Reconstructing American Historical Cinema explores Hollywood's pivotal interpretations of national history during the height of the studio system. In a radical departure from traditional studies of film and history, J. E. Smyth looks at rarely discussed production records and scripts from studio archives, arguing that certain classical Hollywood filmmakers were actively engaged in a self-conscious and often critical filmic writing of national history. Her unique approach unites the study of popular and academic historical writing, historical fiction, and screenwriting, providing a rich context for the industry's commitment to American history.

Reconstructing American Historical Cinema uncovers Hollywood's diverse and conflicted attitudes toward American history in narratives including nineteenth-century frontier epics, gangster biopics, and histories of silent-era Hollywood.

J. E. Smyth is a lecturer in the history department at the University of Warwick (UK). Her articles and reviews have appeared in many publications.

Reviews:

"...This is an excellent book. It serves as an important challenge to traditional readings of classical Hollywood, to traditional understanding of American historiography, and to those theories of 'film and history' that are rapidly becoming traditionalized." --Nicholas Witham, Screening the Past

"J. E. Smyth's book is a controversial, innovative, and meticulously researched text that reconfigures time-worn conceptions of what constitutes history on and in the cinema." -- Marcia Landy, University of Pittsburgh

Named on of Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles in Choice's January 2008 issue.

"Smyth provides a rich context for the industry's commitment to American history by examining past production records and scripts." -- Choice

"A controversial, innovative, and meticulously researched text that reconfigures time-worn conceptions of what constitutes history on and in cinema. Smyth puntures the prevailing mythologies."--American Historical Review

"A scrupulously researched discusson of historical films produced by Hollywood from 1931 to 1942. In treating Westerns, gangster films, Civil War films, and various kinds of biopics, she brings to the discussion a treasure trove of production materials that show how far from thoughtless these films really are. Smyth stakes out new critical territory. Essential."--Choice

"Although Hollywood is noted for its formulaic filmmaking, Smyth argues that serious historical treatment is evident in different genres. Her endorsement of certain films as honest reflections of the American past will pique readers' interest."--Library Journal