Flights of Fancy

<p> In-depth analyses are presented of 15 superior films each one representing a subgenre of fantasy cinema--<I>Beauty and the Beast Conan the Barbarian The Dark Crystal Dragonslayer 5000 Fingers of Dr. T It's a Wonderful Life Jason and the Argonauts King Kong Lost Horizon Popeye Superman The Thief of Baghdad Time Bandits Topper</I> and <I>The Wizard of Oz.</I></p><p> A chapter is devoted to each film providing a plot summary and detailed information about cast and crew special effects (stop-motion animation miniatures hanging miniatures optical effects tricks of perspective blue screens matte paintings glass shots reverse projection slow motion rear and front projection etc.) and strengths and weaknesses as well as explorations of the film's relationship to written fantasy other films and cultural myths.</p>