Every once in a while a major studio releases something intended specifically for me. Other people might enjoy it, but make no mistake — it’s mine, all mine.

This week, Warner Home Video is doing such a thing, releasing a box set of six pre-Code films directed by William A. Wellman — “Forbidden Hollywood Volume Three.”

http://www.amazon.com/Forbidden-Hollywood-Collection-Purchase-Midnight/dp/B001OSC4G0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1237399106&sr=1-1

Now, everyone who knows me is aware of my nearly lifelong devotion to the films of Wild Bill Wellman. A chance viewing of “Beau Geste” on TV when I was twelve sparked my interest in film — it was the Big Bang of my cinematic life. And eighteen years later, I published my first book which, not at all coincidentally, was about its director, William A. Wellman.

So you can imagine my delight when I learned that the latest “Forbidden Hollywood” DVD set would consist only of Wellman films; it’s like Christmas in March over here at the Vast Thompson Compound.

I was honored to be asked to provide a commentary track for one of my favorite Wellmans, “Wild Boys of the Road” (1933). I was joined by my friend William Wellman Jr. who, as you can imagine, brought not only a lot of knowledge to the table, but also some precious and personal insight.

And one of my best pals, John Andrew Gallagher, provided the commentary for “Heroes For Sale” (1933), another of Wellman’s bleak and powerful Depression-era dramas.

All three of us can also be seen in the documentary “Wild Bill: Hollywood Maverick” (1996) along with lesser co-stars such as Clint Eastwood, Robert Redford, Sidney Poitier, Martin Scorsese, Robert Mitchum, Tab Hunter, Nancy Reagan and many others. This is the first time that “Wild Bill” has been available on DVD and it’s a big occasion in my life. In addition to being one of the “talking heads,” I served as Associate Producer (which translates as “no check”) and historical advisor on this terrific documentary.

And Richard Schickel’s 2007 revamp of his “Men Who Made the Movies” episode on Wellman is also included. It’s brilliant. The original production in 1973 had an enormous impact on me. Although I was already a fan of Wellman’s, this was the first time I’d gotten a grasp of his entire career, and I never looked back.

Here’s a what a “Films in Review” critic posted about the set. I don’t get a penny from the sale of this set (I don’t get a penny from much of anything) but if I can introduce newbies to my cinematic idol Wild Bill, I’ll be more than happy.

http://www.filmsinreview.com/2009/03/18/forbidden-hollywood-collection-volume-three/