American Film Musical Themes and Forms

Nonfiction, Entertainment, Performing Arts, Film, Music
Cover of the book American Film Musical Themes and Forms by Michael Dunne, McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Michael Dunne ISBN: 9780786483372
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers Publication: December 24, 2014
Imprint: Language: English
Author: Michael Dunne
ISBN: 9780786483372
Publisher: McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers
Publication: December 24, 2014
Imprint:
Language: English

The musical has been called “the most popular form of entertainment in the world.” This work examines the subjects, themes, and contemporary relevance of Hollywood musicals through their long popularity, placing each show in historical and political context and analyzing it in detail. A chapter is devoted to how Golddiggers of 1933 (1933) and Stand Up and Cheer (1934) deal with the economic crises of the Depressions. Another addresses race issues by examining the prevalence of blackface minstrelsy in the 1930s and 1940s, looking at productions like Swing Time (1936) and Dixie (1943). Rock and roll culture, which started in the 1950s and threatened America with teenage sex and rebellion, is addressed through such hits as Girl Crazy (1943), Bye Bye Birdie (1963), and Grease (1978). The work also explores dance as a signifier of character, the geography of musicals (such as New York or “the South”), fantasy settings, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, and the musical biopic (mentioning biographies of such figures as Ziegfeld, Cohan, Rogers and Hart, Cole Porter, and Jerome Kern). A later chapter discusses intertextuality in such shows as Singin’ in the Rain (1952), which refers to many earlier musicals; Kiss Me Kate (1953) which refers to Taming of the Shrew; and All That Jazz (1970) which refers to the life and work of Bob Fosse. The work concludes with an examination of the continuing popularity of the musical with such hits as Moulin Rouge (2001) and Chicago (2002). Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The musical has been called “the most popular form of entertainment in the world.” This work examines the subjects, themes, and contemporary relevance of Hollywood musicals through their long popularity, placing each show in historical and political context and analyzing it in detail. A chapter is devoted to how Golddiggers of 1933 (1933) and Stand Up and Cheer (1934) deal with the economic crises of the Depressions. Another addresses race issues by examining the prevalence of blackface minstrelsy in the 1930s and 1940s, looking at productions like Swing Time (1936) and Dixie (1943). Rock and roll culture, which started in the 1950s and threatened America with teenage sex and rebellion, is addressed through such hits as Girl Crazy (1943), Bye Bye Birdie (1963), and Grease (1978). The work also explores dance as a signifier of character, the geography of musicals (such as New York or “the South”), fantasy settings, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, and the musical biopic (mentioning biographies of such figures as Ziegfeld, Cohan, Rogers and Hart, Cole Porter, and Jerome Kern). A later chapter discusses intertextuality in such shows as Singin’ in the Rain (1952), which refers to many earlier musicals; Kiss Me Kate (1953) which refers to Taming of the Shrew; and All That Jazz (1970) which refers to the life and work of Bob Fosse. The work concludes with an examination of the continuing popularity of the musical with such hits as Moulin Rouge (2001) and Chicago (2002). Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.

More books from McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers

Cover of the book Baseball Rowdies of the 19th Century by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book Fictional Death and Scientific Truth by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book Jolly Della Pringle by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book North Korea and Myanmar by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book The Goat Care Handbook, 2d ed. by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book The 758th Tank Battalion in World War II by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book The Politics of Big Fantasy by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book Anarchism and Animal Liberation by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book Urban Renewal and the End of Black Culture in Charlottesville, Virginia by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book Tucson by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book The Louisville Grays Scandal of 1877 by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book The Art of Richard Mayhew by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book Victory at Midway by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book The Mexican Cinema of Darkness by Michael Dunne
Cover of the book Corruption and American Cities by Michael Dunne
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy