Fast–Talking Dames - Hardcover

Dibattista, Maria

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0300088159 ISBN 13: 9780300088151

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2001

Synopsis

There is nothing like a dame, exuberantly declares the song from the multicultural world of "South Pacific", and proclaims, too, that a dame is a specific American creation, one of the things worth fighting for in our culture. This book validates that claim. It celebrates the fast-talking dames of thirties and forties screen comedy, women of lively wit and brash speech who became the most impressive model of indepedent, articulate American womanhood. Coming of age during the depression, they were quick on the uptake and hardly ever downbeat. They seemed to know what to say and when to say it. They weren't afraid of slang nor shy of the truth. In their fast and breezy talk seemed to lie the secret of happiness, but also the key to reality.

About this title

Product Description:

Fast-talking Dames A celebration of the fast-talking dame - a woman of lively wit and brash speech, who came of age during the Depression. It offers portraits of the grandest dames of the era, including Katharine Hepburn and Irene Dunne, and discusses the films that showcased their way with words. Full description

Review:

'[DiBattista's] investigation is full of pleasures and rewards' -- Mary Flanagan, The Independent, 16 July 2001

'a delightful celebration of the great comic actresses' -- Philip French, TLS, 9 November 2001

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 0300088159
• ISBN 13: 9780300088151
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 336