Maltins Pair Classic Films and Family Recipes in New Book at Vroman's

Leonard Maltin and his daughter Jessie will discuss and sign their new book at Vroman's Bookstore on Sunday, then walk next door to the Landmark Pasadena to introduce a screening of Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:09am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a stack of vintage film reels, their shiny metal surfaces reflecting dramatic studio lighting to create a high-contrast, high-fashion aesthetic that conceptually represents the glamour and nostalgia of classic cinema.The Maltins' new book on classic films and family recipes promises a glamorous, immersive movie-watching experience.Pasadena Today

Leonard Maltin, a renowned film critic, and his daughter Jessie have collaborated on a new book called 'Family Movie Night Menus: Recipes & Films for Unforgettable Times Together.' The book, published by Running Press as part of the Turner Classic Movies library, pairs essays on 25 classic films with recipes inspired by each movie. The Maltins will discuss and sign the book at Vroman's Bookstore in Pasadena on Sunday, April 12, 2026, and then introduce a screening of 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' at the nearby Landmark Pasadena theater.

Why it matters

The Maltins' new book combines their shared passion for classic films and family-friendly recipes, offering a unique way for readers to engage with beloved movies. As a renowned film critic and educator, Leonard Maltin's involvement adds credibility and insight, while the collaboration with his daughter Jessie brings a personal touch. The event at Vroman's Bookstore and the Landmark Pasadena theater provides an opportunity for the local community to connect with the Maltins and experience the book firsthand.

The details

The book, 'Family Movie Night Menus: Recipes & Films for Unforgettable Times Together,' covers 25 classic films spanning nearly a century of cinema, from Charlie Chaplin's 'The Kid' (1921) to 'Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.' Each entry includes behind-the-scenes stories and a dish to make together before the credits roll. The free event at Vroman's Bookstore will feature a discussion and book signing, followed by a screening of 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' at the Landmark Pasadena theater next door.

  • The book was published on April 7, 2026.
  • The book signing and discussion event at Vroman's Bookstore will take place on Sunday, April 12, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
  • The screening of 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' at the Landmark Pasadena theater will begin at 4:00 PM on April 12, 2026.

The players

Leonard Maltin

A renowned film critic who spent 30 years as the film critic on Entertainment Tonight and has taught at USC's School of Cinematic Arts since 1998. He served two terms as president of the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and the Librarian of Congress appointed him to the board of the National Film Preservation Foundation. In 2022, he received the Robert Osborne Award from Turner Classic Movies.

Jessie Maltin

Leonard Maltin's daughter, who has collaborated with him on the new book 'Family Movie Night Menus: Recipes & Films for Unforgettable Times Together.'

Vroman's Bookstore

An independent bookstore in Pasadena, California, where the Maltins will hold a book signing and discussion event.

Landmark Pasadena

A movie theater located next door to Vroman's Bookstore, where the Maltins will introduce a screening of 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory.'

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What they’re saying

“Et voila! The first book to announce on its spine that it is the work of Maltin and Maltin. I couldn't be more proud.”

— Leonard Maltin

“We encourage you to sit down with your family and your friends to have a good old fashioned movie night. Make something to eat together then put your devices away, and let yourself be swept away.”

— Leonard Maltin

What’s next

The Maltins will introduce a screening of 'Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory' at the Landmark Pasadena theater immediately following the book signing event at Vroman's Bookstore.

The takeaway

The Maltins' new book 'Family Movie Night Menus' offers a unique way for families and friends to engage with classic films by pairing them with delicious recipes, creating an immersive and memorable movie-watching experience. The event at Vroman's Bookstore and the Landmark Pasadena theater provides a special opportunity for the local community to connect with the Maltins and celebrate their shared passion for cinema and family-friendly entertainment.