Behind the glamour of Hollywood's golden age lay a world of fierce rivalries, scandals, exploitation and personal tragedy. This course explores some of the darker episodes in the history of the great movie studios, examining controversial figures, hidden power structures and the events that shaped public perceptions of Hollywood. Through stories of ambition, fame and scandal, participants will gain a deeper understanding of how the movie industry operated and why its myths and controversies continue to fascinate audiences today. Suitable for anyone interested in film history and popular culture.
Face to face
Suggested reading
- Douglas Gomery, The Hollywood Studio System – A History, AMU, 2005
- Martin M Cooper, The “Reel” Hollywood, The San Fernando Valley, A Century of Film Making and Film Makers, Bear Manor Media, 2026
- Gregory Williams, The Story of Hollywood, BL Press, 2011
- Early years of the Hollywood movie industry and transition from silent to talking movies, formation of the studio system from 1920 and the Hays Code 1934 -1968
- The movie moguls, Daryl F Zanuk (20th c Fox), Harry Cohn (Columbia), Jack Warner (W Bros), Louis B Mayer (MGM) and Adolph Zukor (Paramount) and their management styes
- Casualties of the ruthless contract system, including Bette Davis, Judy Garland, Micky Rooney, Olivia de Havilland, James Cagney and Humphrey Bogart
- The dark side of the “dream factory” blatant racism, homophobia, the “Blacklist” of the McCarthy era, sexual abuse and violence, abuse of children, murders and drug and alcohol addiction
- The end of the studio system by the late 1960s and factors which contributed to its demise
By the end of this course, students should be able to:
- Gain an appreciation of the dark side of the studio system of Hollywood in the 20th century
- Discuss why and how the studio system could remain so exploitative for so long and the factors which influenced its demise
