Description

Book Synopsis
Peter Evans' immensely readable volume uses this classic film to explore questions not only of integration across the Hollywood musical in general, but the ambiguities of (gendered) national identity, romance, subjectivity and the notion of the couple.

Trade Review
"Its considerable claims to Art and its resonant magic are the dual focus of this insightful and highly readable study by Peter William Evans . . . Evans approaches this most celebratory of musical comedies in celebratory mode but also with a deserved seriousness devoid of solemnity." (Times Literary Supplement , 24 June 2011)



Table of Contents

List of Figures vi

Synopsis vii

Acknowledgments ix

Introduction 1

1. The Making of Top Hat 6

2. Fred Astaire: "Outlaw" Stylist of the Dance 19

3. Ginger Rogers: Confirming and Defying Convention 26

4. Introduction to Narrative and Number: The Bumpy Road to Love 35

5. The Numbers 43

6. Querying National and Sexual Identity 85

Conclusion: A Perfectly Swell Romance 101

Notes 104

Bibliography 106

Index 114

Top Hat

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    A Paperback / softback by Peter William Evans

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      Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd
      Publication Date: 10/09/2010
      ISBN13: 9781405188302, 978-1405188302
      ISBN10: 1405188308
      Also in:
      Film history, theory or criticism

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      Peter Evans' immensely readable volume uses this classic film to explore questions not only of integration across the Hollywood musical in general, but the ambiguities of (gendered) national identity, romance, subjectivity and the notion of the couple.

      Trade Review
      "Its considerable claims to Art and its resonant magic are the dual focus of this insightful and highly readable study by Peter William Evans . . . Evans approaches this most celebratory of musical comedies in celebratory mode but also with a deserved seriousness devoid of solemnity." (Times Literary Supplement , 24 June 2011)



      Table of Contents

      List of Figures vi

      Synopsis vii

      Acknowledgments ix

      Introduction 1

      1. The Making of Top Hat 6

      2. Fred Astaire: "Outlaw" Stylist of the Dance 19

      3. Ginger Rogers: Confirming and Defying Convention 26

      4. Introduction to Narrative and Number: The Bumpy Road to Love 35

      5. The Numbers 43

      6. Querying National and Sexual Identity 85

      Conclusion: A Perfectly Swell Romance 101

      Notes 104

      Bibliography 106

      Index 114

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