The Hollywood Studio The Hollywood Studio SystemSystem

Rebel Without a Cause (1955)

The Studio SystemThe Studio System

Some have compared the Hollywood studio system to a Some have compared the Hollywood studio system to a factory, and it is useful to remember that studios were out to factory, and it is useful to remember that studios were out to make money first and art second. Their product output in 1937 make money first and art second. Their product output in 1937 surged to over 500 feature films. By the 1980s, this figure surged to over 500 feature films. By the 1980s, this figure dropped to an average of 100 films per year. During the dropped to an average of 100 films per year. During the Golden Age, the studios were remarkably consistent and stable Golden Age, the studios were remarkably consistent and stable enterprises, due in large part to long-term management heads--enterprises, due in large part to long-term management heads--the infamous "movie moguls" who ruled their kingdoms with the infamous "movie moguls" who ruled their kingdoms with iron fists. At MGM, Warner Bros. and Columbia, the same iron fists. At MGM, Warner Bros. and Columbia, the same fabled immigrant showmen ran their studios for decades. fabled immigrant showmen ran their studios for decades. Power, then, was definitely situated with the studio heads. Power, then, was definitely situated with the studio heads.

The rise of the studio system also hinges on the The rise of the studio system also hinges on the treatment of stars, who were constructed and treatment of stars, who were constructed and exploited to suit a studio's image and schedule. exploited to suit a studio's image and schedule. Actors and actresses were contract players bound up Actors and actresses were contract players bound up in seven-year contracts to a single studio, and the in seven-year contracts to a single studio, and the studio generally held all the options. Stars could be studio generally held all the options. Stars could be loaned out to other production companies at any time. loaned out to other production companies at any time. Studios could also force bad roles on actors, and Studios could also force bad roles on actors, and control the minutiae of stars' images with their control the minutiae of stars' images with their mammoth in-house publicity departments.mammoth in-house publicity departments.

Niche studio stylesNiche studio styles

The biggest cache of stars (Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford The biggest cache of stars (Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and Spencer Tracey, among others) and tended to put out and Spencer Tracey, among others) and tended to put out a lot of all-star productions, such as a lot of all-star productions, such as Grand HotelGrand Hotel (1932). (1932). Paramount excelled in comedy, having Mae West, W.C. Paramount excelled in comedy, having Mae West, W.C. Fields, the Marx Brothers, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby at Fields, the Marx Brothers, Bob Hope and Bing Crosby at their disposal. Warner Bros. developed a reputation for their disposal. Warner Bros. developed a reputation for gritty social realism, ranging from gangster pictures, gritty social realism, ranging from gangster pictures, which were often based on newspaper headlines, to war which were often based on newspaper headlines, to war pictures and Westerns. 20th Century Fox forged the pictures and Westerns. 20th Century Fox forged the musical and a great deal of prestige biographies, such as musical and a great deal of prestige biographies, such as Young Mr. LincolnYoung Mr. Lincoln (1939). (1939).

RKO provided a haven for Orson Welles RKO provided a haven for Orson Welles ((Citizen KaneCitizen Kane, , The Magnificent AmbersonsThe Magnificent Ambersons, , etc.) and dance supernovas, Fred Astaire and etc.) and dance supernovas, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. RKO also created Ginger Rogers. RKO also created King KongKing Kong (1933). Columbia's major claim was director (1933). Columbia's major claim was director Frank Capra, including his masterpieces Frank Capra, including his masterpieces It It Happened One NightHappened One Night (1934) and (1934) and Mr. Deeds Mr. Deeds Goes To TownGoes To Town (1936), among others (1936), among others

Universal thrilled and terrified audiences with Universal thrilled and terrified audiences with the original the original FrankensteinFrankenstein (1931), (1931), DraculaDracula (1931) and (1931) and The Wolf ManThe Wolf Man (1941). United (1941). United Artists, formed by silent greats Charlie Artists, formed by silent greats Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, D.W. Griffith and Chaplin, Mary Pickford, D.W. Griffith and Douglas Fairbanks, specialized in distributing Douglas Fairbanks, specialized in distributing productions.productions.

Early censorshipEarly censorship Despite the early proliferation of film production that occurred Despite the early proliferation of film production that occurred

during the classical Hollywood period, studios were also during the classical Hollywood period, studios were also challenged by growing governmental censorship efforts that challenged by growing governmental censorship efforts that aimed to limit audience-pleasing films filled with unnecessary aimed to limit audience-pleasing films filled with unnecessary sex and violence. The movies were born as a low form of sex and violence. The movies were born as a low form of entertainment, and early on certain groups decried the movies' entertainment, and early on certain groups decried the movies' capacity to lower morals. Stars' scandalous cavorting--most capacity to lower morals. Stars' scandalous cavorting--most notably, Fatty Arbuckle's conviction for a kinky sex-related notably, Fatty Arbuckle's conviction for a kinky sex-related murder of a model in 1921--increasingly threatened the murder of a model in 1921--increasingly threatened the public's good graces towards the motion-picture industry. By public's good graces towards the motion-picture industry. By 1922, it looked as if the studios faced imminent government 1922, it looked as if the studios faced imminent government intervention.intervention.

Rather than risk government intervention, the Rather than risk government intervention, the studios put William Hays, former Postmaster studios put William Hays, former Postmaster General of the United States, at the helm of the General of the United States, at the helm of the Motion Pictures Producers and Distributors of Motion Pictures Producers and Distributors of America organization (MPPDA), in the hopes of America organization (MPPDA), in the hopes of adequately self-censoring before the government adequately self-censoring before the government intervened. The MPPDA also assembled a intervened. The MPPDA also assembled a Production Code in 1930, a document that Production Code in 1930, a document that outlined, in excruciating detail, what could not be outlined, in excruciating detail, what could not be shown or said in movies.shown or said in movies.

Though this system ultimately broke down Though this system ultimately broke down (the current rating system was adopted in (the current rating system was adopted in 1968), the mesmerizing power of movies to 1968), the mesmerizing power of movies to both exhilarate and corrupt audiences remains both exhilarate and corrupt audiences remains a central American preoccupation. For a central American preoccupation. For example, Hollywood films are still criticized example, Hollywood films are still criticized for the way in which they seduce underage for the way in which they seduce underage viewers.viewers.

The Three ElementsThe Three Elements

Vertical Integration:Vertical Integration:

ProductionProduction – The Making of the – The Making of the MoviesMovies

DistributionDistribution – The network that – The network that brought the films to the public – brought the films to the public – promotion, run timespromotion, run times

ExhibitionExhibition – The “Big Five” owned – The “Big Five” owned their own theatrestheir own theatres

Hollywood in the TwentiesHollywood in the TwentiesAfter the first world war and with the destruction of much After the first world war and with the destruction of much structure of European cinema, Hollywood established structure of European cinema, Hollywood established itself as the world capital of the film industry. This was itself as the world capital of the film industry. This was also the result of the founding of major studios and the also the result of the founding of major studios and the practice of what came to be called practice of what came to be called factory film makingfactory film making. .

The way films were made quickly became standardize as The way films were made quickly became standardize as the studios became organized and different people were the studios became organized and different people were assigned specific tasks. This cut cost drastically because, assigned specific tasks. This cut cost drastically because, instead of each film having to have its own crew of instead of each film having to have its own crew of various specialists, the different departments - props and various specialists, the different departments - props and scenery, costumes and make-up, advertisement and scenery, costumes and make-up, advertisement and distribution, scripting and editing - worked on several distribution, scripting and editing - worked on several films at the same time.films at the same time.

One of the first architects of the American studio system, One of the first architects of the American studio system, Mack Sennett, is also responsible for establishing Mack Sennett, is also responsible for establishing slapstick comedyslapstick comedy as one of the dominate forms of silent as one of the dominate forms of silent cinema. In 1912 Sennett founded Keystone Studios, cinema. In 1912 Sennett founded Keystone Studios, where over the years he produced thousands of one and where over the years he produced thousands of one and two-reel shorts and hundreds of features.two-reel shorts and hundreds of features.

A great number of Hollywood figures began their careers A great number of Hollywood figures began their careers at Keystone, including Buster Keaton, Fatty Arbuckle, at Keystone, including Buster Keaton, Fatty Arbuckle, Gloria Swanson, Carole Lombard, W. C. Fields, and Frank Gloria Swanson, Carole Lombard, W. C. Fields, and Frank Capra. Sennett’s most famous protégé was Charlie Capra. Sennett’s most famous protégé was Charlie Chaplin, who first developed his famous tramp character Chaplin, who first developed his famous tramp character while working at Keystone.while working at Keystone.

W. C. Fields in Pool Sharks (1915)

Buster Keaton in Steamboat Bill Jr. (1924)

By 1917 Chaplin had gained such star-power that he By 1917 Chaplin had gained such star-power that he was offered a one-million-dollar contract with First was offered a one-million-dollar contract with First National to produce eight films. This deals enabled National to produce eight films. This deals enabled him to establish his own studio, where he made all of him to establish his own studio, where he made all of his films from 1918 until he left the U.S. in 1952.his films from 1918 until he left the U.S. in 1952.

In 1919, along with D. W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, and In 1919, along with D. W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks, Chaplin formed United Artists Douglas Fairbanks, Chaplin formed United Artists which was at first solely a distribution company that which was at first solely a distribution company that allow them a way of competing with the bigger allow them a way of competing with the bigger studios. With the combined financing of United Artists studios. With the combined financing of United Artists Chaplin was allowed total control to create a body of Chaplin was allowed total control to create a body of work that sophistically deals with the human condition work that sophistically deals with the human condition and modern life. and modern life.

His great films include His great films include The Gold The Gold Rush, Rush, City LightsCity Lights, , Modern TimesModern Times, , The Great DictatorThe Great Dictator, and , and LimelightLimelight..

In 1953, while Chaplin was on tour in Britain, He In 1953, while Chaplin was on tour in Britain, He received a telegram from the U.S. State Department received a telegram from the U.S. State Department denying him entrance back into the U.S. unless he denying him entrance back into the U.S. unless he agreed to appear before a board of inquiry to answer agreed to appear before a board of inquiry to answer charges of political and moral turpitude. Chaplin charges of political and moral turpitude. Chaplin refused and later responded by making the 1957 film refused and later responded by making the 1957 film A A King of New York, King of New York, a film about a European head of a film about a European head of state who comes to America and his ruined by state who comes to America and his ruined by malicious charges by the House Un-American malicious charges by the House Un-American Activities Committee. Activities Committee.

The “Big Five”The “Big Five”

The Studio mogulsThe Studio moguls The “Big Five” and The “Big Five” and

“Little Three” “Little Three” (Universal, United (Universal, United Artists, Columbia) Artists, Columbia) controlled 95% of the controlled 95% of the theatres in the UStheatres in the US

This system begins to This system begins to take root in the take root in the 1920s and takes off 1920s and takes off the in the 1930sthe in the 1930s

The Jazz Singer, 1927

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)(MGM)

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)(MGM)

-established in 1924 -established in 1924 from parent company from parent company Loew’s IncLoew’s Inc

- leader in stars and - leader in stars and glamour glamour

- - Gone with the Wind Gone with the Wind and and The Wizard of OzThe Wizard of Oz (both 1939)(both 1939)

- Judy Garland, Spencer - Judy Garland, Spencer TraceyTracey

MGM’s Mighty RoarMGM’s Mighty Roar

Metro Goldwyn Mayer Metro Goldwyn Mayer was the was the biggest and most prolific of the biggest and most prolific of the Hollywood studios in the 30s. At one Hollywood studios in the 30s. At one point it was releasing an point it was releasing an unbelievable average of 1 feature unbelievable average of 1 feature per week. Its parent company, per week. Its parent company, Loew’s, provided the largest Loew’s, provided the largest exhibition and distribution network exhibition and distribution network in the world. There was no film or in the world. There was no film or star too big for MGM.star too big for MGM.

In the Golden Age of Hollywood the In the Golden Age of Hollywood the studio was run by Louis B. Mayer, studio was run by Louis B. Mayer, who was known to be a ruthless who was known to be a ruthless businessman with little concern for businessman with little concern for art. Despite this, MGM produced art. Despite this, MGM produced some of the most dazzling films of some of the most dazzling films of the era, including the era, including Grand Hotel Grand Hotel (1932), (1932), Gone With the Wind Gone With the Wind (1939), (1939), and and The Wizard of OzThe Wizard of Oz. .

The force behind Gone With the Wind was the famous Hollywood producer, David O. Selznick, who built his own production company. Based on his past successes, including A Tale of Two Cities (1935) and A Star Is Born (1937), he was contracted by the major studios, who guaranteed the finances of his films.

Selznick was determined to film the greatest epic ever seen and he started generating a sensation by paying Margaret Mitchell $50,000 for the film rights for her first novel, Gone With the Wind. This was unheard of amount at this time, but it paid off as a good adverting investment, as the book had sold over 1.5 million copies at the time the film’s release.

Selznick also spent $100,000 doing screen tests to find the perfect Scarlett O’Hara

Recipe for an Epic:

All-star cast Over 50 speaking roles and 2400 extras Film in three-strip Technicolor Shoot and edit a final cut that runs close to

four hours in length. To do this half a million feet of film was actually shot (approximately 85 hours of raw footage).

Elaborate costumes: Over 5000 items designed for wardrobe

Enormous sets: 90 sets built (the 'City of Atlanta' set alone having over 50 buildings).

For the famous "Burning of Atlanta" scene, the crew actually burned down a bunch of old sets on the studio backlot. The fire was so intense that the local fire department got calls reporting that MGM was burning down. This single scene cost $25,000 to film.

The total budget for the film was over $4 million, topping all previous records. But once again Selznick’s gamble paid off. When Gone With the Wind was released in 1939 it broke all box-office records. The film continues to generate income for MGM and it is estimated to have grossed $200 million.

The Wizard of Oz: Trouble in Paradise

There was a great deal of fighting between the studio heads and the people involve in the making of The Wizard of Oz. A total of four directors were involved. The first was Richard Thorpe (lasted two weeks) and then George Cukor (lasted two or three days). Victor Fleming (the credited director) was involved for four months, but was hired away by David O. Selznick to direct Gone With the Wind. King Vidor was brought in to finish the production, which took him ten days. This consisted mostly of completing the film's opening and closing sepia scenes that take place on the farm in Kansas.

Even with the different directors, the film is a stunning piece of art, with wonderful scenes that include flying monkeys, hundreds of dancing munchkins, the Emerald City and the famous Yellow Brick Road.

ParamountParamount

Established as Established as Distribution company Distribution company in 1914; acquired by in 1914; acquired by Zukor in 1917, who Zukor in 1917, who merges it with his merges it with his production companyproduction company

First “vertically First “vertically integrated” companyintegrated” company

Marlene Dietrich, Marlene Dietrich, Mary Pickford, Bing Mary Pickford, Bing CrosbyCrosby

Paramount - Bible Epics and European GlamourParamount - Bible Epics and European GlamourMany of the directors and technicians in the early days of Paramount were Many of the directors and technicians in the early days of Paramount were Austrian and German exiles. Because of this the studio’s films had a Austrian and German exiles. Because of this the studio’s films had a “European look,” being full of dramatic lighting and elaborate set designs. “European look,” being full of dramatic lighting and elaborate set designs.

One of Paramount’s main directors was One of Paramount’s main directors was Cecil B. DeMilleCecil B. DeMille, who, along with D. , who, along with D. W. Griffith, invented the Biblical Epic. If you close your eyes and try to W. Griffith, invented the Biblical Epic. If you close your eyes and try to imagine different stories from the Bible or from ancient mythology, you will imagine different stories from the Bible or from ancient mythology, you will probably picture the films of DeMille. probably picture the films of DeMille.

Ernst Lubitsch and the Comedy of MannersErnst Lubitsch and the Comedy of MannersIn contrast to the epics of DeMille, Paramount also had the German director In contrast to the epics of DeMille, Paramount also had the German director Ernst Lubitsch under contract, who directed films that featured the glamorous Ernst Lubitsch under contract, who directed films that featured the glamorous lives of the “jet set.” A recurring theme in classical Hollywood film is the lives of the “jet set.” A recurring theme in classical Hollywood film is the lifestyles of the idle rich. Endless films featured New York playboys and dancing lifestyles of the idle rich. Endless films featured New York playboys and dancing girls sipping campaign and dancing the night away in elaborate nightclubs and girls sipping campaign and dancing the night away in elaborate nightclubs and dark speakeasies. The fact that these films continued to be successful at the dark speakeasies. The fact that these films continued to be successful at the box-office during prohibition and at the very height of the worst depression in box-office during prohibition and at the very height of the worst depression in the United States speaks volumes to idea that for most of its audience the United States speaks volumes to idea that for most of its audience Hollywood functioned as a great fantasy factory. Hollywood functioned as a great fantasy factory.

Fox (later 20Fox (later 20thth Century Century Fox)Fox)

Established in Established in 1913 by William 1913 by William FoxFox

Known for Known for musicals and musicals and westernswesterns

John Ford, Shirley John Ford, Shirley Temple, Marlon Temple, Marlon Brando, Marilyn Brando, Marilyn MonroeMonroe

William Fox founded Fox Studios in 1914 and began building his empire by buying up chains of movie theatres. This coincided with a production strategy that emphasized big spectacle. Fox had early success with this strategy with such films as Seventh Heaven (1926) and What Price Glory (1926). Both films were box-office hits, but Fox soon found himself locked into this format, as he needed to continue to gamble with big budgets films to offset production cost and the company’s real estate holdings.

The Big Five: 20th Century Fox and the BlockbusterThe Big Five: 20th Century Fox and the Blockbuster

It was under these conditions that F. W. Murnau made his 1927 film Sunrise. The film cost more than $1.5 million to make and included one of the largest sets ever constructed in the history of film, consisting of a city boulevard with moving streetcars and village square. The sets took up a space a mile long and half a mile wide.

William Fox continued in this manner until the stock William Fox continued in this manner until the stock market crash of 1929 brought about the Great market crash of 1929 brought about the Great Depression. In 1930 with a national decline in box-Depression. In 1930 with a national decline in box-office revenue and the studio close to bankruptcy Fox office revenue and the studio close to bankruptcy Fox was ousted from the broad of directors. Five years later was ousted from the broad of directors. Five years later the studio merged with a small independent, 20th the studio merged with a small independent, 20th Century Pictures, to become 20th Century Fox. Darryl Century Pictures, to become 20th Century Fox. Darryl Zanuck, a former producer at Warner Bros, was put in Zanuck, a former producer at Warner Bros, was put in charge of studio production. One of the first things charge of studio production. One of the first things Zanuck did was to secure the contract of one of the Zanuck did was to secure the contract of one of the most popular stars in Hollywood, the seven-year-old most popular stars in Hollywood, the seven-year-old Shirley Temple. Shirley Temple.

It is not surprising that with the Chase National Bank It is not surprising that with the Chase National Bank as a major investor and with Shirley Temple being the as a major investor and with Shirley Temple being the studio’s primary asset, Zanuck favored “safe” films that studio’s primary asset, Zanuck favored “safe” films that often carried strong pro-republican sentiment.often carried strong pro-republican sentiment.

A glaring exception to this policy is John Ford’s A glaring exception to this policy is John Ford’s The The Grapes of Wrath Grapes of Wrath (1940). It is a stunning indictment of (1940). It is a stunning indictment of the of financial institutions that profited at the expense the of financial institutions that profited at the expense of poor farmers by foreclosing on mortgages and loansof poor farmers by foreclosing on mortgages and loans and forcing hundreds of dispossessed families off the and forcing hundreds of dispossessed families off the their land.their land.

Warner BrothersWarner Brothers

Established in 1924 by Established in 1924 by Harry, Jack and Albert Harry, Jack and Albert WarnerWarner

11stst Sound film – Sound film – The Jazz The Jazz Singer (1927)Singer (1927)

Assembly line Assembly line productionproduction

Warner BrosWarner Bros is best known for its is best known for its innovations in sound technology. In innovations in sound technology. In 1925 Warner partnered with 1925 Warner partnered with Western Electric to develop a sound Western Electric to develop a sound system. This involved a massive system. This involved a massive investment as the company had to investment as the company had to reconvert all its theatres. reconvert all its theatres.

Two years later, with much fanfare, Two years later, with much fanfare, the studio released the studio released The Jazz SingerThe Jazz Singer. . It was herald as the first “talking It was herald as the first “talking picture” and was a huge picture” and was a huge international success, eventually international success, eventually grossing 3 million dollars. grossing 3 million dollars.

The sound was recorded on discs The sound was recorded on discs that each had a total playing time that each had a total playing time equal to one reel of film. Because equal to one reel of film. Because this form of synchronized sound was this form of synchronized sound was rather unreliable, it was soon rather unreliable, it was soon replaced by sound recorded directly replaced by sound recorded directly

onto film.onto film.

The Big Five: #1. Warner BrothersThe Big Five: #1. Warner Brothers

“You ain’t heard nothing yet”

The genre that Warner Bros is most The genre that Warner Bros is most associated with is the gangster associated with is the gangster film. In 1939 the head of film. In 1939 the head of production at Warner, Darryl F. production at Warner, Darryl F. Zanuck, announced a series of films Zanuck, announced a series of films whose stories would be drawn from whose stories would be drawn from newspaper headlines. This was the newspaper headlines. This was the inspiration behind both inspiration behind both Little Little CaesarCaesar (1931) and (1931) and The Public The Public EnemyEnemy (1931), and the commercial (1931), and the commercial success of these two films success of these two films determine studio policy the rest of determine studio policy the rest of the decade. Gangster movies made the decade. Gangster movies made a lot of dough. a lot of dough.

Warner Bros is of course is also Warner Bros is of course is also known as the home of Bugs Bunny known as the home of Bugs Bunny and the rest of the Looney Tunes and the rest of the Looney Tunes characters.characters.

Looney tunes began as a way to promote the vast library of musical scores that Warner had acquired. The Walt Disney Studios were the first to introduce the format of short musical cartoons with their highly successful series called “Silly Symphonies.”

Warner Bros quickly copied the format by hiring ex-Disney animators and by featuring a mouse character named Bosko that very much resembled Mickey Mouse.

Looney Tunes animators eventually distinguished themselves from Disney by developing scenarios that were more risky or “adult.”

RKO (Radio-Keith-RKO (Radio-Keith-Orpheum)Orpheum)

Born from Born from merger in 1928merger in 1928

Unit production Unit production – contracting to – contracting to directorsdirectors

Citizen Kane, Citizen Kane, King Kong, King Kong, Bringing Up Bringing Up BabyBaby

RKO was formed at the beginning of the RKO was formed at the beginning of the sound era. Its parent company was RCA (the sound era. Its parent company was RCA (the Radio Corporation of America), which was Radio Corporation of America), which was headed by the tycoon John D. Rockefeller. headed by the tycoon John D. Rockefeller.

RKO was partly responsible for streamlining RKO was partly responsible for streamlining Hollywood film, by instituting “unit Hollywood film, by instituting “unit production.” This involved RKO contracting production.” This involved RKO contracting independent producers who responsible for independent producers who responsible for making a specific number of films that had a making a specific number of films that had a specific style or storyline (e.g. all of RKO’s specific style or storyline (e.g. all of RKO’s musicals were made by a single crew on a musicals were made by a single crew on a single sound stage). In this way, different single sound stage). In this way, different producers were put in charge of different producers were put in charge of different genres. genres.

The Big Five: RKO and the film factoryThe Big Five: RKO and the film factory

By doing such things as recycling film footage and sets, and by writing screenplays geared By doing such things as recycling film footage and sets, and by writing screenplays geared for the different stars contracted to RKO, the studio was able to facilitate mass production.for the different stars contracted to RKO, the studio was able to facilitate mass production.

Citizen Citizen KongKongEven with this factory approach, RKO Even with this factory approach, RKO is not really associated with a is not really associated with a particular genre. This is partly particular genre. This is partly because the studio kept changing its because the studio kept changing its production policies and did not production policies and did not commit to any one type of film commit to any one type of film (although it did make a number of (although it did make a number of Fred Astaire musicals). Fred Astaire musicals).

The studio is mostly remembered for The studio is mostly remembered for producing two classic films: producing two classic films: King King Kong Kong (1933) and (1933) and Citizen KaneCitizen Kane (1941). (1941). It was television that killed RKO. It was television that killed RKO. First RCA sold off its interests in the First RCA sold off its interests in the studio to concentrate on development studio to concentrate on development of film’s strongest rival, television of film’s strongest rival, television (NBC would soon become the (NBC would soon become the company’s new flagship). And then in company’s new flagship). And then in 1953, after another tycoon, Howard 1953, after another tycoon, Howard Hughes, took control of RKO, it could Hughes, took control of RKO, it could no longer compete and sold off all its no longer compete and sold off all its assets. The studio facilities was assets. The studio facilities was brought by Desilu Television brought by Desilu Television Productions.Productions.

“It was beauty that killed the beast.”

The Development – 1920sThe Development – 1920s

The Movie The Movie Companies move Companies move to Hollywoodto Hollywood

Vertical Vertical IntegrationIntegration

Self-Regulation Self-Regulation and Production and Production CodesCodes

Introduction of Introduction of SoundSound

The Development – 1930sThe Development – 1930s The Rise of the Movie MogulsThe Rise of the Movie Moguls Large monopoly on Production, Large monopoly on Production,

Distribution and ExhibitionDistribution and Exhibition Drop in sales because of Great Drop in sales because of Great

Depression (25%)Depression (25%) The introduction of the Double The introduction of the Double

Feature, concession stands, longer Feature, concession stands, longer hours for employeeshours for employees

The Development – 1940sThe Development – 1940s

WWIIWWII 1946 record year (4 1946 record year (4

billion tickets)billion tickets) Move to suburbsMove to suburbs Supreme Court Ruling in Supreme Court Ruling in

1948 forces “Big Five” to 1948 forces “Big Five” to sell their theatressell their theatres

1950s introduce 1950s introduce television to a mass television to a mass audienceaudience

American Star American Star SystemSystem

StarsStars ““The social history of a nation can be written The social history of a nation can be written

in terms of its film stars”. (Raymond in terms of its film stars”. (Raymond Durgnat)Durgnat)

What is meant by this observation? Who are What is meant by this observation? Who are some stars you could relate this comment to?some stars you could relate this comment to?

Stars as the direct or indirect reflection of Stars as the direct or indirect reflection of the needs, drives, and anxieties of American the needs, drives, and anxieties of American societysociety

From the beginning, the public often fused a From the beginning, the public often fused a star’s artistic persona with his or her private star’s artistic persona with his or her private personalitypersonality

StarsStars ““God makes the stars. It’s God makes the stars. It’s

up to the producers to find up to the producers to find them.” (Goldwyn)them.” (Goldwyn)

Golden age of star system Golden age of star system coincided with the coincided with the supremacy of the supremacy of the Hollywood Studio systemHollywood Studio system

What were some of the What were some of the areas of control that the areas of control that the studios had over movie studios had over movie stars?stars?

Issue of types – what are Issue of types – what are some types of rolessome types of roles

StarsStars

““Whenever the hero isn’t portrayed by a Whenever the hero isn’t portrayed by a star, the whole picture suffers.” star, the whole picture suffers.” (Hitchcock)(Hitchcock)

What are the disadvantages of casting a What are the disadvantages of casting a star?star?

Stars as signifying entities – celebrities Stars as signifying entities – celebrities show up in films already carrying bundles show up in films already carrying bundles of associative meaningof associative meaning

What are the distinctions between a What are the distinctions between a personality star and an actor star?personality star and an actor star?

Personality or Actor?Personality or Actor?

Personality or Actor?Personality or Actor?

Personality or Actor?Personality or Actor?

Personality or Actor?Personality or Actor?

CastingCasting Sometimes directors Sometimes directors

will explicitly make use will explicitly make use of public associations to of public associations to a particular actora particular actor

In In Pulp FictionPulp Fiction, , Tarrantino ressurected Tarrantino ressurected John Travolta’s career John Travolta’s career and played on our and played on our awareness of Travolta’s awareness of Travolta’s history in filmhistory in film

CastingCasting

In In Jackie BrownJackie Brown, , Tarrantino cast Pam Grier, Tarrantino cast Pam Grier, star of many star of many blacksploitation films as blacksploitation films as the heroinethe heroine

Actors can carry cultural Actors can carry cultural baggage or significance baggage or significance that can add or detract that can add or detract from their meaning in a from their meaning in a particular filmparticular film

What are some other What are some other examples of inspired examples of inspired casting?casting?

Original CastingsOriginal Castings

Often it is interesting to consider Often it is interesting to consider the original castings of films to the original castings of films to realize how attached we become to realize how attached we become to particular starts inhabiting rolesparticular starts inhabiting roles

Cast this FilmCast this Film

In groups, consider the following In groups, consider the following imaginary character descriptions for imaginary character descriptions for an imaginary filman imaginary film

Based on the descriptions cast each Based on the descriptions cast each role with actors you are familiar withrole with actors you are familiar with

Rebel Without a CauseRebel Without a Cause James Dean dies in James Dean dies in

1955, at the age of 24, 1955, at the age of 24, in a car accidentin a car accident

Sal Mineo dies in 1976, Sal Mineo dies in 1976, at the age of 37, from a at the age of 37, from a stabbingstabbing

Natalie Wood, dies in Natalie Wood, dies in 1981, at the age of 43, 1981, at the age of 43, from drowingfrom drowing

How does the How does the premature death of premature death of celebrities influence celebrities influence their legend? Ref Heath their legend? Ref Heath Ledger?Ledger?