The Musical: Race, Gender and Performance

Susan Smith

December, 2005
Paper, 144 pages, 12 illus
ISBN: 978-1-904764-37-3
Wallflower Press
$20.00

This study explores one of the most popular and successful of genres, yet one that has not fully enjoyed critical recognition to match. Combining a detailed analysis of individual musicals with an in-depth consideration of racial and gender issues, Susan Smith examines the rich interactions that occur between music, performance and narrrative, as well as the use of the female voice and the female singer in certain ‘Pygmalion’/’Svengali’-style narratives. Films studied include Show Boat (1936, 1951), Cabin in the Sky (1943), Singin’ in the Rain (1952), A Star is Born (1954), West Side Story (1961), My Fair Lady (1964) and Funny Girl (1968).

Related Subjects

• Film
• Music

Series

• Short Cuts (Wallflower Press)

About the Author

Susan Smith is Senior Lecturer in Film Studies at the University of Sunderland.

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