The Art of American Screen Acting, 1912-1960 - by Dan Callahan (Paperback)

About the Book

"Some people claim that audiences go to the movies for the genre, while others go for the director. But most really go to see their favorite actors and actresses. This book explores the work many of classic Hollywood's influential stars. These entertainers were part of an explosion of talent from the late 1920s through the early 1950s"--

Book Synopsis

Some people claim that audiences go to the movies for the genre. Others say they go for the director. But most really go to see their favorite actors and actresses. This book explores the work of many of classic Hollywood's influential stars, such as James Cagney, Bette Davis, Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.

These so-called "pre-Brando" entertainers, often dismissed as old fashioned, were part of an explosion of talent that ran from the late 1920s through the early 1950s. The author analyzes their compelling styles and their ability to capture audiences.

About the Author

Dan Callahan has written about film for Sight & Sound, Film Comment, Nylon, and many other publications. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.