Journalism in the Movies (History of Communication) [Hardcover]

Matthew C. Ehrlich (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0252029348 | ISBN-13: 978-0252029349 | Publication Date: June 23, 2004

Matthew C. Ehrlich's Journalism in the Movies is the story of Hollywood's depiction of American journalism from the start of the sound era to the present. Ehrlich argues that films have relentlessly played off the image of the journalist as someone who sees through lies and hypocrisy, sticks up for the little guy, and serves democracy. Focusing on films about key figures and events in journalism, including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, All the President's Men, and The Insider, Journalism in the Movies presents a unique opportunity to reflect on how movies relate not only to journalism but also American life and democracy.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Matthew Ehrlich's Journalism in the Movies is the book many of us have been waiting for. It treats the much-ignored journalism movies as a distinct genre in film history and is the perfect textbook for any class dealing with the image of the journalist in films. Anyone who wants to understand the public's perception of what journalism and media are all about should read this first-rate book." Joe Saltzman, professor of journalism, and director of The Image of the Journalist in Popular Culture, a project of the Norman Lear Center, Annenberg School for Communication, University of Southern California

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press (June 23, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0252029348
• ISBN-13: 978-0252029349
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,663,756 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An important and scholarly addition, October 3, 2006

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Journalism in the Movies (History of Communication) (Paperback)

"Journalism In The Movies" by Matthew C. Ehrlich (Associate Professor of Journalism, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign) is a history of how Hollywood movies have depicted American journalism and newspaper reporters, editors and publishers from the beginning of the sound era in motion pictures down to the present day. Professor Ehrlich documents how film makers from script writers to directors have consistently presented journalists as men and women who see through lies and hypocrisy, defend the ordinary people from corruption, conspiracy, and criminality, and serve in the defense of democracy. From 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington', to 'All the President's Men', to 'The Insider', and more, the reader is provided with illustrative examples of films that reflect and shape public opinion with respect to the role of journalist in American society and American life. "Journalism In The Movies" is an important and scholarly addition to academic library Cinema History reference collections, and supplemental reading lists for students and non-academic general readers with an interest in journalism and the movies.