Synopses & Reviews
Traditionally identified with "screwball" comedies, Frank Capra has seldom been considered a conduit for populist concerns and issues. In this book, Gehring examines the influence of both Will Rogers and Frank Capra on modern populist movies, providing important background on Capra's links to the crackerbarrel personality of Rogers. He follows this theme forward, examining the populist roots in such films as The Electric Horseman, Field of Dreams, Dave, Grand Canyon, and others. A final chapter is a close-up of the contemporary, Capra-like director, Ron Howard. The inclusion of a bibliography and selected filmography makes this book an important contribution to film studies, popular culture, and American humor.
Review
Although narrow in size, the spectrum is broad in this fascinating study that links America's most home-spun comic director with influences like Will Rogers and adherents like Ron Howard, not to mention films like The Electric Horseman, Field of Dreams, Dave, and Grand Canyon. Mr. Gehring is well-versed in his genre, and he makes his points cogently, even if purists will find the mention of Opie and the master in the same breath is fairly sacrilegious.Films in Review
Synopsis
This timely and topical, yet definitive, book defines and celebrates the rich and varied history of populism as portrayed in American films, paying special attention to Frank Capra and those he influenced.
Description
Filmography: p. [115]-119. Includes bibliographical references (p. [121]-126) and index.
About the Author
WES D. GEHRING is Professor of Film at Ball State University, and the author of nine previous books: Leo McCarey and the Comic Antihero in American Film (1980)
Table of Contents
Illustrations
Foreword by Steve Bell
Preface
Acknowledgments
Introduction
In the Capra Tradition
Pushing the Capra Envelope
A Contemporary Capra Auteur: Ron Howard
Conclusions
Appendixes
Selected Filmography
Selected Bibliography
Index