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Word: characterizes (lookup in dictionary) (lookup stats)
Dates: during 1970-1979
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Usage:

...major dramatic problems. The script provides only stereotyped outlines for the characters, leaving any detail or fleshing-out to the cast-members--each of whom plays several different roles. But as stereotypes go, U.S.A.'s emerge acceptably. Although few of the players succeed in developing their roles beyond superficial characterization, most of the stereotypes they portray are themselves enjoyable...

Author: By Peter R. Melnick, | Title: An American Collage | 3/24/1978 | See Source »

IN MANY RESPECTS, the character of Moorehouse embodies the spirit of U.S.A. Moorehouse skips into the play with enormous idealism that decreases in direct proportion to his rising fortune. His success, too, is typically American--based less on merit than on chance and a talent for the hard-sell con...

Author: By Peter R. Melnick, | Title: An American Collage | 3/24/1978 | See Source »

Cynthia Cardon provides an enjoyable performance as Moorehouse's wealthy, cloying wife, and as various other personifications of American aristocracy in its death-throes. Cardon's character, unlike the others, does not change with the times. Rather, she clings to the past. While Cardon fails to use this constancy to...

Author: By Peter R. Melnick, | Title: An American Collage | 3/24/1978 | See Source »

U.S.A. is the portrait of a national illusion, or rather, of national disillusion. The closer America moved toward that disillusionment, the farther away its people grew from themselves, running about and seemingly never exerting even a modicum of control over their own lives. America of this period is well suited...

Author: By Peter R. Melnick, | Title: An American Collage | 3/24/1978 | See Source »

Ten Little Indians contains the basic Christie trademarks--a cast of stereotyped characters--a retired general, a spinster, a professional man, a dashing playboy--and the usual shock ending. The plot and suspense rely on interaction between the characters--their growing suspicion of one another and the inexorable stripping of...

Author: By Susan D. Chira, | Title: Murder in the Fishbowl | 3/24/1978 | See Source »

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