German National Cinema is the first comprehensive history of German film from its origins to the present. In this new edition, Sabine Hake discusses film-making in economic, political, social, and cultural terms, and considers the contribution of Germany's most popular films to changing definitions of genre, authorship, and film form. The book traces the central role of cinema in the nation?s turbulent history from the Wilhelmine Empire to the Berlin Republic, with special attention paid to the competing demands of film as art, entertainment, and propaganda. Hake also explores the centrality of genre films and the star system to the development of a filmic imaginary. Presenting the national as a highly unstable category, her discussions highlight the cross-cultural influences that situate German films within the European tradition and in ongoing dialogue with Hollywood. Special issues discussedinclude: ? the preoccupation with German history and heritage ? the emphasis on questions of gender, class, race, and nation ? and the ongoing negotiation of regional, national, international, and transnational perspectives This fully revised and updated new edition will be required reading for everyone interested in German film and the history of modern Germany.