Show Notes
For the first-ever installment of Musical May, Ross and Ryan dig into 1961's "West Side Story"! They look at how the film depicts social anxieties around juvenile delinquency, reflects the Puerto Rican experiences of the Great Migration, and discuss some of the structural components of adapting a musical for the screen.
FURTHER READING: Gilbert, James. A Cycle of Outrage: America's Reaction to the Juvenile Delinquent in the 1950s. Tropiano, Steven: Rebels and Chicks: A History of the Hollywood Teen Movie. May, Elaine Tyler. Homeward bound: American Families in the Cold War Era.
FURTHER WATCHING: Let us know which version of "West Side Story" you prefer! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
More from The History on Film Podcast
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Ross is joined by returning guest Dr. David Morton to dive into the history of filmmaking in the city of Miami. They discuss the geopolitical influence of the area and Miami's reputation as an unofficial cultural capital of both Latin America and organized crime. David is awarded the podcast's highest and most prestigious honorarium.
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Ross kicks off season 3 with returning guests Drs. Brad Schwartz and Joshua Shepperd talking about NETWORK. They discuss the film's continuing relevancy 50 years later, the mythology of Murrow, and the corporatization of American news media. Plus, a mailbag segment, a detailed breakdown of the QB drama in Cleveland, and something called "Thunderpants". Welcome back!