Mondays at 3 p.m.
January 28 through May 13
Lectures by Marilyn Fabe
History of the Film Musical investigates the popular appeal of films that combine narrative with musical numbers, and the emotional and cultural conflicts addressed behind the facade of the genre's escapist pleasures. How do film musicals reflect the culture from which they arise and the people who enjoyed them? What is their message about love, life, and the power of music? Do musicals deserve their reputation as the most conservative genre or are they potentially subversive, opening up audiences to new ways of thinking and experiencing life? By taking an historical approach, we map the musical film's increasing self–reflexive play with its own conventions and deconstruction of its own modes of entertainment.
Schedule for January and February
January 28
The Jazz Singer
(Alan Crosland, U.S., 1927)
February 4
Hallelujah
(King Vidor, U.S., 1929)
February 11
The Love Parade
(Ernst Lubitsch, U.S., 1929)
February 25
Dames
(Busby Berkeley/Ray Enright, U.S., 1934)
Screenings and lectures are held in the PFA Theater, Bancroft @ Bowditch. We recommend advance tickets, which are, as always, available at the PFA box office, or charge–by–phone (510-642-5249).
