The essays in this book explore the relationship between films and some of the liberal arts. The first set of essays revolves around the topic of films and rhetoric. They describe the special language of films and its unique mode of communication. A second group of essays deals with films and literature and includes discussions on writing for films and on transforming existing literary works into films. Two brief sections examine the elements films share with art and with music. In-depth examinations of such standard film characters as the gangster, the cowboy, and the negro servant are among the essays which explore film's response to, and presentation of, social styles and values. An interview with the director Antonioni, a statement by filmmaker Luis Bunuel, and a criticism of the film "It's A Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World" are among the essays devoted to films and esthetics. A lengthy survey of the development of film into an art form concludes the collection. Each essay is followed by several suggested exercises. An annotated list of films that are related to each section topic and a list of the companies through which they may be obtained are appended. (JY)