Spinsters, Widows and Chars: The Ageing Woman in British Film

This book explores the representation of female ageing in British film since the 1930s, examining issues around ageing femininities through a range of case studies of films and actresses, both known and forgotten. It establishes the importance of the character actress at the heart of the history of British cinema and provides an overlooked historical context for considering ageing femininities in contemporary film. The book argues that the prevalence of various iterations of the character actress is essential in understanding the nature of British cinema, specifically in how it has developed to define itself against Hollywood. It centres on the analysis of a broad range of films, including Blithe Spirit (1945), The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1968), and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012), as well as the work of selected actresses, considering them within the context of the broader historical factors which impacted on ageing femininities, including the Second World War, the post-war settlement, the Welfare State, and the implications for the women's movement as a whole.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 31 August 2023
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

Since the 1930s, British cinema has been a rich tapestry of depictions of female ageing, offering a nuanced and complex exploration of the evolving cultural and historical contexts that shape these representations. In this comprehensive study, we delve into the intricate issues surrounding ageing femininities, employing a diverse range of case studies to shed light on both well-known and forgotten cinematic gems.

Establishing the significance of the character actress as a central figure in the history of British cinema, this book offers an overlooked historical context for considering ageing femininities in contemporary film. Through a meticulous examination of a broad spectrum of films, including Blithe Spirit (1945), The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1968), and The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2012), as well as the remarkable work of select actresses, we explore the multifaceted ways in which ageing femininities have been portrayed and interpreted over the years.

By contextualising these cinematic portrayals within the broader historical factors that have influenced ageing femininities, including the Second World War, the post-war settlement, the Welfare State, and the profound impact of the women's movement, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between culture, identity, and representation. This book serves as a valuable contribution to the field, shedding light on the enduring appeal of the ageing actress in British film and illuminating the rich tapestry of female ageing narratives that have shaped the cinematic landscape of the United Kingdom.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474452830