Spring 2002
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS IN THE GOLDEN AGE OF CINEMA
An in-depth examination of the Hollywood studios from 1930 until 1960, their individual styles, and the films they produced. We will look at what was behind the gritty urban realism of Warner Bros.' gangster films, Universal Studios and the birth of the horror film, MGM's fantastic and elaborate musicals. Our study will also encompass the major personalities who were responsible for the films: the moguls (like Louis B. Mayer, Jack Warner, David O. Selznick), the directors (including Frank Capra, John Ford, Billy Wilder), the stars (Marlene Dietrich, Clark Gable, Bette Davis, etc.), as well as their collaborators who worked in various aspects of production (choreographer Busby Berkeley, composer Bernard Herrmann, writer Raymond Chandler). Films from the era will be used to illustrate points about studio style, the reliance on genre films, and production methods.
Access course materials by linking to the appropriate handouts:
Films on Reserve in the SSU Library
Books on Reserve in the SSU Library
Classic Films in the SSU Library: 1930 - 1970: by studio
Ethan Mordden: The Hollywood Studios: a summary
Richard Dyer's Stars as Signs: "Stars and Characters": a summary
Jim Kitses: from Horizons West
bgs: 04-02