Best Years

by Affron, Charles; Affron, Mirella Jona

• ISBN13: 9780813545820
• ISBN10: 081354582X
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-09-01
• Publisher: Rutgers Univ Pr

Summary

Americans flocked to the movies in 1945 and 1946—the center point of the three-decade heyday of the studio system’s sound era.Why?Best Yearsis a panoramic study, shining light on this critical juncture in American historyand the history of American cinema—the end of World War II (1945) and a year of unprecedented success in Hollywood’s Golden Age” (1946). This unique time, the last year of war and the first full year of peace, provides a rich blend of cinema genres and types—from the battlefront to the home front, the peace film to the woman’s film, psychological drama, and the period’s provocative new style, film noir.Best Yearsfocuses on films that were famous, infamous, forgotten, and unforgettable. Bigbudget A-films, road shows, and familiar series share the spotlight. From Bergman and Grant inNotoriousto Abbott and Costello inLost in a Harem,Charles Affron and Mirella Jona Affron examine why the bond between screen and viewer was perhaps never tighter. Paying special attention to the movie-going public in key cities—Atlanta, New York, Boston, Honolulu, and Chicago—this ambitious work takes us on a cinematic journey to recapture a magical time.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. ix
Standing Room Only U.S.A., January 1, 1945-December 31, 1946	p. 3
Over Here Detroit, February 10, 1945, Since You Went Away and The Very Thought of You	p. 16
Nation Atlanta, April 12, 1945, Wilson	p. 46
Over There Honolulu, June 26, 1945, Back to Bataan	p. 86
Stars Los Angeles, November 22, 1945, Hollywood Canteen	p. 114
Big Picture Boston, January 1, 1946, Forever Amber	p. 142
Imports Philadelphia, April 25, 1946, and June 5, 1946, Open City	p. 165
Homecoming Chicago, December 18, 1946, The Best Years of Our Lives	p. 201
Continuous Showings New York City, January 1, 1945-December 31, 1946	p. 239
Boxoffice Rankings	p. 289
Star Rankings	p. 297
Notes	p. 299
Index	p. 323
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