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Pursuits of Happiness

The Hollywood Comedy of Remarriage
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( 243 ratings, 31 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Pursuits of Happiness explores a unique genre of Hollywood comedies from the 1930s and 1940s known as the "comedy of remarriage." Stanley Cavell analyses seven classic films, including Adam's Rib, The Awful Truth, Bringing Up Baby, and The Philadelphia Story, focusing on their cinematic techniques and themes such as feminism, liberty, and interdependence. These madcap comedies feature strong, independent female leads and centre on reuniting couples after divorce or separation.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$12200

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for readers interested in film studies, philosophy of art, and classic Hollywood cinema, particularly those fascinated by gender roles and cultural themes in early American film. Scholars and cinephiles seeking a deep and thoughtful analysis of comedy and film artistry will find it especially engaging.

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During the ’30s and ’40s, Hollywood produced a genre of madcap comedies that emphasized reuniting the central couple after divorce or separation. Here, Cavell examines seven of those classic movies for their cinematic techniques, and for such varied themes as feminism, liberty and interdependence.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

During the '30s and '40s, Hollywood produced a genre of madcap comedies that emphasised reuniting the central couple after divorce or separation. Their female protagonists were strong, independent, and sophisticated. Here, Stanley Cavell names this new genre of American film—the comedy of remarriage—and examines seven classic movies for their cinematic techniques and for such varied themes as feminism, liberty, and interdependence.

Included are Adam's Rib, The Awful Truth, Bringing Up Baby, His Girl Friday, It Happened One Night, The Lady Eve, and The Philadelphia Story.

Series: Harvard Film Studies

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its profound insight, Pursuits of Happiness offers a compelling framework for discussing Hollywood's golden age comedies. Critics highlight its close readings and original perspectives, calling it a brilliant and richly rewarding work that stimulates deep reflection on film and philosophy. The book is recognised as unique and authoritative within its field.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780674739062

Publisher: Harvard University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 15 January 1984

Country: United States

Imprint: Harvard University Press

Illustration: 18 halftones

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 156.0mm

Height: 235.0mm

Weight: 431g

Pages: 296

About the Author

Stanley Cavell (1926–2018) was Walter M. Cabot Professor of Aesthetics and the General Theory of Value, Emeritus, at Harvard University. His numerous books include The Claim of Reason, Cities of Words, and Philosophy the Day after Tomorrow.

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