Starring Charles Dickens: Multi-Media 'Boz' and the Culture of Celebrity

Joss Marsh's book explores Dickens' influence on cinema, tracing his impact on pioneers, masters, and innovators from Mayall's celebrity portraits to the complex technologies and cultural formations of late-Victorian fantasy. Each chapter unfolds a century-long cultural story, from Dickens' experiences with early-Victorian portraitists to Sunset Boulevard, Billy Wilder's satire on celebrity celluloid, and Dirk Bogarde's inheritance of the sacrificial gay role. The book demonstrates film's fascination with Dickens, fueled by decades of impersonation and enabled by the medium's capacity to make still images live, to bring back the extraordinary literary artist and personality of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 280 pages
\n Publication date: 01 January 2021
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
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In her captivating book on Dickens and cinema, Joss Marsh delves into the fascinating realm of the early 20th century, where Charles Dickens emerged as the first mass-mediated photographic celebrity, surpassing even the royal family in familiarity within Britain. Marsh suggests that Dickens' celebrity, alongside his remarkable literary works, played a significant role in the global phenomenon known as cinema's obsession with Dickens. To explore this connection, Marsh begins by examining the iconic celebrity portraits of J. J. E. Mayall, which shed light on Dickens' influence on the pioneers, first masters, and later innovators of the film industry. At the same time, Marsh uncovers a broader issue: understanding Dickens' place in cinema requires an understanding of his intricate relationship with the various technologies and cultural formations that shaped the world of late-Victorian fantasy.

The six chapters of the book unfold a century-long cultural narrative, tracing the Dickensian inspirations embedded in the history of cinema. Marsh's cinematic geography of Dickensland takes the reader on a journey, from Dickens' encounters with early-Victorian portraitists and their cameras to the satirical portrayal of celebrity celluloid self in Billy Wilder's remake of Great Expectations. From the cast-iron Victorian stage plays manufactured by actor-manager Martin-Harvey in 1899 to Dirk Bogarde's iconic inheritance of the sacrificial gay role of Sydney Carton in 1958, the book explores the diverse influences and adaptations of Dickens' works in the realm of cinema.

The chapters also delve into the historical context, exploring the impact of technology, cultural trends, and societal changes on the representation of Dickens and his characters. From Charley Dickens Jnr.'s attempts to capitalize on his father's knowledge of London to the evolution of production design as a medium of historical tourism and virtual experience, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted connections between Dickens and cinema.

Marsh's analysis extends to the portrayal of Dickensian characters in film, examining their transformations and adaptations over time. From Dickens' impersonation of Fagin, a character often associated with anti-Semitism and theatricality, to Chaplin and David Lean's nuanced interpretations of the Jew and his musical apotheosis as a magician and Pied Piper, the book offers a rich tapestry of cinematic interpretations of Dickens' literary creations.

Furthermore, the book explores Dickens' enduring public presence and his final public appearance in 1868, marking a significant moment in his cultural legacy. Marsh's work not only sheds light on the influence of Dickens on cinema but also provides a deeper understanding of his place in the broader context of late-Victorian fantasy and the complex interplay between technology, culture, and artistic expression.

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Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781409404743\n \n