Celluloid Skyline: New York and the Movies (2001)

From ''Central Park'' (1932) to ''The Brothers McMullen,'' few cities have had their social, industrial, and cultural moments captured on film as vividly as New York City. Sanders' illustrated history deftly chronicles the production and influence of films inspired by the Big Apple, exploring how the city -- with its complex social politics (''Rear Window''), varied urban terrain (''The Warriors''), and, of course, stylized skyline (''King Kong'') -- has transformed itself from mere backdrop to thriving, beloved supporting character.