Download or read book The Art of American Screen Acting, 1912-1960 written by Dan Callahan and published by McFarland. This book was released on 2018-02-27 with total page 244 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Some people claim that audiences go to the movies for the genre. Others say they go for the director. But most really go to see their favorite actors and actresses. This book explores the work of many of classic Hollywood's influential stars, such as James Cagney, Bette Davis, Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. These so-called "pre-Brando" entertainers, often dismissed as old fashioned, were part of an explosion of talent that ran from the late 1920s through the early 1950s. The author analyzes their compelling styles and their ability to capture audiences.