Film Appreciation - Chapter 11

What opportunities did the G.I. Bill provide to returning veterans?

The G.I. Bill offered returning veterans the chance to complete their college education and provided loans for low-cost housing.

What was the slogan of President Dwight D. Eisenhower?

Peace, Progress and Prosperity

What impact did television have on movie theater attendance?

Television robbed cinema of its primary audience, leading to a significant decline in movie theater attendance.

What technological advancements did Hollywood use to compete with television?

Hollywood used Technicolor, Wide-Screen formats, and 3-D technology to attract audiences back to theaters.

What was the significance of Technicolor in films?

Technicolor was used to create big-budget, brightly colored films to entice audiences away from black-and-white television.

What was the average screen size of televisions in the 1950s?

The average screen size was 16 inches from corner to corner.

What was CinemaScope and when did it become prominent?

CinemaScope was a wide-screen format announced by Fox in 1953, suited for epic films.

What challenges did early 3-D films face?

Early 3-D films faced synchronization issues between projectors and audience reactions like headaches and nausea.

What genre films gained popularity in the 1950s?

Genre films such as biker films, beach party movies, horror, and science fiction became popular among teenagers.

How did the post-WWII economic prosperity affect teenagers?

Teenagers were able to complete high school and often attend college, developing interests separate from their parents.

What themes were explored in the film 'Rebel Without a Cause'?

The film illustrated the growing conflict between teens and parents, using innovative camera angles to reinforce themes of alienation.

Who starred in 'Rebel Without a Cause'?

James Dean and Natalie Wood starred in 'Rebel Without a Cause'.

What were 'Beach Movies' and who starred in them?

'Beach Movies' featured stars like Annette Funicello and Frankie Avalon, targeting the teenage market.

What characterized 'B' horror and science fiction films?

They were mass-produced and often featured monsters and scantily clad young women on their posters.

What type of films did studios produce to appeal to adult audiences?

Studios produced costume epics based on best-selling novels to attract adult viewers.

What was the role of Arthur Freed in MGM during the 1950s?

Arthur Freed produced over 40 musicals for MGM, leading the creative team known as 'The Freed Unit'.

What is the premise of 'Singin' in the Rain'?

'Singin' in the Rain' tells the story of the birth of sound in Hollywood, using musical numbers unrelated to the plot.

How many songs in 'Singin' in the Rain' were originally written for the film?

Only one song, 'Moses Supposes', was written for the film; others were retreads from previous MGM musicals.

What was the significance of 'Make 'em Laugh' in MGM's history?

'Make 'em Laugh' was used in 'The Pirate' (1948) and was one of the many songs repurposed in MGM musicals.

What was the impact of the emerging teenage audience on Hollywood?

Hollywood catered to the new teenage audience by creating films that reflected their interests and lifestyles.

What was the visual style of films shot in CinemaScope?

CinemaScope films were often shot in medium shots due to lens imperfections, affecting close-up shots.

What were the limitations of early 3-D technology?

Early 3-D technology faced issues with synchronization and audience discomfort, limiting its popularity.

What was the cultural significance of the poodle skirt and duck tail hairstyle?

These fashion trends symbolized the new identity and culture of teenagers in the post-WWII era.

What was the general trend in film genres during the 1950s?

There was a rise in genre films that appealed to younger audiences, including horror and science fiction.

What is an 'integrated musical'?

A musical where characters express emotions through song and dance, replacing dialogue during high spirits or romance.

How did American entertainment reflect societal attitudes in the 1950s?

It maintained a facade of contentment with musicals and beach movies, despite audiences developing more mature tastes.

What event marked the beginning of anti-communist hysteria in the U.S.?

The recognition of Stalin's strength as a threat in 1947, coinciding with the start of the Cold War.

What was the role of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC)?

To investigate Communist propaganda in the U.S. film industry during the Red Scare.

Who was the Chairman of the HUAC and what were his views?

J. Parnell Thomas, who opposed the anti-lynching bill and viewed Roosevelt's New Deal as Communist inspired.

What was the fate of the Hollywood Ten?

They were convicted of 'Contempt of Congress' for refusing to testify and served prison sentences.

What does it mean to be 'blacklisted' in Hollywood?

Blacklisted artists were not hired by studios due to suspicions of Communist affiliations, though some found work under pseudonyms.

Which screenwriter won Academy Awards while blacklisted?

Douglas Trumbo won for 'Roman Holiday' (1953) and 'The Brave One' (1956).

What was the public reaction to the televised HUAC hearings in 1954?

Public opinion turned against McCarthy and the HUAC as they were portrayed as opportunists.

What is the significance of Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible'?

It serves as a veiled commentary on the HUAC's hunt for Communists, paralleling the Salem witch trials.

What film directed by George Clooney addresses the HUAC's impact on the entertainment industry?

'Good Night and Good Luck' (2005) depicts the confrontation between McCarthy and Edward R. Murrow.

What filmmaking movement influenced young filmmakers in the 1950s?

Italian Neorealism, focusing on contemporary social issues and injustices.

What are the characteristics of Social Realism in film?

Emphasizes documentary aspects, shot on location with non-professional actors, and portrays characters without idealization.

Who is Fred Zinneman and what is notable about his films?

An Austrian-American director known for films that explore social crises and identity, such as 'High Noon' (1952).

What was controversial about the film 'High Noon'?

It was seen as a critique of Hollywood's failure to stand up against McCarthyism, as townspeople refuse to support the sheriff.

How did adaptations of novels circumvent the Production Code?

Films based on novels were less restricted by censorship, allowing for mature themes, as seen in 'From Here to Eternity'.

What awards did 'From Here to Eternity' win?

It won 8 Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director for Fred Zinneman.

What is Method Acting?

An acting technique focusing on emotional authenticity, requiring actors to draw from personal experiences to portray characters.

How does Method Acting differ from traditional acting techniques?

Method Acting works from the 'inside-out,' emphasizing the actor's emotional connection to the character, unlike 'outside-in' techniques.

Who was Elia Kazan and what was his background?

A director born to Greek immigrants, known for his influential work in American theater and film.

What cultural background influenced Elia Kazan's upbringing?

Greek culture, which kept him isolated from American culture.

Which university did Elia Kazan attend for acting?

Yale University.

What was the name of the theater group Kazan co-founded in 1931?

The Group Theater.

What notable acting school did Kazan help establish in 1947?

The Actors Studio.

What was Kazan's approach to casting actors?

He preferred to cast unknown actors in leading roles.

Name three actors whose careers were launched by Kazan.

Marlon Brando, Eva Marie Saint, and James Dean.

What is one of Kazan's most notable films that addresses anti-Semitism?

A Gentleman's Agreement.

What significant award did A Gentleman's Agreement win in 1947?

The Oscar for Best Picture.

What social issue did On the Waterfront address?

Political corruption in unions and the struggles of dockworkers.

How many Academy Awards was On the Waterfront nominated for?

12 Academy Awards.

What was Alfred Hitchcock's first film as a director?

The Pleasure Garden (1925).

What cinematic movement influenced Hitchcock's early work?

German Expressionism.

What was Hitchcock's first 'talkie' film?

Blackmail (1929).

What television series did Hitchcock host from 1955 to 1965?

Alfred Hitchcock Presents.

What was the title of Hitchcock's first American-funded film?

Rebecca.

What is a common theme in Hitchcock's films regarding characters?

The 'wronged man' who is innocent but accused.

What is a MacGuffin in Hitchcock's films?

A plot device that motivates the hero's action with little explanation.

In which film does the MacGuffin involve uranium in wine bottles?

Notorious.

How many films did Hitchcock direct throughout his career?

More than fifty feature films.

What was the title of Hitchcock's final film?

Family Plot (1976).

What was a notable characteristic of Hitchcock's directing style?

He pioneered distinctive camera shots and innovative editing techniques.

What did Hitchcock prefer over mystery in his films?

Suspense, which kept the audience informed and engaged.

What was the significance of the film Psycho in Hitchcock's career?

It was one of his most famous films, released in 1960.

What was the impact of the French New Wave on Hitchcock's recognition?

Directors like François Truffaut began to idolize him, leading to greater respect in Hollywood.

What was a common setting for Hitchcock's films?

Picturesque landscapes that often contrasted with the themes of suspense.

What was the age of Alfred Hitchcock at the time of his death?

80 years old.

What was the primary focus of Kazan's films?

Social commentaries on contemporary issues.

What year did Kazan become a founding member of The Group Theater?

1931

What was a notable aspect of the cinematography in On the Waterfront?

It was shot in grainy black and white on actual docks.