A Paul Rotha Reader
Distributed for University of Exeter Press
“Rotha’s writing itself seems incredibly fresh and vibrant. A no-nonsense, clearly written personal view of filmmaking, the book is a pleasure to read and triggers off many a train of thought about the nature of documentary filmmaking . . . As a starting-point for discussion about the thinking behind documentary and the effect it can have on the viewer, it is a highly stimulating collection . . . The introductory chapters pull into focus Rotha’s aims and intentions which remind the reader what documentary has the potential to do. To make us think.” –Journal of Popular British Cinema, Vol. 4, 2001
Preface
Context
The Early Years
Robert Kruger
Paul Rotha and the Documentary Films
Robert Kruger
Paul Rotha and Film Theory
Duncan Petrie
Rotha’s Writing
1. The Art of the Film: Theory and Criticism
The Development of the Film as a Means of Expression (1930)
Production—Off the Studio Floor (1929)
Rhythm—and its Creation (1929)
The Magnificence of Fairbanks (1930)
City Lights (1931)
Earth (1931)
Pabst (1967)
Some Principles of Documentary (1935)
Films of Fact and Fiction (1938)
Neo-realism: Bicycle Thieves (1950)
Umberto D (1955)
II. Cinema and Britain: Culture and Industry
The ‘Unusual’ Film Movement (1940)
Repertory Film Movement (1931)
A Museum for Cinema (1930)
The British Film (1930)
Korda
1933 Interview
1956 Interview
The Private Life of Henry VIII (1933)
The Government and the Film Industry (1945)
A Plan for British Films (1949)
The Problem of the Short Film (1966)
III. Film Practice
The Technique of the Art-Director (1928)
The Art Director and the Film Script (1930)
Making Contact 1932–33 (1973)
Presenting the World to the World (1956)
Select Filmography
Select Bibliography
Index
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