One of five volumes devoted to exploring some of the peripheral aspects of American films. Essays describe the depiction of such geographical and conceptual places as Arizona and the Arabic world, such public and ritual spaces as churches and western saloons, and such private arenas and commonplace

Beyond the Stars contains 20 essays on stock characters, and character conventions which neatly divide into four categories: ethnic and racial stereotyping; social classis; professions; and the idiosyncratic type. Stock figures in American movies are part of our cultural heritage; they deserve an honored place in theliterature of film and popular culture.