These essays from 1964 to 2009 explain why Philip French is the doyen of British film critics. His speciality is the effortless thematic piece. This book contains insightful considerations of films about Venice, New York, the Post Office, art and newspapers. 'The B picture star Elaine Shepherd quit Hollywood to become a reporter and wrote a book called Forgive Us Our Press Passes'. An essay from 1966 on Swinging London concludes: 'It is true that the emperor has got new clothes but should emperors shop exclusively on Carnaby Street?' French's criticism deserves an audience far beyond hard-core film buffs.