Classic Movie Comedians by Neil Sinyard lands on the |> SALE <| shelves in my shop.
Grange Books, 1992, Hardback in dust wrapper.
Illustrated by way of: Black and White Photographs;
From the cover: What makes a good movie comedian a classic? The ability to make people laugh certainly, but, as you will discover in this fascinating review of the worlds legendary movie comedians, there is more to it than that.
In this highly engaging volume the reader has an opportunity to consider the very different qualities brought to the silver screen by such luminaries as Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Harold Lloyd, Harry Langdon, Laurel and Hardy, W. C. Fields, and the Marx Brothers. These are the pioneers whose comic vision has delighted audiences and inspired comedians ever since.
Through his characterization of the Tramp, Chaplin spoke without words to millions of people, providing poignant commentaries on the society of the day, while Keaton mesmerized with his visual ingenuity and haunted face. As with Lloyds high-rise stunts, or Langdons childlike helplessness, each aspect of the great comedians performance succeeds in extracting a response from the viewer. This book surveys the broad diversity of comic devices and styles employed by the giants of the cinema: for instance, Laurel and Hardys inevitable escalation of events into mayhem, the cutting edge to Fieldss misanthropic wit, and the aggression at the root of the Marx Brothers quick-fire gags.
Binding these strands together is the thread of comic genius: the ability to imitate life and ridicule it, to persuade generations of movie-lovers to suspend their disbelief for a while, indulge their imaginations and enjoy it.
In his authoritative and entertaining text, accompanied by over 250 vivid illustrations, Neil Sinyard examines the diverse magical gifts of the classic movie comedians, providing an essential addition to any movie-goers library.
Very Good in Very Good Dust Wrapper. A little rubbing to the edges of the dust wrapper. Text complete, clean and tight.
Black boards with Silver titling to the Spine. 176 pages. Index. 12″ x 9¼”.
This book will be eventually reach my delightful website…(added to my Cinema category.) but get 60% off buying from this very blog blog… Buy it now for just £2.60 + P&P! Of course, if you don’t like this one there are plenty more available here!
BookLovers of Bath 