The Musical: Race, Gender, and Performance (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781904764373)

This study explores one of the most popular and successful of genres, yet one that has not fully enjoyed critical recognition to match. Combining a detailed analysis of individual musicals with an in-depth consideration of racial and gender issues, Susan Smith examines the rich interactions that occur between music, performance and narrrative, as well as the use of the female voice and the female singer in certain 'Pygmalion'/'Svengali'-style narratives. Films studied include Show Boat (1936, 1951), Cabin in the Sky (1943), Singin' in the Rain (1952), A Star Is Born (1954), West Side Story (1961), My Fair Lady (1964) and Funny Girl (1968).

Author: Susan Smith
ISBN-10: 1904764371
ISBN-13: 9781904764373
Publisher: Wallflower Press
Language: English
Published: 09/29/2005
Pages: 144
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.53lbs
Size: 7.84h x 6.46w x 0.41d

Review Citation(s):
Choice 06/01/2006 pg. 1836

About the Author
Susan Smith is senior lecturer in film studies at the University of Sunderland.