This book looks at how the Warner Bros. studio used edgy, stylistic, and brutally honest films to construct a view of America from 1927-1941. Author Chris Yogerst looks at how the Warner Bros. films during this period represented important cultural and social changes-from the coming of sound in film, the Great Depression, the rise of crime, and the increased concern about fascism leading up to World War II.

Chris Yogerst is assistant professor of communication at the University of Wisconsin Colleges where he teaches courses in film, media, and popular culture. His work has been published in Senses of Cinema, Journal of Film and Video, Journal of Religion and Film, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and Atlantic Monthly.