The Film Musical from 1950 to its decline in the 1960s

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

This module examines the history, style, and content of Hollywood film musicals from the late 1940s to the decline of the classic musical in the 1960s. In addition to considering musicals made in the traditional maimer, such as The Pirate, Gigi, and The Sound of Music, departures from the canonical style are evaluated, both for the challenge they offered to convention mad as reflections of society m rapidly changing times. They include Rock Around the Clock, West Side Stmy, and Sweet Charity. Context will be provided by examining some early musicals, and various attempts will be made to find a working definition of the film musical as a genre, including engaging with Rick Altman's theory of genre. A small number of musicals from the 1970s will be included.