Like the haggadah; the traditional “telling†of the story of the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt that is read at the Passover seder; cinema offers a valuable text from which to gain an understanding of the social; political; and cultural realities of Jews in America. In an industry strongly influenced by Jewish filmmakers who made and continue to make the decisions as to which films are produced; the complex and evolving nature of the American Jewish condition has had considerable impact on American cinema and; in particular; on how Jews are reflected on the screen. This groundbreaking study analyzes select mainstream films from the beginning of the sound era to today to provide an understanding of the American Jewish experience over the last century.In the first half of the twentieth century; Hollywood’s movie moguls; most of whom were Jewish; shied away from asserting a Jewish image on the screen for fear that they might be too closely identified with that representation. Over the next two decades; Jewish moviemakers became more comfortable with the concept of a Jewish hero and with an overpowered; yet heroic; Israel. In time; the Holocaust assumed center stage as the single event with the greatest effect on American Jewish identity. Recently; as American Jewish screenwriters; directors; and producers have become increasingly comfortable with their heritage; we are seeing an unprecedented number of movies that spotlight Jewish protagonists; experiences; and challenges.
#1819093 in Books 2008-05-15Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .81 x 6.00l; 1.14 #File Name: 0292717687220 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Good read for those LBJ history buffsBy Keith NicollThis was a very interesting read. Some people might not truly understand it but having come from a military family I got alot of what was being said. Being in this role under LBJ I'm sure was not easy but in hindsight I'm sure he wouldn't have had it any other way. I have become quite a huge LBJ history buff living close to his ranch; library and where he was born and raised. It always interests me when I make the trip to his ranch; especially with their opening more of his home up to tour. This was a good story to add to what I already know. Both Brig Gen Cross and LBJ would be two men I would love to just have a sit down with to hear the numerous stories that exist but that won't ever happen so this read was as close to that sit down as I could get. It opens up alot of the behind the scenes that most people never knew or probably will ever know about.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting subject and a great storytellerBy Walter A. Reed; Jr.Lyndon Johnson was a bigger-than-life character who was President during one of the most tumultuous and volatile periods in our country’s history. General James Cross makes a significant contribution to our knowledge of these times by describing the special; personal relationship he had with the President during this difficult period. This story is unique in that General Cross does not attempt to outline the questions surrounding the great political problems of the time. Instead; he gives us a behind- the- scenes look at the personal problems and logistics of the President’s daily life in the White House and on the road. Stripped of the normal infighting and maneuvering that defines many political relationships; General Cross’s story gives us a different view of the good and bad days that made LBJ such a complicated figure.I had the privilege of serving as a staff officer for General Cross during the last two years of his active duty Air Force career. This was during LBJ’s post- presidential period and some of the tasks he took on for the President landed on my desk. I was impressed by not only his service to the President but also the exceptional job he did at the same time as Commander of the 75th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at Bergstrom AFB in Texas.I highly recommend this book. You will learn about LBJ from a new perspective and enjoy the way the story is told by a great American; General James U. Cross.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. ain't I great? "By Norm P.It was interesting; but a bit hard to believe. Just from a time factor; but a bit too much of "look at me; ain't I great?"
