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Question
There was a book written by someone who had used watching
comedy movies as a means of healing. Can you please tell me the name of this book and the author?
Catherine, although this is out of my area of expertise, I have two possible book titles for you. The first is the classic book by Norman Cousins, who healed himself of illness in 1964 and wrote about it in "Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient." A 2005 edition is available from W.W. Norton. The second is a book by Allen Klein "The Healing Power of Humor," Tarcher, 1989.
I hope one of these is the title you were looking for.
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Barbara L. Baker
Expertise
I am a professor of communication at a midwest university, who has expertise on subjects related to film. I can answer general questions on U.S. film comedy (especially satires of the 1960s and 1970s) and comic theory. I also could answer questions related to specific comic genres, such as comedian comedies, screwball comedies, "stupid" comedies, and so forth. The more specific you can make your question, the better (e.g. main plot details, main characters, possible character names, possible actors, how you viewed the show, etc.). I also need to have a release date (or range of dates, or at least the year you viewed the film). Plesase do not just provide a set of links to someplace else (e.g. imdb discussion threads). I am less able to answer questions about comedies from other countries, made-for-TV movies, and recent comic films and actors (although I would do my best to find out). I cannot answer questions about specific TV shows or series, "Our Gang" episodes, anime/magna or about film collectables. I generally cannot provide movie recommendations, since what I find funny others may not. Nor will I answer obvious homework (although I will point you to resources to help answer the question, if asked). I also can't help you find movie stars, or where to buy movie memorabilia, or tell you how to break into the business.
Experience
Course work in comedy films along with teaching about comedy films for several years; I've also conducted research into comedy films.
Education/Credentials
Ph.D. in Communication, emphasis in film and rhetoric
Awards and Honors
A dissertation award from a national organization plus various paper awards
Past/Present Clients
My students
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