The first book devoted exclusively to the history of one of Hollywood's most popular genres - the teen film. Through an analysis of more than 100 films for and about teenagers, this revealing and entertaining study chronicles the evolution of the teen movie from the 1950s through the present day. From the Judy Garland/Mickey Rooney films of the 1940s to 1950s rebel classics such as The Wild Ones to the Elvis movies and surf films of the 1960s to the classic John Hughes films of the 1980s and beyond, this book demonstrates how teen movies reflect the social, political and cultural climate of their time. The book begins with a look at the image of teenagers in pre-1950s Hollywood cinema. Among the topics discussed are the exploitation films of the 1930s, such as Reefer Madness and Cocaine Fiends, the roles assigned to teen performers such as Elizabeth Taylor and Natalie Wood, and the "criminals-in-training" films of the 1940s such as the serials featuring The East Side Kids and The Bowery Boys.
Part One takes a look at the genesis of the teen film in the 1950s and 60s, alongside the rise of rock roll, focusing on films such as I Was A Teenage Werewolf, Blackboard Jungle and Beach Blanket Bingo. Part Two focuses on the emergence of teen movies in the 1970s and 1980s as a popular and profitable Hollywood genre, complete with its own star system. Part Three concentrates on the revival of certain teen genres such as the slasher film and the teen sex comedy, and the innovative depiction of teen life found in independent feature films such as Welcome to the Dollhouse and Boys Don't Cry.
- ISBN10 0823097013
- ISBN13 9780823097012
- Publish Date 1 August 2005
- Publish Status Remaindered
- Out of Print 23 September 2008
- Publish Country US
- Publisher Watson-Guptill Publications
- Imprint Back Stage Books,U.S.
- Format Paperback
- Pages 306
- Language English