The module examines the ways in which theatre has been represented in films and is not primarily concerned with adaptations of plays for the cinema ( although in some cases, such as The Entertainer, the film derives from a play about the theatre). The module focuses on the relationship between the historiography of theatre especially in constructions of the processes of theatre history; the social context of theatre and the biographical writing and the cinema's uses of theatre. For example: the notion of the divided self in relation to actors and acting (for example, All About Eve, Being Julia); the ideal of a democratic theatre (Shakespeare in Love); the appeal of the backstage drama (42nd Street, Topsy-Turvy); the theatre as a symbol of national identity and social and political life (Mephisto, The Entertainer, Cabaret); gender and sexuality in the theatre (Stage Beauty). Most of the films will be discussed in relation to more than one of these topics: after the first introductory session, each weekly seminar will focus on one film, with examples from others being introduced either in the form of extracts shown by the lecturer or reference to others seen by students in the course of the module. Students will be expected to become familiar with the broad outlines of theatrical and film history and more detailed knowledge of specific topics. They will be expected to conduct close readings of individual scenes and sequences.