SCREWBALL. HOLLYWOOD S MADCAP ROMANTIC COMEDIES

Sikov, Ed. (Text) Haskell, Molly. (Foreword)

ISBN 10: 0517573024 / ISBN 13: 9780517573020

Published by CROWN., NY, 1989

About this Item

Fine in a very close to fine dj. (Tiny hint of rubbing at edge of front panel of dj.) Heavily illustrated gift book.

Seller Inventory # 309625

Bibliographic Details

• Title: SCREWBALL. HOLLYWOOD S MADCAP ROMANTIC COMEDIES
• Publisher: CROWN., NY
• Publication Date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0517573024
• ISBN 13: 9780517573020
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First Edition.
• Condition: Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Seller catalogs:
  • 214

About this title

Synopsis

1989, hardcover edition, Crown Publishers, NY. 250 pages, superior coated stock, with 240 b&w stills from various films, all of them in most effective duotones. The author is an excellent writer, with a doctorate in film studies from Columbia University. Here he presents the wonderful sub-genre of Hollywood, the screwball romantic comedy films of the 1930s and 1940s. Remember Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn chasing around the countryside looking for a goofy pet leopard? Or the slightly tipsy William Powell married to a rich alluring female named Myrna Loy and their crazy dog that jumps straight up in the air, the one that was scared of pussycats? Well, if you remember those fine films, they're all in here, with complete cast credits, a list of writers, and the directors who turned out one wonderful film after another. The nice thing about these films is the fact that these people actually seem to be having a good time and to actually really like each other. Imagine that! A large, oversize volume, with great photos and a real feel for the celluloid material.

Reviews

During the 1930s and early '40s, Hollywood "screwball comedies" had their heyday. Characterized by the substitution of "comedic" animosity or violence for affection and sexuality in male-female interactions (sexuality was ruthlessly suppressed by the Production Code), well-known films of this style include Bringing Up Baby , It Happened One Night and Topper , with stars such as Cary Grant, Carole Lombard, William Powell and Myrna Loy. This oversize volume, illustrated with 240 black-and-white movie stills and publicity shots, examines the weird world of screwball comedy--a world where, as freelance film journalist Sikov writes, "hatred is no reason to give up on a relationship." Devotees of Unfaithfully Yours or My Man Godfrey will enjoy the author's breezily perceptive opinions and succinct plot encapsulations. A screwball filmography is included.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.