Focusing on onscreen objects in Alfred Hitchcock's films, this study examines the staircases, eyeglasses, lamps, doors, candles, cigarettes, buildings, monuments, statues and dozens of other props the director treated as subjective protagonists, with roles practically equal to the actors'. Hitchock's imperative was to charge the screen with emotion. Subject matter and acting were, for him, subordinate to ""all of the technical aspects that made the audience scream."" Examining each of the director's 52 films, this book provides a comprehensive exploration of Hitchcock's treatment of objects as subjects.

One of the few studies covering both Broadway and Hollywood musicals, this book explores most of the most famous musicals of the past two centuries, along with many others. Presented as an introductory text for musical, dance and theater majors, as well as for musical lovers, the book includes references for nearly 1000 internet video examples of dance and song.