JOURNAL ARTICLE

Teaching short musical films.

  • Published In: Short Film Studies, 2025, v. 15, n. 1. P. 43 1 of 3

  • Database: Film & Television Literature Index with Full Text 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Worcester, Kent 3 of 3

Abstract

This article focuses on the author’s experiences teaching undergraduate courses on studio-era musical short films, highlighting three examples: *All-American Co-Ed* (1941), *Cow Cow Boogie* (1942), and *The House I Live In* (1945). Each film offers unique insights into twentieth-century American cultural history, addressing themes such as gender and sexuality, early forms of music videos featuring African American performers like Dorothy Dandridge, and the Popular Front’s visual culture with an emphasis on tolerance and anti-fascism. The author discusses how these films engage students in discussions about historical context, representation, and the evolution of musical film, while also noting the pedagogical value of exploring lesser-known works beyond the established musical canon.

Additional Information

  • Source:Short Film Studies. 2025/04, Vol. 15, Issue 1, p43
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Film
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:2042-7824
  • DOI:10.1386/sfs_00126_1
  • Accession Number:185309152
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