Heavenly Bodies. Film Stars and Society
2nd edition

Richard Dyer's classic and highly influential study of film celebrity has been reissued in this second edition as a testament to the enduring appeal of cinema's major stars. Focusing on the lives and careers of three of the biggest names in Hollywood history- Marilyn Monroe, Paul Robeson and Judy Garland - Dyer details how their screen image was constructed. Through subtle readings of their films and a wealth of background material, he goes on to survey the development of each star's image in relation to particular social groups.
Monroe is discussed in the context of 1950s sexuality and the image of woman ; Robeson in terms of black identity and different white and black perceptions of it ; and Garland as a gay icon. All three are set in the wider context of the social significance of the very idea of stardom. Heavenly Bodies is an enthralling read for anyone who wants to know more about film stars and how they are created.