My Indecision Is Final: The Spectacular Rise and Fall of Goldcrest Films, the Independent Studio That Challenged Hollywood

Chariots of Fire , Gandhi , The Killing Fields and A Room with a View were among the films made during its short existence (1980-87) by Goldcrest Films, the independent British studio founded by Canadian investment banker Jake Eberts. In this 678-page insider's look at Goldcrest's rise and fall, Eberts and English journalist Ilott not only chronicle the achievements and failures of Goldcrest and its producer-directors Sir Richard Attenborough, John Boorman and David Puttnam but also, in explaining movie deals and their makers, reveal what goes on at exotic film locations as well as in London, Hollywood and Wall Street boardrooms. Goldcrest Films received an unprecedented 40 Academy Award nominations and 19 Oscars, yet the studio collapsed because, according to Eberts, its production program was too expensive and risky. Extremely detailed, but thoroughly engrossing. Photos. (Oct.)