Cinema Memories: A People's History of Cinema-going in 1960s Britain

Cinema Memories is a book that explores the memories of almost a thousand people of going to the cinema in Britain during the 1960s, offering a fresh perspective on the social, cultural, and film history of the iconic decade. The authors analyze how cinema-goers constructed meanings from the films they watched, positioning their study within debates about memory, 1960s cinema, and the transformative nature of this decade of British history.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 21 September 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Cinema Memories is a captivating project that brings together and analyzes the memories of nearly a thousand individuals who experienced going to the cinema in Britain during the 1960s. This remarkable endeavor offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the social, cultural, and film history of this iconic decade, marked by the release of a constellation of films that have come to be regarded as timeless classics. Through the meticulous exploration of first-hand accounts provided by authors Melvyn Stokes, Matthew Jones, and Emma Pett, the book delves into the intricate process by which cinema-goers constructed meanings from the films they watched. This intricate negotiation involved a complex interplay between the films themselves, the viewer's own social and cultural identities, and their awareness of the profound changes sweeping through British society during this transformative period. By undertaking a comprehensive analysis, the authors shed light on the profound cultural memory of 1960s cinema-going, illuminating how this era is remembered and interpreted in Britain.

Positioning their study within the broader debates surrounding memory, 1960s cinema, and the seemingly transformative nature of this decade in British history, the authors reflect on the methodologies employed, the significance of memories as historical sources, and the diverse ways in which cinema and cinema-going have come to hold profound meaning for audiences. Through their meticulous research and thoughtful analysis, Cinema Memories provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of the past and the ways in which it continues to shape our present.

Weight: 540g
Dimension: 234 x 158 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839025297