Holiday books: film

The New Biographical Dictionary of Film: Fifth Edition, by David Thomson (Alfred A. Knopf; 1,076 pages; $40). Thomson has updated his wise and witty book with more than 100 new entries. Every movie lover should own a copy.

Hail, Hail, Euphoria! Presenting the Marx Brothers in Duck Soup, the Greatest War Movie Ever Made, by Roy Blount Jr. (It Books; 160 pages; $19.99). A fittingly silly scene-by-scene tribute to the comedic masterpiece.

The Great Movies III, by Roger Ebert (University of Chicago Press; 418 pages; $30). In his latest collection, the film critic includes classics ("Top Hat") and overlooked movies ("Chop Shop").

Hitchcock, Piece by Piece, by Laurent Bouzereau (Abrams; 175 pages; $45). Hitch fans will love this neatly packaged collection of photos, letters, storyboards, costume sketches and the like.

This article appeared on page FE - 4 of the San Francisco Chronicle