Course Description

GLS 561: Theatre and Cinema: The Hollywood Studio Era

Instructor: Todd Berliner

This course studies the history and aesthetics of Hollywood cinema from 1927 to 1960, from the beginning of talkies until the break-up of the studio system, one of the richest, most entertaining periods in film history. We will concentrate on the movies as movies—as experiences for spectators—and, wherever we are, we will never be far from our central question and the only question about the cinema that I think much about: What is it about the movies people like that makes people like them? Students will attend weekly film screenings and a separate discussion meeting. Readings cover a range of topics in the style and history of the Hollywood studio era. Films include: Sunrise, The Philadelphia Story, Invasion of the Body Snatchers, On the Waterfront, The Asphalt Jungle, The Searchers, Singin’ in the Rain, Psycho, and others.

Image courtesy of Greenwich Festival

Last Update: January 11, 2012