One of the most powerful forces in world culture, American cinema has a
long and complex history that stretches through more than a century.
This history not only includes a legacy of hundreds of important films
but also the evolution of the film industry itself, which is in many
ways a microcosm of the history of American society as a whole. The
Historical Dictionary of American Cinema provides broad coverage of the
people, films, companies, techniques, themes, and genres that have made
American cinema such a vital part of world cinema. This is done through
a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and over 500
cross-referenced dictionary entries. This book is an excellent access
point for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about
the history of American Cinema.