The Transformation of Cinema, 1907-1915

by Eileen Bowser

Overview

Eileen Bowser chronicles the history of the American film business from the days of storefront nickelodeons to the premiere of D. W. Griffith's The Birth of a Nation. The effect of the surroundings—the size of the hall; whether the film was shown alone or along with vaudeville entertainment; and the size, quality, and relevance of the musical background—are all examined for their impact on the filmgoing experience.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780520085343
Publisher:	University of California Press
Publication date:	05/04/1994
Series:	History of the American Cinema , #2
Edition description:	First Edition
Pages:	337
Product dimensions:	6.88(w) x 10.00(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Eileen Bowser is former Curator of Film at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Table of Contents

Preface

1 The Nickelodeon
2 A Game of Freeze-out
3 The Recruiting Station of Vice
4 The Films: Alternate Scenes
5 General Filmco and the Pushcart Peddlers
6 Acting: The Camera's Closer View
7 Brand Names and Stars
8 Movie Palaces
9 Trademarks, Titles, Introductions
10 Detours onthe Way to Hollywood
11 The Genre Film
12 The Feature Film
13 The Lid Comes Off
14 Refining the Product
15 Scene Dissection, Spectacle, Film as Art

List of Abbreviations
Notes
Bibliography
Picture Sources
General Index
Index of Films

Editorial Reviews

See preceding entries. Volume two examines the contributions of the countless film figures who helped to shape the industry and to establish Hollywood as the film capital. In this period, the star system developed and the silent film became a full-fledged art form with its own place in the world of business. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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