Immortal Films: "Casablanca" and the Afterlife of a Hollywood Classic

Barbara Klinger's book explores the history of Casablanca's circulation in the US from the early 1940s to the present, resituating the film in the changing industrial, technological, and cultural circumstances that have defined its journey. It proposes a new approach to the study of film history and aesthetics.

Format: Hardback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2022
Publisher: University of California Press

Casablanca is one of the most celebrated Hollywood films of all time, its iconic romance etched into the collective memory of generations. Barbara Klinger delves into the history of Casablanca's circulation in the United States from the early 1940s to the present, examining its exhibition through radio, repertory houses, television, and video. By resituating the film in the dynamically changing industrial, technological, and cultural circumstances that have shaped its journey over eight decades, Klinger challenges our understanding of its meaning and reputation as both a Hollywood classic and a cult film. Through this comprehensive single-film survey, Immortal Films proposes a new approach to the study of film history and aesthetics, and more broadly, to cinema itself as a medium in constant interface with other media as a necessary condition of its own public existence and endurance.

Casablanca, a timeless masterpiece of Hollywood cinema, has left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences across generations. In her comprehensive exploration, Barbara Klinger delves into the intricate history of Casablanca's circulation in the United States, spanning from the early 1940s to the present. Through a meticulous examination of archival materials, industry trade journals, and cultural commentary, Klinger unravels the complex journey of this iconic film, from its initial exhibition via radio to its subsequent appearances in repertory houses, television, and video. By contextualizing Casablanca within the ever-evolving industrial, technological, and cultural landscape, Klinger challenges our preconceived notions of its significance and reputation. She explores how the film has adapted and transformed over the years, reflecting the shifting tides of society and the impact of technological advancements. Through this single-film survey, Immortal Films offers a fresh perspective on the study of film history and aesthetics, pushing the boundaries of our understanding of cinema as a medium that is in constant dialogue with other media. By examining Casablanca's enduring appeal and its ability to transcend time, Immortal Films proposes a new approach to the examination of film history and its enduring impact on popular culture.

Weight: 635g
Dimension: 229 x 152 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520296459