Howe, Oscar Micheaux, and Luis Valdez, who prevailed in Hollywood despite the discrimination they faced throughout their careers. appeals to film and television enthusiasts of all ages.