Hollywood's West: The American Frontier in Film, Television, & History

by Peter C. Rollins (Editor), John E. O'Connor (Editor)

Overview

“An excellent study that should interest film buffs, academics, and non-academics alike” (Journal of the West).
 
Hollywood’s West examines popular perceptions of the frontier as a defining feature of American identity and history. Seventeen essays by prominent film scholars illuminate the allure of life on the edge of civilization and analyze how this region has been represented on big and small screens.
 
Differing characterizations of the frontier in modern popular culture reveal numerous truths about American consciousness and provide insights into many classic Western films and television programs, from RKO’s 1931 classic Cimarron to Turner Network Television’s recent made-for-TV movies. Covering topics such as the portrayal of race, women, myth, and nostalgia, Hollywood’s West makes a significant contribution to the understanding of how Westerns have shaped our nation’s opinions and beliefs—often using the frontier as metaphor for contemporary issues.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780813138558
Publisher:	University Press of Kentucky
Publication date:	07/07/2020
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	392
Sales rank:	970,255
File size:	4 MB

About the Author

Peter C. Rollins, Regents Professor of English and American/Film studies at Oklahoma State University, is the editor of the journal Film & History. John E. O’Connor, professor in the Federated Department of History of New Jersey Institute of Technology and Rutgers University, is the founding editor of Film & History. Together, they edited Hollywood’s White House and Hollywood’s Indian.

Editorial Reviews

"Winner of the 2005 Ray and Pat Browne Award given by the Popular Culture Association." —

"A vital study of genre.... Recommended." — Choice" —

"Definitive in its own right... powerful essays." — Journal of American Culture" —

"An excellent study that should interest film buffs, academics, and non-academics alike."— Journal of the West" —

"Another strong compilation from the editors of Film & History.... Eclectic interpretations of an institution that will always be a part of the American landscape." —Robert Fyne, author of The Hollywood Propaganda of World War II" —

From the Publisher