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Old Films, Young Eyes: A Teenage Take on Hollywood's Golden Age
Why would a modern teenager find classic films enthralling? This book presents an eye-opening tour of how old movies foreshadowed, influenced--and continue to shape--popular culture in many surprising ways. From foreseeing today's image-dominated social media landscape to ushering rock music into the mainstream, and sparking elements of the #MeToo movement, classic movies remain relevant and inspiring.
Despite prevailing attitudes that old films are outdated, many dramatically broke boundaries around racism and antisemitism. They predicted current trends in divorce and sexual relations. They helped shape current icons like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, as well as foreshadowing more sobering events such as the Covid-19 pandemic. A Gen Z-age cultural critic, author Simone O. Elias presents an insider's perspective on the socio-cultural impact of classic Hollywood films on a modern generation.
Despite prevailing attitudes that old films are outdated, many dramatically broke boundaries around racism and antisemitism. They predicted current trends in divorce and sexual relations. They helped shape current icons like Taylor Swift and Lady Gaga, as well as foreshadowing more sobering events such as the Covid-19 pandemic. A Gen Z-age cultural critic, author Simone O. Elias presents an insider's perspective on the socio-cultural impact of classic Hollywood films on a modern generation.
- GenresNonfiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published November 15, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 13, 2024
ARC Review
Millenials in my area do not watch classic films, this left me rather lonely and I headed to Instagram to find my tribe. Right after I started my page another began 'Teenage Golden Age', an account for a podcast made by teens, one of whom is the author of this book. I was amazed to find teenagers watching these old films, I wouldn't touch them at that age, yet to my delight a great majority of pages I follow are run by teens and young adults, this book aims to increase that audience, but it's not just for teens, this volume is great for any generation to see film analysis through younger eyes. I was deeply honoured to be offered an advanced copy to review from 15 year old Simone.
I began expecting a fun, peppy and cute exploration of why old films are awesome and instead was bowled over by a writing style of an almost scholarly and journalistic finesse, easily on par with authors decades older, only the odd humourous sentence or observation occasionally gives away the author's youth.
The book begins with a thorough look at how old Hollywood films are still influencing and inspiring pop culture today and connections to the past teens can relate to. The amount of different topics and tangents she came up with to examine is amazing, I didn't notice a lot of them myself.
Next the book works backwards towards the Golden Age starting with the 60s, using several films as guides she details the defining elements of each decade and walks the reader through history. The focus often turns to how teens influenced certain periods and how the films and world then looks through the eyes of young people today. I personally enjoyed the second half of the book best, about the 30s and 40s and the studio system. I also enjoyed the list of the author's favourite films at the back.
I haven't been a classics fanatic very long, maybe 6 years and I thought I knew a lot but Simone definitely knows more, I learned a lot from this book and she points out many connections and observations that hadn't really occurred to me before. I think anyone interested in film analysis would love this book regardless of age, it may feel a little academic for teens used to the way many colorful, frothy and trendy books are usually designed for them, but for those who love nonfiction and want to know why their friend is watching "old people movies" this will be perfect!
This is a huge labour of love and so extensively researched and so well written, if this is any indication of the younger generations passion and love for classics, they are in good hands for the future.
Millenials in my area do not watch classic films, this left me rather lonely and I headed to Instagram to find my tribe. Right after I started my page another began 'Teenage Golden Age', an account for a podcast made by teens, one of whom is the author of this book. I was amazed to find teenagers watching these old films, I wouldn't touch them at that age, yet to my delight a great majority of pages I follow are run by teens and young adults, this book aims to increase that audience, but it's not just for teens, this volume is great for any generation to see film analysis through younger eyes. I was deeply honoured to be offered an advanced copy to review from 15 year old Simone.
I began expecting a fun, peppy and cute exploration of why old films are awesome and instead was bowled over by a writing style of an almost scholarly and journalistic finesse, easily on par with authors decades older, only the odd humourous sentence or observation occasionally gives away the author's youth.
The book begins with a thorough look at how old Hollywood films are still influencing and inspiring pop culture today and connections to the past teens can relate to. The amount of different topics and tangents she came up with to examine is amazing, I didn't notice a lot of them myself.
Next the book works backwards towards the Golden Age starting with the 60s, using several films as guides she details the defining elements of each decade and walks the reader through history. The focus often turns to how teens influenced certain periods and how the films and world then looks through the eyes of young people today. I personally enjoyed the second half of the book best, about the 30s and 40s and the studio system. I also enjoyed the list of the author's favourite films at the back.
I haven't been a classics fanatic very long, maybe 6 years and I thought I knew a lot but Simone definitely knows more, I learned a lot from this book and she points out many connections and observations that hadn't really occurred to me before. I think anyone interested in film analysis would love this book regardless of age, it may feel a little academic for teens used to the way many colorful, frothy and trendy books are usually designed for them, but for those who love nonfiction and want to know why their friend is watching "old people movies" this will be perfect!
This is a huge labour of love and so extensively researched and so well written, if this is any indication of the younger generations passion and love for classics, they are in good hands for the future.
January 17, 2026
I absolutely positively LOVED this book! It touched on themes I have managed to overlook, so I am grateful to see these films through a modern 15-year-old's eyes. (And yes, I was constantly reminding myself that she's only 15!) And while our love of Pre-Codes is so, so mutual, I'd ask Simone to reconsider Film Noir. Outside of the Pre-Code genre, the juiciest parts that women had were in Film Noir. Women were punished at the end, rather than the live-and-let-live endings of Pre-Code, but these women of Film Noir were the complete antithesis of the typical subservient 40s and 50s model wife and mother types. That being said, I can't wait to see what the future holds for this wonderful young lady. And if TCM were smart, they'd give her a regular spot in their lineup!
February 3, 2026
Simone O. Elias was 15 years old when she wrote "Old Films, Young Eyes." The author and book caught my attention when she was interviewed on Turner Classic Movies. I often wonder how many young people today actually would enjoy, or have the patience for, classic films. This book makes the case that more people of her generation should at least try a black & white film.
Ms. Elias takes on various genres, stars and themes of movies of the 1930s-1950s. She does some comparisons with pop culture icons of today and relates some films with her own experiences. She is obviously a very insightful person who did some real research; however, she could have made use of a thesaurus. Her writing style is personal while obviously influenced by social media ways of communication. It is simultaneously fresh and frustrating for a member of Generation Jones like me. I hope she continues to write as this is an auspicious beginning. Best yet, she mentioned a few films I haven't seen but sound worth investigating.
Ms. Elias takes on various genres, stars and themes of movies of the 1930s-1950s. She does some comparisons with pop culture icons of today and relates some films with her own experiences. She is obviously a very insightful person who did some real research; however, she could have made use of a thesaurus. Her writing style is personal while obviously influenced by social media ways of communication. It is simultaneously fresh and frustrating for a member of Generation Jones like me. I hope she continues to write as this is an auspicious beginning. Best yet, she mentioned a few films I haven't seen but sound worth investigating.
December 12, 2024
As a classic film fan approaching my mid 50s, I fear for the future of cinema from the era known as the Golden Years Of Hollywood. However, Simone O. Elias is a fierce and astute young lady with quite the eye, having a heart and mind that is well-focused on the classic films of the past. Her book is outstanding and provides an interesting and fascinating perspective from a teenager, who not only sees the value and importance of classic film but is thoroughly entertained by it. Elias draws parallels as well as intriguing contrasts between films of the past and issues that emerge today, as well as allow for a freshness in how everyone (not just young people) can learn and appreciate something new from the films of the past. She writes with aplomb and a good depth of knowledge as well. An excellent read and thoroughly recommended!
November 17, 2024
Chock full of in-depth research and thought-provoking topics pertaining to all things Old Hollywood, this book was a WONDERFUL read! There is something for everyone, whether you're a lover of sunny 1950s and 1960s Gidget "beach" flicks, or dark and shadowy 1940s "noir." And who doesn't want to tap-dance alongside Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire circa those glittery 1930s? Ms. Elias uses a steady hand to break down both the virtues and vices of the classic film era (and there are a lot of both!). She also does an amazing job in connecting the dots to explain why classic film is still so important and relevant to modern film today. Is it possible for the younger "teenage" generation to simply LOVE classic film? Absolutely! Thank you, Ms. Elias, for this AMAZING book!
December 12, 2024
A fascinating account of Golden Age movies that sparkles with relevance to contemporary culture. From the first paragraph, readers know they’re on a cinematic ride like no other. Along the way, the book discloses significant stories that reverberate today, such as the old Hollywood studio system, the ebb and flow of feminism in the movies, the Jewish origins of Hollywood, and why the romantic comedy is the most popular and influential of all the film genres. Although fast-paced and entertaining, the book also serves as a comprehensive resource, interweaving the cinematic, the historical, and the personal.
As with the best Golden Age movies, this book is both timely and timeless, connecting movies from the late 1920s through the mid 1960s to movies and life now, all from the perspective of a teenage expert. Some passages are breathtaking in the way they artfully summarize the sweep of time and events. The book presents establishing shots and close-ups of each time period and genre of the Golden Age, always framed with respect for the films, the actors, the directors, the screenwriters, and the audience.
And so many gems—drawers of gems, that the reader keeps opening. One gem: how the prescient film What’s So Bad About Feeling Good? anticipates life during the worst of the Covid pandemic, with masking, quarantines, the development of vaccines, and questioning if the virus was manufactured in China. More than half a century before the pandemic.
Another gem is the passionate description of pre-code Hollywood (1929-1934), before the Hays code enforced stereotypical views of women and a rigidly defined status quo. In this five-year, pre-code period, Hollywood created films that empowered women more than many films of today.
The author’s moving conclusion: “Movies make me and everyone feel less alone.” One could say the same about this delightful and substantial book.
As with the best Golden Age movies, this book is both timely and timeless, connecting movies from the late 1920s through the mid 1960s to movies and life now, all from the perspective of a teenage expert. Some passages are breathtaking in the way they artfully summarize the sweep of time and events. The book presents establishing shots and close-ups of each time period and genre of the Golden Age, always framed with respect for the films, the actors, the directors, the screenwriters, and the audience.
And so many gems—drawers of gems, that the reader keeps opening. One gem: how the prescient film What’s So Bad About Feeling Good? anticipates life during the worst of the Covid pandemic, with masking, quarantines, the development of vaccines, and questioning if the virus was manufactured in China. More than half a century before the pandemic.
Another gem is the passionate description of pre-code Hollywood (1929-1934), before the Hays code enforced stereotypical views of women and a rigidly defined status quo. In this five-year, pre-code period, Hollywood created films that empowered women more than many films of today.
The author’s moving conclusion: “Movies make me and everyone feel less alone.” One could say the same about this delightful and substantial book.
November 28, 2024
Simone Elias’s "Old Films, Young Eyes" is an exceptional debut that revitalizes classic Hollywood for a contemporary audience. With remarkable insight and passion, Simone bridges the generational divide, demonstrating that the stories of the Golden Age of Hollywood remain profoundly relevant through the lens of a Gen-Z perspective. She thoughtfully addresses the challenges younger viewers face with classic cinema, such as slower pacing and black-and-white imagery, while emphasizing the universal emotions and timeless storytelling that continue to resonate across eras.
What distinguishes this work is Simone’s exploration of how classic films were both shaped by the cultural climate of their time and, in turn, influenced history, including the times we are living in today. She provides fascinating insights into the Hays Code, analyzing how its moral restrictions shaped the creative storytelling of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Elias’s discussion highlights how cinema not only reflected societal values but also served as a powerful force for shaping attitudes and culture. By delving into these dynamics, alongside her measured homage to icons like Marilyn Monroe and overlooked trailblazers such as Anna May Wong, she presents a nuanced perspective on the enduring impact of classic films. Leading the charge for a new generation to appreciate film history and preservation, Simone delivers a compelling tribute that inspires readers to cherish and protect these cultural treasures. "Old Films, Young Eyes" comes highly recommended for cinephiles of all ages.
What distinguishes this work is Simone’s exploration of how classic films were both shaped by the cultural climate of their time and, in turn, influenced history, including the times we are living in today. She provides fascinating insights into the Hays Code, analyzing how its moral restrictions shaped the creative storytelling of Hollywood’s Golden Age. Elias’s discussion highlights how cinema not only reflected societal values but also served as a powerful force for shaping attitudes and culture. By delving into these dynamics, alongside her measured homage to icons like Marilyn Monroe and overlooked trailblazers such as Anna May Wong, she presents a nuanced perspective on the enduring impact of classic films. Leading the charge for a new generation to appreciate film history and preservation, Simone delivers a compelling tribute that inspires readers to cherish and protect these cultural treasures. "Old Films, Young Eyes" comes highly recommended for cinephiles of all ages.
July 19, 2025
Written by a 15-year-old fans of classic films, Elias does a great job of describing a wide array of American films from the 1920's to 1960's, explaining why they are still relevant. I think some of her content began as entries in a blog or podcast, but the chapters are fully executed, with footnotes when needed. Chapter topics range from early 60's beach party movies, to film noir, to Anna May Wong and more. She has a youthful energy and perspective but also has a polished writing style. If you are a fan to Turner Classic Movies, this is a book for you. I look forward to her next book, elaborating on more films, film genres, and their significance.
March 5, 2026
If you are a fan of films from the Golden Age of Hollywood as well as what film films prior to the golden Age lead into the golden age and the impact of the golden age on Hollywood on films today this is an excellent read. Short and wonderfully informative it is also amazing that this book was written by a 15 year-old young woman well beyond her peers in ability to communicate and insight into films from the 1930s through the rest of the century. I highly recommend this book.
November 29, 2024
Simone O. Elias gives a fresh and unique perspective on Old Hollywood-its films and actors. Not only does the author reflect on the films as they were but they also remind the reader that the films of yesteryear are as viable as modern films are today. This is the great book to read if you are new to classic films or even if you are a classic film buff.
December 25, 2024
A delightful dive into the classic films of the Hollywood golden age! It is a fresh take on the films of the past, told through the eyes of a teenager, Simone O. Elias, who brings these films into the present by showing their influence on today's digital age and pop culture. Most of all this book makes you want to watch (or rewatch) all the classic films!
September 26, 2025
A very good book about a teenager in love with classic movies. My watchlist grew with her recommendations and her way of thinking made me have hope for the future.
Full review on the blog Crítica Retrô.
https://criticaretro.blogspot.com/202...
Full review on the blog Crítica Retrô.
https://criticaretro.blogspot.com/202...
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews