107-269 The Musical: From Hollywood to Bollywood

Usually 25 points of first-year cinema studies, see Prerequisites.

The subject traces the emergence of the musical from the 1930's to the present through the media of film and television. Beginning with the early musical of the major Hollywood studios such as MGM, Warner Brothers and Paramount, students will analyse the content and style of the musical, placing it in the context of the history of the entertainment industry. The representation of race, class, gender and sexuality are examined through post-structuralist theory and the political content of narratives is considered. The role of the star, and the marketing of the musical through commercial outlets such as the department store is examined. Censorship, fashion, distribution and the place of the musical in American culture is considered.

Written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.