New Release: Fairy Tale and Film: Old Tales with a New Spin by Sue Short

(US/UK Links)

Fairy Tale and Film: Old Tales with a New Spin by Sue Short was released in late December although it has a 2015 release date. It is also available in the UK at Fairy Tale and Film: Old Tales with a New Spin (UK Link). I haven't seen a copy of it yet to explore the films discussed and share that with you here, but it appears to be a fine addition to the fairy tale films studies bibliography.

Book description:

How have familiar tales such as 'Cinderella', 'Beauty and the Beast', 'Ali Baba' and 'Bluebeard' been redeployed in film? Why has the industry taken such a keen interest in reworking age-old stories? And are the 3D star vehicles currently being released necessarily the most interesting examples? Paying particular attention to less conspicuous adaptations in order to question exactly what constitutes a 'fairy tale film', Sue Short argues that some of the most significant revisions can be found where we least expect them. She also seeks to challenge negative evaluations of popular cinema – and its audiences – by illustrating some progressive ideas at work in frequently undervalued texts. The book is intended for anyone interested in contemporary cinema, gender and class representation in popular culture – and lovers of fairy tales everywhere.

Table of Contents:

Preface
Introduction: Fairy Tale Films, Old Tales with a New Spin
1 Finding Love and Fulfilling Dreams: Aspiring Underdogs and Humbled Heroines
2 Curses, Wishes and Amazing Transformations: Male Maturation Tales
3 Wealth through Stealth: Evening the Odds, or Flirting with Disaster?
4 Dangerous Liaisons: Demon Lovers and Defiant Damsels
S Houses of Horror: Domestic Dangers and Man-made Monsters
6 Postmodern Revisions: New Tales for Old?
Epilogue: The Importance of Enchantment
Notes
Bibliography
Filmography
Index