"This volume follows the evolution of one of Hollywood's longest running thematic concerns. From the silent era to the present, [book title] examines the rich diversity of films with spiritual themes--films that reflect our own fascination with the divine and supernatural, while evoking the specific times in which they were created. ... This book also looks at the history of Hollywood's attempt to maintain moral order through censorship, as well as the growing influence of filmmakers' own spiritual beliefs on the movies we see."--Book jacket.