American Film: A History is the most enjoyable and interesting overview of the history of American filmmaking available. Written by a top scholar in the field, this textbook gives students a thorough understanding of the fascinating intersection of economics and artistry in Hollywood cinema from the beginning of film history to the present. Focused on aspects of the film business that are of perennial interest to undergraduates, topics include: the business intrigues of Hollywood; the economics of content regulation; the tension between Hollywood and American culture overall; the importance of the youth market and the trends in popular genres from decade to decade.