From Headline Hunter to Superman [Hardcover]

Richard R. Ness (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 25, 1997 | ISBN-10: 0810832917 | ISBN-13: 978-0810832916

Although recent films such as The Paper, I Love Trouble, and Up Close and Personal demonstrate the continuing popularity of movies about the press, the journalism film has seldom been recognized as a major genre.

This filmography, a detailed analysis of journalists as they have been portrayed in films, consists of 2,165 entries for feature films from the silent era through 1996. In addition to providing an extensive discussion of significant journalism films such as The Front Page, His Girl Friday, Ace in the Hole, and Broadcast News, the text examines lesser-known works which helped to reinforce the image of the press on screen. The book is the first of its type to offer extensive consideration of journalists in silent films, in B films of the 1930s and 1940s, and in made-for-television movies. The filmography is presented chronologically by year, with entries within each year listed alphabetically. A definitive study of a genre long overdue for recognition. Of interest to film scholars, researchers, journalists and students of contemporary culture. Contains 17 black and white photos.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This volume serves as a guide to more than 2,100 feature films that deal with journalism. The book is the result of the author's thesis research--he is now an instructor in the Department of Communication at Wayne State University. His criteria for inclusion encompass films that deal specifically with the profession of journalism or in which a journalist plays a role in the events, works which perpetuate the image of journalists, the importance of the journalist character, and emphasis on the profession. Journalists are defined as those participating in a news or editorial capacity. The emphasis of the book is on American feature films, though it does include some foreign films with American releases and some made-for-TV films. When possible, films were viewed for the writing of the book. When films were not available, the author researched multiple sources.

A general introductory essay deals with journalism as a film genre. Because "a goal of this filmography is to demonstrate changes in the public's perception of the press as reflected in motion pictures," chapters are arranged chronologically, with each covering a decade from the 1930s to the 1990s. The first chapter covers the silent era and the final chapter covers 1980^-1996. Each begins with a one-or two-page overview. Within each chapter, films are listed by year of release and then alphabetically by title. Each entry includes title, studio, running time, production credits, the cast, and plot summary and analysis that focus on the journalism content. There are occasional quotes from the dialogue. Some entries are only a paragraph or two in length, while others, such as those for All the President's Men, Meet John Doe, and Up Close and Personal, cover more than a page. Stills from some of the films are found in the middle of the book. The volume contains several appendixes covering additional titles that did not meet the criteria, but which the author feels are of interest--British films, and serials and miniseries. It also includes a brief bibliography and an index of titles.

Public libraries with large movie and filmography collections, or academic libraries at institutions with film schools, will find value in this book. If the demand is there, the information it contains makes this title a good reference source.

Review

This filmography is the first and most comprehensive book of its kind....recommended for inclusion in libraries that support the study of filmography and journalism. (Arba )

...a unique reference source... (Classic Images )

...exhaustive...worth the attention of journalism historians eager to illustrate for their students the changing role of the reporter in American culture and society. (Journalism History )

Public libraries with large movie and filmography collections, or academic libraries at institutions with film schools, will find value in this book...a good reference source. (Booklist )

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 808 pages
• Publisher: Scarecrow Press (September 25, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0810832917
• ISBN-13: 978-0810832916
• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 8.4 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 pounds
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #847,953 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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