Rebels and Chicks: A History of the Hollywood Teen Movie

by Stephen Tropiano

• Entertaining yet insightful analysis of more than 100 films for and about teenagers—illustrated with photos of iconic moments

• Filmography of teen movies



From Mickey and Judy putting on a show, to James Dean rebelling without a cause, to Molly Ringwald crying on her sixteenth birthday, teen movies have reflected the social, political, and cultural climate of their times for more than fifty years. The book begins with a look at the image of teenagers in pre-1950s Hollywood cinema. Among the topics discussed are exploitation films of the 1930s, such as Reefer Madness and Cocaine Fiends , the roles assigned to teen performers such as Elizabeth Taylor and Natalie Wood, and the “criminals-in-training” films of the 1940s, such as the serials featuring the East Side Kids and The Bowery Boys.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, History

304 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 2005

Reviews

[David · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thought the subject matter might be interesting but could not get past the writing. He used air-quotes a dozen times in the first four pages; I did not get to the fifth page.

[Chris Franqui]

I found this book at the library two years ago. When by accident I checked it out with some other books I was reading at the time. Yet it was no accident that such a book was truly a great piece of work. I think anyone who's grown up as a teenager can relate to the essence of the chicks and rebels that have made such a book a classic to the modern teenage era.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fine read about teen movies through time. It reminded me of some real classics and introduced me to some new stuff. All in all, a good read while I'm sitting on my couch, but I wouldn't go out of my way to find it.

[Kristen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a bad little read about teen movies. I think the editor/proofreader fell asleep during the last section, though.