From Lillian Gish in Way Down East (1920) to RenÉe Zellweger in Nurse Betty (2000), DiLeo takes movie fans on an unpredictable ride through 80 years of film history, showcasing a variety of genres and performing styles, and providing fresh spins on the careers of Hollywood's top stars. In this collection of short, informal essays, the author bypasses mainstream cinema and pays tribute to overlooked performances while bringing a necessary dose of renewed attention to those once-heralded and now forgotten.