In The Space Of A Song

<p>Songs take up space and time in films. Richard Dyer's <em>In the Space of a Song</em> takes off from this perception arguing that the way songs take up space indicates a great deal about the songs themselves the nature of the feelings they present and who is allowed to present feelings how when and where. <em>In the Space of a Song</em> explores this perception through a range of examples from classic MGM musicals to blaxploitation cinema with the career of Lena Horne providing a turning point in the cultural dynamics of the feeling.</p><p>Chapters include:</p><ul> <li>The perfection of Meet Me in St. Louis</li> <li>A Star Is Born and the construction of authenticity</li> <li>‘I seem to find the happiness I seek’: Heterosexuality and dance in the musical</li> <li>The space of happiness in the musical</li> <li>Singing prettily: Lena Horne in Hollywood</li> <li>Is Car Wash a musical?</li> <li>Music and presence in blaxploitation cinema</li> </ul><p><em>In the Space of a Song</em> is ideal for both scholars and students of film studies.</p>