Soho on Screen: Cinematic Spaces of Bohemia and Cosmopolitanism, 1948-1963

Soho on Screen is the first study of Soho in post-war British cinema, exploring twelve films and theatrically released documentaries from a filmography of over one hundred Soho set productions. It focuses on low-budget, exploitation films, and offers new readings of star and director biographies, enlivening discussion on filmmaking in a time of social transformation, technological innovation, and growing permissiveness.

Format: Hardback
Length: 262 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

Despite the rich cultural history of Soho, there has been a notable lack of scholarly attention devoted to its depiction in film. To address this gap, Soho on Screen emerges as a pioneering study that delves into the portrayal of this iconic neighborhood within post-war British cinema. Drawing upon a wealth of historical, cultural, and urban studies of the area, this comprehensive book explores a selection of twelve films and theatrically released documentaries, encompassing a filmography of over one hundred Soho-set productions. While the primary focus lies in examining low-budget, exploitation films that stand as exemplars of British and international filmmaking, Young also offers fresh interpretations of star and director biographies, ranging from Laurence Harvey to Emeric Pressburger. By doing so, she enriches the discourse on filmmaking during a period of profound social transformation, technological innovation, and increasing permissiveness.

Soho on Screen offers a comprehensive exploration of the portrayal of Soho in post-war British cinema, shedding light on its historical, cultural, and urban significance.

Through a meticulous examination of twelve films and theatrically released documentaries, the book delves into the diverse range of cinematic representations of Soho.

While the primary focus lies in examining low-budget, exploitation films that exemplify British and international filmmaking, Young also provides fresh readings of star and director biographies, offering new insights into the lives and careers of influential figures in the industry.

By contextualizing these films within the broader social, technological, and cultural landscape of post-war Britain, Soho on Screen contributes to our understanding of the evolving nature of filmmaking and its impact on society.

This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and film enthusiasts alike, offering a comprehensive and insightful perspective on the representation of Soho in film.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 158 x 236 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800734777