THE MUSICAL

A concise and accessible introduction to 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, this volume 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 both versions of Show Boat, Cabin in the Sky, Singin' in the Rain, A Star is Born, West Side Story, My Fair Lady and Funny Girl.

August 2005
144 pages

978-1–904764–37–3 (pbk)

£12.99

£11.04 with 15% online discount - add to basket

Susan Smith is Senior Lecturer in Film Studies at the University of Sunderland.

‘This is a splendid book – among the best works on movie musicals this reviewer has encountered. Smith offers carefully nuanced readings not only of image, narrative, and characterization but also of performance and star image. Responding to Richard Dyer's premise that Hollywood musicals create a white, patriarchal Utopia, the author posits possible resistances to this monolithic agenda from positions of race and the female voice ... Smith's argument is totally compelling. Essential.’ W.A. Vincent, Choice

‘An excellent study of a major and relatively neglected genre. Its welcome focus on race, gender and performance allows for an original discussion of issues all too often treated cursorily in writing on the musical. In her survey of racial and gender stereotypes and key aspects of performance, Susan Smith has produced a theoretically informed and lively, elegantly written volume that will appeal to all students of the formal and social meanings of the musical.' Peter Evans, Queen Mary, University of London

‘The concise size and scope of the book make it extremely flexible for classroom use. It has enough breadth and depth to be valuable and worthwhile supplemental reading… [and] provides effective stimuli for further thinking and discussion.’ William A. Everett, Popular Music