This book explores the potential of U.S. movie theaters as an important national asset. Each of the 4,000 movie palaces constructed during Hollywood's Golden Age, as well as the countless smaller theaters modeled after the grander showcases, has a role to play in the life of today's cities. The first section of the book explores the social and…

Identifies current trends that are moving society away from supporting an improved role for the arts in education. Discusses the blurring of the demarcation between popular culture and high art, the economic context in which students are trained for work, taxpayer pressure for efficiency, and deemphasis on live art. (KO)