The early careers of the Warner brothers, Louie B. Mayer, Carl Laemmle of Universal and William Fox of Fox. It also covers the invention of Thomas Edison's motion picture camera and penny arcades.
California was quickly recognized as the ideal setting for the American film industry, with its relative freedom from patent problems, constant sunshine and varied geography. Hollywood set up shop.
Looks in on the years between 1920 and 1928. This period was Hollywood's most creative periods and we get a wide range of stars from comedians like Keaton and Chaplin to horror like Lon Chaney. Rudolf Valentino and Clara Bow are discussed.
"The Jazz Singer" killed off silent movies and took their toll on stars and studios who could not adapt to sound. Sex appeal, gangsters and quick wit made breakout stars who wielded great power.
The period from 1941 to 1950 is covered including the production of "The Grapes Of Wrath", "Citizen Kane", "The Great Dictator", "Casablanca," and some World War II movies and the efforts of celebrities to help out.
Moguls ran into trouble when TV came into play. For many there wasn't a need to go out to the movies when you could stay home and watch this box for free so the studios had to come up with something to get these folks back.
The '60s ushered liberal thought and a 'cool' factor into film. The mogul era was over and soon to be replaced by large corporations and independent filmmakers.
