Pursuits of Happiness: Hollywood Comedy of Remarriage: The Hollywood Comedy of Remarriage: 2 (Harvard Film Studies) - Softcover

Stanley Cavell

Softcover

ISBN 10: 067473906X ISBN 13: 9780674739062

Publisher: Harvard University Press, 1981

Synopsis

Pursuits of Happiness During the 30's and 40's, Hollywood produced a genre of madcap comedies that emphasized reuniting the central couple after divorce or separation. And the female protagonists were strong, independent, and sophisticated. Here, Stanley Cavell examines seven of those classic movies for their cinematic techniques, and for such varies themes as feminism, liberty and interdependence. Included are Adam's Rib, Bringing Up Baby, and The Philadelphia Story.

About this title

Review:

This is a voice like no other in philosophy, today or ever.--Arthur C. Danto "October "

No book about the art of Hollywood I have ever read can make its readers stop and think more effectively than this one.--S. S. Prawer "Times Literary Supplement "

The great achievement of...Pursuits of Happiness is that it finally provides a solid framework for the serious discussion of the great dialogue comedies of the thirties and forties, perhaps the most revived and loved movies of Hollywood's golden period.--Al LaValley "American Film "

This just must be, in its close readings and its stunning associations, one of the most compelling accounts of its kind. The fact is, it just is its kind.--Geoffrey Hawthorn "London Review of Books "

Stanley Cavell's book succeeds brilliantly... The individual 'readings' of the films and the general conceptual plan in which they are embedded are both so rich and rewarding that...'brilliant'...seems an understatement.--Gerald Mast "Journal of Aesthetic Education "

Synopsis:

Looks at seven classic romantic comedies of the thirties and forties, and compares what each film expresses about marriage, interdependence, equality, and sexual roles.

About this edition

• Publisher: Harvard University Press
• Publication date: 1981
• ISBN 10: 067473906X
• ISBN 13: 9780674739062
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 296