THE TURN TO GRUESOMENESS IN AMERICAN HORROR FILMS, 1931-1936 by Jon Towlson ( 9780786494743 )

Item Details

Title:

THE TURN TO GRUESOMENESS IN AMERICAN HORROR FILMS, 1931-1936

By:

Jon Towlson

Format:

Paperback

List price:

£29.95

Our price:

£26.96

Discount:

10% off

You save:

£2.99

ISBN 10:

0786494743

ISBN 13:

9780786494743

Availability:

Usually dispatched within 1-3 weeks.

Delivery rates

Stock:

Currently 0 available

Publisher:

MCFARLAND & CO INC

Pub. date:

30 August, 2016

Pages:

240

Description:

Taking a fresh look at the horror genre from 1931 to 1936, this critical study examines "happy ending" horror in relation to industry practices and censorship. Early works like Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932) and The Raven (1935) may be more akin to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (2003) and Saw (2004) than many critics believe.

Synopsis:

Critics have traditionally characterized classic horror by its use of shadow and suggestion. Yet the graphic nature of early 1930s films only came to light in the home video/DVD era. Along with gangster movies and "sex pictures," horror films drew audiences during the Great Depression with sensational screen content. Exploiting a loophole in the Hays Code, which made no provision for on-screen "gruesomeness," studios produced remarkably explicit films that were recut when the Code was more rigidly enforced from 1934. This lead to a modern misperception that classic horror was intended to be safe and reassuring to audiences. Taking a fresh look at the genre from 1931 through 1936, this critical study examines "happy ending" horror in relation to industry practices and censorship. Early works like Murders in the Rue Morgue (1932) The Raven (1935) may be more akin to The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (2003) and Saw (2004) than many critics believe.

Illustrations:

25 illustrations

Publication:

Imprint:

McFarland & Co Inc

Returns:

Non-returnable

Some other items by this author:

CANDYMAN (PB)

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND

CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF THE THIRD KIND (PB)

DAWN OF THE DEAD