Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood

Season

2010

8.5

The history of Hollywood film from the medium's invention to the birth of the New Hollywood in 1970.

Episode List

S1 • E1

Peepshow Pioneers: 1889-1907

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.

S1 • E2

The Birth of Hollywood: 1907-1920

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.

S1 • E3

The Dream Merchants: 1920-1928

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.

Brother, Can You Spare a Dream?: 1929-1941

S1 • E4

Brother, Can You Spare a Dream?: 1929-1941

"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.

S1 • E5

Warriors & Peacemakers: 1941-1950

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.

The Attack of the Small Screens: 1950-1960

S1 • E6

The Attack of the Small Screens: 1950-1960

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.

S1 • E7

Fade Out, Fade In

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.