Arthur Knight was a renowned film historian, whose contributions to the field of cinema are still widely recognized and revered today. His magnum opus, "The Liveliest Art: A Panoramic History of the Movies" (1957),is a seminal work that has had a lasting impact on the study and understanding of film.
This groundbreaking tome, which has become a classic in the field of film studies, provides a comprehensive and engaging overview of the development of cinema from its earliest days to the mid-20th century. Knight's meticulous research and erudite writing style have made this book a staple of film history, and it continues to be widely read and studied by scholars and enthusiasts alike.
In addition to his work as a writer and historian, Knight was also a dedicated educator, and he taught film history at the University of Southern California (USC) for many years. His passion for the subject, combined with his ability to convey complex ideas in a clear and accessible manner, made him a beloved and respected figure among his students.
Beyond his academic pursuits, Knight was also a prolific contributor to popular culture, and his long-running column, "Sex in the Cinema," in Playboy magazine, was a popular and provocative feature that explored the intersection of sex and cinema. This column, which ran for many years, was known for its insightful and thought-provoking analysis of the ways in which sex has been depicted on screen, and it remains a testament to Knight's ability to engage with a wide range of audiences.
Throughout his career, Knight was also involved in numerous documentaries and radio programs on cinema history, further cementing his reputation as a leading authority on the subject. His tireless efforts to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of film have left a lasting legacy, and his work continues to inspire and educate new generations of film enthusiasts and scholars.
