How People Looked Up an Actor's Full Filmography Before the Advent of IMDb

The internet age has made it incredibly easy for us to access information on actors, their complete filmographies, and their careers. However, before the advent of IMDb, finding an actor's full filmography was a complex and sometimes tedious process. This article takes you on a nostalgic journey through the archives to explore how people turned to various resources to discover the complete works of their favorite actors.

Buying Biographies and Movie Guides

For those who really loved a particular actor, buying a biography was a popular way to delve deep into their career. These biographies would often provide a comprehensive list of their films, although not always their complete filmographies. One notable example was Leonard Maltin’s Movie Guide, a yearly or bi-yearly publication that provided detailed movie information and reviews. Many families, like my own, received a copy for the holidays and used it as a guide to keep track of the latest films and stars.

Biographies of popular stars such as Charlton Heston, Clint Eastwood, James Dean, and Paul Newman, generally had extensive filmographies in the back, illustrating the breadth of their careers. Additionally, there were industry-specific publications like PHOTOPLAY, PREMIERE, and FILMXAX - The Phantom of the Movies' VIDEOSCOPE PSYCHOTRO..., which offered in-depth profiles on actors and filmmakers. These resources were crucial for dedicated movie enthusiasts and professionals in the entertainment industry.

Reading Movie News Magazines

For those who enjoyed staying up-to-date with the latest in the movie industry, reading movie news magazines was a must. While these publications didn't provide as much in-depth information as IMDb does today, they did offer valuable insights into current stars and popular films. Magazines like Film Comment, T-Magazine, and Entertainment Weekly were widely read and respected, and they often included interviews and profiles on actors and filmmakers.

Referencing Large Alien Reference Books

In the pre-IMDb era, there were large reference books that listed all actors' films in one comprehensive volume. These books, often as thick as a Bible, contained detailed filmographies for prominent actors. While these books were invaluable, they were not for every member of the industry. Lesser-known and character actors, who appeared in numerous films but were not widely recognized, would find it particularly challenging to gather their entire filmographies. This was because these books mainly catered to well-known names and left many others unsearchable.

Libraries and Special Bookshops

Another avenue for seeking out information was the local public library. While public libraries were always an available resource, they held only incidental and dated information that was often specific to major stars of a prior era. Special bookshops, often found in specific areas or cities, were another go-to for those looking for more detailed information. These shops carried specialized books and magazines that catered to the niche interests of die-hard movie fans.

The Rise of IMDb

The advent of IMDb has revolutionized the way we access information about actors and their filmographies. With IMDb, almost anyone can verify their credentials, eliminating many of the fraudulent claims of actors, directors, and producers. A simple search can now verify if someone is genuine or if they are simply posing. The immediacy and accuracy of information provided by IMDb make it a must-have resource for movie enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

This article provides a glimpse into the past, where fans and professionals relied on a variety of resources to gather information on their favorite actors. Today, we have IMDb to thank for making comprehensive and detailed information about actors and their filmographies just a click away. But it's always interesting to look back and remember the joy of digging through biographies, magazine articles, and reference books to fulfill our curiosity.