Trash or treasure is a wide-ranging historical study of the British circulation of the video nasties - a term that was originally coined to ban a group of horror videos in Britain in the 1980s but which continues to have cultural resonance in Britain up to the present day. The book is divided into three sections, which represent the key periods of existence of the nasties category - the formation of the term in the 1980s, the fan culture that formed around the nasties subsequent to their banning under the video recordings act and the DVD and theatrical re-release of some of the titles from 1990 onwards. Through an exploration of a range of relevant historical materials (from film reviews to fan websites, to video advertising materials) the book examines how this unusual, historically-specific genre category was formulated in a particular context, and then used (for different reasons) by moral campaigners, distributors, critics and fans. By examining the discourses that inform the circulation of a group of banned films (including the growth of DVD, the internet and the academic rehabilitation of horror films), the book argues that censorship is not just about rules and regulations, but also about the material, cultural and commercial consequences of a censorhsip act of law. It will be of great interest to lecturers and students of film, popular culture and the media, as well as enthusiasts of horror films and those interested in film censorship debates. -- .

Sam Raimi's "The Evil Dead" (1981) has been celebrated as a rollercoaster ride of terror and a classic horror hit, a defining example of the tongue-in-cheek, excessively gory horror films of the 1980s. It is also the film that introduced the now-iconic character of Ash (played by Bruce Campbell). This study considers the factors that have contributed to the film's evolving cult reputation. It recounts its grueling production, its journey from Cannes to video and DVD, its playful recasting of the genre, and its status, for fans and critics alike, as one of the grungiest, gutsiest, and most inventive horror films in movie history.

Considers the challenges of historical audience research in the field of screen studies Outlines and expands on the wide range of sources which can be employed to research and capture the experiences and contexts of past screen audiences, and the ways in which these sources can be productively combined Explores and assesses the current status and shape of the field of historical audience research, including consideration of a range of perspectives on the field's methodological models and challenges, and practical applications of these models to focused case studies Foregrounds the transnational and multi-cultural dimensions of past cinemagoing, the roles played by management personnel and marketing campaigns, and the currently under-explored area of the past reception of television and home video Illustrates the important role played by films, people, spaces, places, technologies, identities and communities when studying the history of cinemagoing and media reception Showcasing current research and contemporary debate in the field of screen history and audience studies, Researching Historical Screen Audiences draws upon a wide variety of previously untapped sources including photographs, maps, Mass Observation reports, diaries, fan letters, cinema records and original oral testimonies to explore the challenges and pleasures of conducting research in this field. Containing twelve new essays from an international group of leading and emerging scholars, the book explores and assesses the current status and shape of the field of historical audience research, showcasing new research which foregrounds the transnational and multi-cultural dimensions of past cinemagoing, the roles played by management personnel and marketing campaigns, and the currently under-explored area of the past reception of home video.

Examining Monty Python's enduring status as an unconventional, anti-authoritarian comedy touchstone, this book reappraises Python's comedy output from the perspective of its fifty years of cultural circulation. Reconsidering the group's originality, impact and durability, a range of international scholars explores Python's influences, production contexts, frequently controversial themes, and the cult status and forms of fandom associated with Python in the present day. From television sketches, including The Funniest Joke in the World, Hell's Grannies, Dead Parrot and Confuse-a-Cat, to the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, to songs from the albums and live shows, this book is a ground-breaking critical analysis of the Monty Python phenomenon.

Examining Monty Python's enduring status as an unconventional, anti-authoritarian comedy touchstone, this book reappraises Python's comedy output from the perspective of its 50 years of cultural circulation. Reconsidering the group's originality, impact and durability, a range of international scholars explores Python's influences, production contexts, frequently controversial themes, and the cult status and forms of fandom associated with Python in the present day. From television sketches, including The Funniest Joke in the World, Hell's Grannies, Dead Parrot and Confuse-a-Cat, to the films Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Life of Brian and The Meaning of Life, to songs from the albums and live shows, this book is a ground-breaking critical analysis of the Monty Python phenomenon.

Showcasing current research and contemporary debate in the field of screen history and audience studies, Researching Historical Screen Audiences draws upon a wide variety of previously untapped sources including photographs, maps, Mass Observation reports, diaries, fan letters, cinema records and original oral testimonies to explore the challenges and pleasures of conducting research in this field. Containing twelve new essays from an international group of leading and emerging scholars, the book explores and assesses the current status and shape of the field of historical audience research, showcasing new research which foregrounds the transnational and multi-cultural dimensions of past cinemagoing, the roles played by management personnel and marketing campaigns, and the currently under-explored area of the past reception of home video.

Fourth grade was supposed to be a fresh start for Mike, but he just can't sit still. His parents won't even let him play soccer anymore. Instead, he has to hang out with his neighbour Nora, who is good at everything! But then, Mike and Nora discover the White Rabbit - a store with a special secret inside. It's owner, Mr. Zerlin, is a magician, and, amazingly, he seems to think that Mike could be a magician, too! Based on the extraordinary magic of Mike Lane, with actual (very cool) magic tricks included, this series is sure to appeal to anyone looking for new and "magic" ways to fit in.

The magic continues in book two of the Magic Shop - our new chapter book series featuring real magic tricks! Surviving fourth grade is little easier now that Mike has found the White Rabbit. Thinking about his next magic trick helps him stay focused. But after having to miss a special show, Mike decides that he needs to prove to his parents that he is responsible enough to ride his bike downtown alone. Nora is Mike's expert on good behaviour. But she is distracted by a new friendship, and Mike is left to muddle through on his own. Maybe he can find some other way to impress his parents - one that's a little more magical?