Humphrey Bogart. Abbott and Costello. Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. John Wayne. Rita Hayworth and Betty Grable. Images of these film icons conjure up a unique moment in cinema and history; one of optimism and concern; patriotism and cynicism. What Dreams Were Made Of examines the performers who helped define American cinema in the 1940s; a decade of rapid and repeated upheaval for Hollywood and the United States. Through insightful discussions of key films as well as studio publicity and fan magazines; the essays in this collection analyze how these actors and actresses helped lift spirits during World War II; whether in service comedies; combat films; or escapist musicals. The contributors; all major writers on the stars and movies of this period; also explore how cultural shifts after the war forced many stars to adjust to new outlooks and attitudes; particularly in film noir. Together; they represented the hopes and fears of a nation during turbulent times; enacting on the silver screen the dreams of millions of moviegoers.
#264118 in eBooks 2008-10-13 2008-10-13File Name: B00506TSUW
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Nice Contemporary Styles from Petite to Plus Sizes.By L.J. ONealI was actually surprised that I really liked just about all of the projects in this book. even the childrens projects-and I dont have any little ones! Im a plus size woman and usually have to compute my own increases for crochet instructions -not with this book- plus sizes instructions are included. Im really looking forward to completing these projects. The purses. hats and other accessories look great too and appear very easy to personalize with your own creativity. Great buy.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fun for Those New to Crochet; MORE Fun for Those Who Are ExperiencedBy Mrs. Barbara SaulsI have never described my crocheting experience as being a "fun" thing until now. This book is simply that: fun! The one pattern I have enjoyed most is that used to make the hat for young girls; however. but its the fact so many different items can be made with just one. easy and understandable method used in the hat that will fascinate you. It is used six times in the book. I have thought and you will. too. "Why didnt I think of this?" I have made 12 of the hats so far and not one of them are the same. The embellishments you can add are endless. I was introduced to crochet at age 4 by my great-grandmother. great-aunts and mother. It wasnt until I was in my early 30s that it actually "got my attention." I began when the granny square was in its glory the first time (the 1970s). and now "grannys" back and I still dont like the traditional square. When I did become serious about crocheting. the first thing I did was chunk the granny and yarn and fell in love with the old-fashioned steel hooks and cotton thread. Of course. there was little in fashion for those back then. but I didnt care and still dont. I made doilies. and one I particularly love and display in my home is a buffet runner made in filet. I have inherited all my great-aunts patterns dating to the 1930s. If you have a change. get some of the old patterns. Youll end having a good cry when you see how far down Americans have come regarding explaining. spelling and all English when you can actually understand the instructions. Compare those from long ago to some of those written today and see what Im referring to. You wont find that problem with Mary Janes book "Crochet That Fits...." It is written clearly. concisely and explained in "real" English (American. that is). I guess what Im trying to explain about this particular book is: take the authors ideas and then "fly" with them! You soon will be as I have become: an embellishor (made that word myself. I think). If I had written this. it would thrill me to know I had helped someone learn things about their abilities they had no idea existed! Thank you. Mary JanePositively Crochet!: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips52 of 54 people found the following review helpful. Neat idea. Horizontal construction to get fit.By Suzanne R. ArnholtThis is a nice book for making "shaped" garments. It does live up to its promise not to have increases or decreases. It creates garments largely by working in the "back loop only" with shaping done through different heights of stitches. For example. bust stitches in dc. waist in sc. hips in tr with sleeves added at the end. Given the title. I would have expected more actual garments. There were more than a few headbands and scarves. none of which have to "fit" much since elastic is sewn on the headbands and scarves fit anyone. That said. the idea is novel. Positively Crochet!: 50 Fashionable Projects and Inspirational Tips has a peach top in it that has similar styling to many of the garments in this book. and virtually all of them look like they are made of "ribbing" because of the back loop construction. So. if you are looking for vertical stripes. this has some good ideas of how to make your garments fit well.
