Starring Michael Caine

Devoting its bulk to a film-by-film analysis of Michael Caine's 82 movies over the past 40 years, Bishop's book eschews biography for career appraisal. Although the author, a film journalist, clearly admires Caine, he aims for objectivity, tackling box office bombs, like 1969's The Italian Job, as well as smash hits, such as 1988's Dirty Rotten Scoundrels. All through, he offers plot summaries, cast and crew listings, critical reception and photos. Particularly insightful is the entry on 1999's The Cider House Rules, where Bishop explains the training Caine (a""South London lad"") went through to perfect a New England accent and discusses the controversy surrounding Caine's speech at the BAFTAs, where he struck back at British critics who'd criticized his Oscar-winning performance. Caine turned 70 earlier this year, and will presumably make more films before retiring, but this book stands as a definitive guide to his work thus far.