Hollywood Renaissance by Sam B. Girgus (Vanderbilt University, Tennessee)

American film directors from the late 1930s to the early 1960s instigated a renaissance of original artistic works that helped reinvigorate and renew American culture. During a time of unprecedented danger from anti-democratic forces both abroad and at home, the most imaginative and creative films of these directors - John Ford, Frank Capra, Howard Hawks, Fred Zinnemann, Elia Kazan, George Stevens - articulated issues, themes, and realities at the core of the American experience. In this lively and original book, Sam Girgus offers a fresh look at films such as The Searchers, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, It's a Wonderful Life, High Noon, and On the Waterfront. He shows how these films are part of the cultural and historic debate that examines, structures, and questions what modern America means to its people, the world, and history.

A study of how films from the late 1930s to the early 60s portrayed the American ideal.
Reviews
"...Girgus's readings of the films are always thought-provoking and often persuasive." Benjamin L. Alpers, Culture Front
"Girgus is at his best when offering close readings of key films." Steven J. Ross, The Journal of American History



Book Information
ISBN 9780521625524
Author Sam B. Girgus
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 400g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 16mm