Once a significant part of Hollywood's output, the 'B' movie, characterised by low budgets, shorter running times and an absence of stars, originated in a Depression era strategy offering a cheaper, second feature as part of a double bill. Explore the history of the 'B' movie through a range of examples and consider their production and exhibition contexts along with their critical reputations.
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This online film studies course looks at the emergence of the 'B' movie in the 1930s as an industry strategy for extending the theatrical experience during the Depression era to include two features, with the 'B' film occupying the bottom half of the programme. We will explore the production and supply of 'B' movies, initially by minor, 'poverty row' studios, and, later, by the majors' own in-house 'B' units once it was recognised that they had an important role to play in exhibition, and the decline in their production in the 1950s once the industry, in an era of transition, switched to producing and exhibiting bigger films that no longer required a supporting feature.
We will be looking at a range of films, including The Vampire Bat (1933), Stranger on the Third Floor (1940), Wagon Train (1940), Detour (1945), Cat People (1942), Gun Crazy (1950), It Conquered the World (1956), series films featuring Sherlock Holmes, Tarzan, the Saint, the Falcon, and many others from across a range of genres.
What will we cover?
The classical Hollywood style and mode of production from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Major studio, independent and 'poverty row' producers of 'B' movies.
Hollywood's marketing, distribution and exhibition practices from the 1930s to the 1950s.
Analysis of key examples of the Hollywood 'B' movie, including both well known, critically acclaimed films, and lesser known examples.
Key producers and directors of Hollywood 'B' movies (e.g., Joseph H. Lewis, Edgar G. Ulmer, Val Lewton and Roger Corman). Popular and critical responses the Hollywood 'B' movie
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Understand and evaluate the production contexts in which the 'B' movie emerged.
Identify key producers of 'B' movies.
Evaluate marketing strategies and distribution and exhibition practices for 'B' movies.
Evaluate style, theme and genre in a range of key 'B' movies.
Identify and evaluate a range of producers and directors associated with 'B' movies.
Evaluate a range of critical responses to key 'B' movies.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills - just an enthusiasm for film and discussing film. The course will provide an introduction to the subject but will also be useful for those wishing to build on existing knowledge in the subject area.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Screenings of extracts from films, talks by the tutor, reading materials, small and large group discussions. It might also be a good idea to see what you can find out about the subject in advance of the class but this is not essential.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts. The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Look for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.
Jon Wisbey teaches film at City Lit and Morley College. He was for many years a committee member and vice-chair of Chelmsford Film Club, screening contemporary and classic world cinema releases. He has an MA in Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. His teaching focuses on classical and post-classical Hollywood, European cinema, British cinema, film noir and horror cinema.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/b-movies-from-the-golden-age-of-hollywood179895‘B’ Movies from the Golden Age of Hollywoodhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/50-films-HF004-1024.jpg7979GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/Courses/Online courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/American film228511771580173120791228511771580<p>Once a significant part of Hollywood's output, the 'B' movie, characterised by low budgets, shorter running times and an absence of stars, originated in a Depression era strategy offering a cheaper, second feature as part of a double bill. Explore the history of the 'B' movie through a range of examples and consider their production and exhibition contexts along with their critical reputations.</p> The history and development of the Hollywood 'B' movie from its emergence in the 1930s to its disappearance in the 1950s, looking at issues such as film style, genre, and commercial function. We will also be thinking about the way that these films have been understood by audiences and critics.<br />
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Course tutor: Jon Wisbey. <br />
<br />
This is a live online course. You will need:<br />
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.<br />
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.<br />
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.<br />
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.34.73085165‘B’ Movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood7979https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/50-films-HF004-1024.jpgInStockDaytimeSatOnlineAvailable courses1 to 4 weeksWeekend2027-05-15T00:00:00+00:00Beginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allMay 2027Culture, history & humanitiesHF0217979‘B’ Movies from the Golden Age of Hollywood635179Jon Wisbeyb-movies-from-the-golden-age-of-hollywood/hf021-2627<p>Once a significant part of Hollywood's output, the 'B' movie, characterised by low budgets, shorter running times and an absence of stars, originated in a Depression era strategy offering a cheaper, second feature as part of a double bill. Explore the history of the 'B' movie through a range of examples and consider their production and exhibition contexts along with their critical reputations.</p>0000-Available|2027-05-15 00:00:00<p>This online film studies course looks at the emergence of the 'B' movie in the 1930s as an industry strategy for extending the theatrical experience during the Depression era to include two features, with the 'B' film occupying the bottom half of the programme. We will explore the production and supply of 'B' movies, initially by minor, 'poverty row' studios, and, later, by the majors' own in-house 'B' units once it was recognised that they had an important role to play in exhibition, and the decline in their production in the 1950s once the industry, in an era of transition, switched to producing and exhibiting bigger films that no longer required a supporting feature.</p><p>We will be looking at a range of films, including The Vampire Bat (1933), Stranger on the Third Floor (1940), Wagon Train (1940), Detour (1945), Cat People (1942), Gun Crazy (1950), It Conquered the World (1956), series films featuring Sherlock Holmes, Tarzan, the Saint, the Falcon, and many others from across a range of genres.<br> </p><p>Once a significant part of Hollywood's output, the 'B' movie, characterised by low budgets, shorter running times and an absence of stars, originated in a Depression era strategy offering a cheaper, second feature as part of a double bill. Explore the history of the 'B' movie through a range of examples and consider their production and exhibition contexts along with their critical reputations.</p><ul><li>The classical Hollywood style and mode of production from the 1930s to the 1950s. </li><li>Major studio, independent and 'poverty row' producers of 'B' movies. </li><li>Hollywood's marketing, distribution and exhibition practices from the 1930s to the 1950s. </li><li>Analysis of key examples of the Hollywood 'B' movie, including both well known, critically acclaimed films, and lesser known examples.</li><li>Key producers and directors of Hollywood 'B' movies (e.g., Joseph H. Lewis, Edgar G. Ulmer, Val Lewton and Roger Corman). Popular and critical responses the Hollywood 'B' movie</li></ul><ul><li>Understand and evaluate the production contexts in which the 'B' movie emerged.</li><li>Identify key producers of 'B' movies.</li><li>Evaluate marketing strategies and distribution and exhibition practices for 'B' movies.</li><li>Evaluate style, theme and genre in a range of key 'B' movies.</li><li>Identify and evaluate a range of producers and directors associated with 'B' movies.</li><li>Evaluate a range of critical responses to key 'B' movies.</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills - just an enthusiasm for film and discussing film. The course will provide an introduction to the subject but will also be useful for those wishing to build on existing knowledge in the subject area.</p><p>Screenings of extracts from films, talks by the tutor, reading materials, small and large group discussions. It might also be a good idea to see what you can find out about the subject in advance of the class but this is not essential.</p><p>You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts. The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.</p><p>Look for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>Film studiesAmerican filmvirtual637951HF021NONESat15/05/27 - 22/05/2710:30 - 13:0010:3013:002 sessions (over 2 weeks)21 to 4 weeksDaytimeWeekendOnlineOnlineJon WisbeyBeginners, Some experience, Advanced, Suitable for allAvailable courses2027-05-15T00:00:00+00:00May 2027Culture, history & humanities7979‘B’ Movies from the Golden Age of Hollywoodb-movies-from-the-golden-age-of-hollywood/hf021-2627<p>Once a significant part of Hollywood's output, the 'B' movie, characterised by low budgets, shorter running times and an absence of stars, originated in a Depression era strategy offering a cheaper, second feature as part of a double bill. Explore the history of the 'B' movie through a range of examples and consider their production and exhibition contexts along with their critical reputations.</p>0000-Available|2027-05-15 00:00:00<p>This online film studies course looks at the emergence of the 'B' movie in the 1930s as an industry strategy for extending the theatrical experience during the Depression era to include two features, with the 'B' film occupying the bottom half of the programme. We will explore the production and supply of 'B' movies, initially by minor, 'poverty row' studios, and, later, by the majors' own in-house 'B' units once it was recognised that they had an important role to play in exhibition, and the decline in their production in the 1950s once the industry, in an era of transition, switched to producing and exhibiting bigger films that no longer required a supporting feature.</p><p>We will be looking at a range of films, including The Vampire Bat (1933), Stranger on the Third Floor (1940), Wagon Train (1940), Detour (1945), Cat People (1942), Gun Crazy (1950), It Conquered the World (1956), series films featuring Sherlock Holmes, Tarzan, the Saint, the Falcon, and many others from across a range of genres.<br> </p><p>Once a significant part of Hollywood's output, the 'B' movie, characterised by low budgets, shorter running times and an absence of stars, originated in a Depression era strategy offering a cheaper, second feature as part of a double bill. Explore the history of the 'B' movie through a range of examples and consider their production and exhibition contexts along with their critical reputations.</p><ul><li>The classical Hollywood style and mode of production from the 1930s to the 1950s. </li><li>Major studio, independent and 'poverty row' producers of 'B' movies. </li><li>Hollywood's marketing, distribution and exhibition practices from the 1930s to the 1950s. </li><li>Analysis of key examples of the Hollywood 'B' movie, including both well known, critically acclaimed films, and lesser known examples.</li><li>Key producers and directors of Hollywood 'B' movies (e.g., Joseph H. Lewis, Edgar G. Ulmer, Val Lewton and Roger Corman). Popular and critical responses the Hollywood 'B' movie</li></ul><ul><li>Understand and evaluate the production contexts in which the 'B' movie emerged.</li><li>Identify key producers of 'B' movies.</li><li>Evaluate marketing strategies and distribution and exhibition practices for 'B' movies.</li><li>Evaluate style, theme and genre in a range of key 'B' movies.</li><li>Identify and evaluate a range of producers and directors associated with 'B' movies.</li><li>Evaluate a range of critical responses to key 'B' movies.</li></ul><p>The course is suitable for all levels and you do not require any particular skills - just an enthusiasm for film and discussing film. The course will provide an introduction to the subject but will also be useful for those wishing to build on existing knowledge in the subject area.</p><p>Screenings of extracts from films, talks by the tutor, reading materials, small and large group discussions. It might also be a good idea to see what you can find out about the subject in advance of the class but this is not essential.</p><p>You will require a pen and paper (or laptop/device) but the tutor will provide all other materials such as handouts. The tutor will show extracts from films and you do not have to obtain them.</p><p>Look for other Film Studies courses under History Culture and Writing/Film Studies at www.citylit.ac.uk.</p>Film studiesAmerican filmconfigurable
20791580American filmhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/film-studies/american-film1/2/285/1177/1580/20791/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Film studies/American film
