Television in Spain: From Franco to Almodóvar

by Paul Julian Smith

Overview

Any follower of Spanish cinema who turns to television finds that the locally produced programs most appreciated by both audiences and critics are as creative and original as any feature film.
This book, the first of its kind, gives close readings of TV programmes broadcast from the 1970s to the present day. They embrace drama, comedy, and talk/reality shows and are currently available on DVD. It also treats the obsessive theme of television in Almodóvar, Spain's most celebrated film director, arguing for a re-reading of his work in the light of TV studies. In addition to analysing particular programmes, this book examines TV channels, production companies, governments, and the role of the press, academy, and audience.
PAUL JULIAN SMITH is Professor of Spanish at the University of Cambridge.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781855661363
Publisher:	BOYDELL & BREWER INC
Publication date:	10/21/2006
Series:	ISSN , #232
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x (d)

About the Author

PAUL JULIAN SMITH is Distinguished Professor in the Ph.D. Program in Comparative Literature at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.

Table of Contents

Introduction: from Franco to Almodóvar
The Approach to Spanish Television Drama of the New Golden Age
The Classic Serial: Public Service, Literarity, and the Middle-brow
Chronicles of a Village: Francoist Newsreel, Feature Film and Television
The Urban Sitcom: Community, Consumption, Comedy
Telebasura: Trash, Talk, and Reality
Almodóvar on Television: Industry, Thematics, Theory
Conclusion: A Day in the Life of Spanish Television

Editorial Reviews

Essential reading for anyone working in the field.

SCREEN

Essential reading for anyone working in the field. SCREEN

From the Publisher