Interwar London after Dark in British Popular Culture

This book explores how British popular media in the 1920s and 1930s depicted London's nightlife, using case studies to show how newspapers and films capitalized on the transgressive possibilities of the night while ensuring that those in authority were always in control.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 207 pages
Publication date: 06 March 2023
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the portrayal of London's vibrant nightlife in popular films and newspapers during the interwar period. Through a series of in-depth case studies, it examines how British popular media, particularly in the 1920s and 1930s, showcased the capital after dark. It argues that newspapers and films formed part of a shared cultural landscape that capitalized on the rebellious and transgressive possibilities of the night. Simultaneously, these media ensured that those in authority, such as the police, were always portrayed as ultimately in control of the nighttime scene.

The book begins by providing a comprehensive overview of the British film and newspaper industries during the interwar period. Subsequent chapters delve into various aspects of London's nightlife, exploring how films and newspapers depicted women navigating the streets at night, the Metropolitan Police's involvement in regulating nightlife, and the expansion of suburbs and public transportation networks in the capital.

Furthermore, the book examines how newspapers and films portrayed themselves and their relationship with one another. It explores the ways in which these media outlets shaped public perceptions of London's nightlife, as well as the ways in which they influenced each other's storytelling techniques.

Overall, this book offers a rich and insightful exploration of the representation of London's nightlife in popular films and newspapers during the interwar period. It sheds light on the cultural, social, and political dynamics of the time, providing a valuable contribution to our understanding of the history of media and popular culture.

Weight: 298g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030949402
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022