Rhodes to discuss Hollywood musicals, romantic films
Dr. Jack Rhodes will present the second of three virtual lectures on film genres of the Classic Era at 1:30 p. m. Thursday, March 4.
The Waupaca Area Public Library is sponsoring the program.
Rhodes’ presentation will focus on the classic musical and light romantic movies produced by Hollywood from 1927 through 1968.
His previous presentation, broadcast on Feb. 5, addressed the classic mystery and detective films and is available via the library on YouTube.
This program will include a brief history of the development of the screen musical, along with a more sustained look at some of the best examples of both light romance and musical pictures of the day.
Featured performers to be discussed include Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell, Doris Day, Gene Kelly, Cary Grant, Katharine Hepburn, Jean Arthur, Irene Dunne and several others.
Rhodes notes the Hollywood musicals and romances were especially significant in boosting public morale during the Great Depression and throughout World War II and reached their apex in the early 1950s, although both romantic and musical examples continue to be produced today.
The program will be presented via Zoom. To register, go to waupacalibrary.org/film-series or call the library at 715-258-4414 for more information.