University Libraries

American Film Institute Catalog documents every American film from 1893 to 1970 (except 1951 to 1960). Most records include extensive plot summaries and bibliographies. Search by keyword; film title; cast, crew, and character name; subject; genre; release year and more.

Biographical essays on deceased individuals "whose significant actions occurred during his or her residence within what is now the United States or whose life or career directly influenced the course of American history." Searchable by name, gender, occupation, birth date, birthplace or death date.

The BFI Film Classics series introduces, interprets and celebrates landmarks of world cinema. Each volume offers an argument for the film's 'classic' status, together with discussion of its production and reception history, its place within a genre or national cinema, an account of its technical and aesthetic importance, and in many cases, the author's personal response to the film (publisher page).

Provides biographical information of more than one million people throughout history, around the world and across all disciplines and subject areas.  Searchable by birth and death years and places, nationality, ethnicity, occupation or gender.

Filmsite.org is a great place to get lots of background information on all things film.

Production information compiled by the British Film Institute (BFI) about approximately 90,000 films and 30,000 personalities all the way back to the first Silent Film. Also includes references to periodical articles on individual films.

Includes filmographies, bibliographical references and indexes. Get a little background on the director.