Women and Mixed Race Representation in Film: Eight Star Profiles

This book uses a black/white interracial lens to examine the lives and careers of eight prominent American-born actresses from the silent age through the studio era, New Hollywood, and into the present century: Josephine Baker, Nina Mae McKinney, Fredi Washington, Lena Horne, Dorothy Dandridge, Lonette McKee, Jennifer Beals and Halle Berry. Combining biography with detailed film readings, the author fleshes out the tragic mulatto stereotype, while at the same time exploring concepts and themes such as racial identity, the one-drop rule, passing, skin color, transracial adoption, interracial romance, and more. With a wealth of background information, this study also places these actresses in historical context, providing insight into the construction of race, both onscreen and off.

Author: Valerie C. Gilbert
Publisher: McFarland and Company, Inc.
Published: 09/01/2021
Pages: 302
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.35lbs
Size: 9.90h x 7.00w x 0.70d
ISBN13: 9781476663388
ISBN10: 1476663386
BISAC Categories:
- Performing Arts | Film | History & Criticism
- Social Science | Women's Studies
- Social Science | Discrimination

About the Author
Valerie C. Gilbert has researched for more than 15 years in preparation for writing this book. She is a graduate of the University of Washington's BFA program in photography, and MA program in communication. She lives in Seattle, Washington.