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Leonard Maltin

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Leonard Michael Maltin is a prominent American film critic, historian, and author.

Leonard Maltin (1990)
Leonard Maltin (1990)

He has dedicated his career to analyzing motion pictures and documenting their history. Maltin is widely recognized for his extensive collection of film capsule reviews. These reviews provide brief, essential summaries and ratings for a vast number of movies. His work serves as a guide for audiences navigating the massive world of cinema. Through books, television, and podcasts, he helps viewers understand the art of filmmaking.

Maltin’s professional process often involves creating comprehensive guides for both new and old films. In 1969, at age 18, he edited his first book titled TV Movies. This work provided synopses and reviews for more than 8,000 films shown on television. He eventually expanded this into the famous Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide, which he updated annually from 1987 until 2014. To manage the growing number of modern titles, he created a spin-off in 2005. This new volume, Leonard Maltin's Classic Movie Guide, focused specifically on films released no later than 1960.

Leonard Maltin at the 2010 Independent Spirit Awards
Leonard Maltin at the 2010 Independent Spirit Awards

His career includes many distinct roles within the entertainment industry. For 30 years, from 1982 to 2012, he served as the film reviewer for the syndicated series Entertainment Tonight. He has also worked as a professor at the USC School of Cinematic Arts since 1998. Maltin has held leadership positions, such as serving two terms as President of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association. He also participates in the selection process for the National Film Registry. These roles allow him to influence how film history is preserved and taught.

Maltin’s journey into film began with remarkable speed during his childhood. He started his writing career at age 10 for a weekly magazine. By age 13, he wrote a column called Research Unlimited for the publication 8mm Collector. In 1966, at age 15, he purchased the Canadian magazine Film Fan Monthly for $175. At the time of purchase, the magazine had a circulation of 400 readers across 11 countries. Maltin successfully expanded this circulation to 2,000 readers before he stopped publishing it in 1974. He later earned a degree in journalism from New York University.

The significance of Maltin's work is reflected in his wide range of media contributions. He has written specialized books on animation and the history of cinematography. In 2001, he helped lead the creation of the Walt Disney Treasures collectible DVD line. He also hosts the weekly podcast Maltin on Movies, which he co-hosts with his daughter, Jessie Maltin. His influence extends to popular culture through various appearances and parodies. He has even appeared as a character in films like Gremlins 2: The New Batch.

Leonard Maltin (1990)
Leonard Maltin (1990)

Many notable figures and organizations have recognized his impact on the film industry. Comedians such as Patton Oswalt have praised his movie guides for their massive scope. Maltin has received several prestigious honors for his contributions. In 2002, he received the June Foray Award at the Annie Awards for his impact on animation. He also received the ASC Bud Stone Award of Distinction in 2005. In 2022, Turner Classic Movies honored him with the Robert Osborne Award. These awards highlight his long-standing commitment to cinematic excellence.

Beyond his formal reviews, Maltin is connected to the broader systems of film preservation and education. He serves on the advisory board for the Hollywood Entertainment Museum and Legion M. He has also been an honorary head juror for the Coronado Island Film Festival. His work bridges the gap between casual movie watching and academic study. Even his unique trivia is noted, such as his Guinness World Record for the shortest movie review. That review consisted of only the word "No" for the 1948 film Isn't It Romantic? Through these many connections, Maltin remains a central figure in the study of film.

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