Teach Yourself Classic Film: American and British, 1939-2000

There's a world of wonders in the films of the past. This teach yourself course offers an absorbing pathway into that world. Classic films are part of our heritage; they are also excellent films that provide first-rate entertainment. Many of them offer something uniquely satisfying that can't be replicated today. There's never been a better time for pursuing an interest in classic film. All but the most obscure films from the past can be found on the internet and watched either on disc, or directly online. The arrival of high-definition Blu-ray has miraculously restored the picture quality of many older films, making them far more accessible and attractive to modern viewers. Nine Units cover five genres (Western, Adventure, Film Noir, Historical Films, Science Fiction); two film eras (Classic Hollywood and New Hollywood); one great director (Alfred Hitchcock); and one national cinema (Great Britain). Each Unit consists of an essay on the Unit subject, a case study on an individual movie, and a list of 21 film choices from which you're required to watch a minimum of one or two. This is not an academic course, but it is an intelligent one, suitable both for newcomers to classic film and for those who are already enthusiasts.