In the world of movie makeup effects artists, we all know that Jack Pierce, creator of most of the Universal, is one of most important names in movie history. But right up there next to him, has to be Dick Smith. In a field that was highly secretive, Smith would willingly give up his techniques and tips to anyone wanting to learn, from his recipe for blood, to any number of makeup tricks, he would be more than giving to younger artists. Not to mention he was so incredibly talented, creating some of the most amazing and innovative makeup effects in history.

Every time I see Max Von Sydow in The Exorcist, it still reminds me that for years I really thought Sydow was a 70-year-old actor! But then add in what he did for films like Scanners, Ghost Story, to all the mainstream films like The Godfather, Taxi Driver, and his (finally) Oscar winning work on Amadeus, he never ceased to amaze audiences.

In 1965, Smith published his book Dick Smith’s Do-It Yourself Monster Make-Up Handbook, which would pave the way for so many young fans that wanted to recreate what he was showing how to do in the book. He would later start a correspondence course on basic and advance techniques, which spawn so many serious talented artists that are still working today. So yeah, Smith’s legacy lives on even more than just what he did on TV and film.

Now, thanks to author Joe Nazzaro, we have Dick Smith: The Godfather of Makeup, that goes through his live and career, from the early days of student makeups, to becoming the first head of NBC’s makeup department for live television, as well as the countless films he worked on throughout his long career. This volume not only has “extensive first-hand conversations with Smith himself, the book interviews dozens of friends, family, and co-workers, and is accompanied by hundreds of rare images, many from Smith’s own archives.”

Now comes to tough sell. This 442-page book is a bit pricy. The hardcover edition is $115, and the softcover is priced at $79.95. I can only say that if you are even the slightest interested in movie makeup effects, then this just has to be a must own volume. This isn’t about just another makeup artists, but about THE Dick Smith!!! Need we say more? I know I have mine on order, but I know once it arrives, I will be spending some time just paging through it, absorbing the photos of his outstanding career.