The art of the American film

the long version

This is the first up-to-date history of the American film since 1939. Basing his survey on close first-hand study of the films themselves, Charles Higham is concerned to show how, in spite of the monolithic hardness of "the industry," art and artists have miraculously managed to survive. No major figure is omitted, and many films thought to have been lost are discussed here at length. The collective nature of the film medium is fully explored, showing the various contributions of the cinematographer, writer, and actor to each film in turn. "A lively, concise introduction to the American film, and a useful reference book for film students." —Stephen Farber, New York Times, West Coast Film Critic "A fresh, up-to-date survey, based not on existing written materials but on an effective reappraisal of the films themselves, freshly seen__It is of value to the student." —David Bradley, Department of Theater Arts, U.C.L.A. "A comprehensive history of American films and the intriguing personalities who produced and directed them.... D.W. Griffith's passionate naivete, Cecil B. DeMille's vulgar imagination, Alfred Hitchcock's diabolical genius, and John Ford's sentimental common touch all fall under Higham's perceptive scrutiny." —Publisher's Weekly front cover photo: Sunset Boulevard