Some movies are iconic.

Others are merely entertaining.

In Rewind: A Half-Century of Classics, Cult Hits, and Other Must-See Movies, veteran journalist and longtime film buff Rick Anderson reflects on fifty classic films created within a fifty-year period, from 1945-1995. This book provides a historical perspective on these films and the people who made them.

Why do these movies work?

Or, in some cases, why didn’t they work better?

The author looks back at well-known films such as Rear Window, The Third Man, Apollo 13, and Sounder. And many other popular but less-renowned works also are covered, as are a handful of relatively obscure productions.

The common denominator is that all the films here deserve at least a look from movie fans. Or, for those who have previously watched them, a rewind.