As a film history student I took two Hollywood Cinema survey classes. One did include more popular movies along with critical successes. The other one was primarily esoteric classics. I enjoyed both but at the same time I also took American History classes that concentrated on the same period and was always surprised by the overlap in themes between the two. For example, a study of popular movies of post-World War I movies and post World War II movies according to Taves suggestion would have been a class I would have eagerly signed up for as opposed to the choices usually given. I was disappointed as a student because the film classes I frequently took dismissed Hollywood since these movies are made for profit rather than exploring the tension of a business that creates what may be art. I suppose I was more interested in the business than top ten lists of artistic masterpieces. Another idea for a class that may appease both sides could be a study of the directors (Stroheim to Wenders) Hollywood imported for art's sake and how well they fared in the business. Anyway, I believe that a class about popular movies isn't about venerating public tastes, but an essential part of cinema history especially for Hollywood. Amy Harper Look It Up! Indexer Milwaukee, WI ---- To signoff SCREEN-L, e-mail [log in to unmask] and put SIGNOFF SCREEN-L in the message. Problems? Contact [log in to unmask]