8 Documentaries About the Rise and Fall of Hollywood Studios
Unveiling Tinseltown's History
The rise and fall of Hollywood studios is a captivating saga that spans decades, filled with moments of unprecedented creativity and intense corporate maneuvering. From the establishment of the "Big Five" studios in the early 20th century to their eventual decline amid changing market conditions and legal challenges, this story provides critical insights into the inner workings and external forces that shaped the American film industry.
Documentaries about this era serve as vital records, capturing the intricate dynamics between studio heads, filmmakers, and the evolving audience preferences. They offer both historical context and behind-the-scenes glimpses into how these studios operated during their heyday and the factors that led to their downfall.
1) Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy (2004)
Empire of Dreams: The Story of the Star Wars Trilogy is a documentary directed by Kevin Burns. It explores the creation and impact of the original Star Wars trilogy: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi.
The documentary provides a chronological narrative, divided into three parts, each dedicated to one of the films. It includes interviews with key figures such as George Lucas and features commentary from famous personalities like Steven Spielberg and Walter Cronkite.
Released as part of a bonus disc in the 2004 DVD box set, Empire of Dreams runs for approximately two-and-a-half hours. This extensive runtime allows for an in-depth examination without oversimplification.
Narrated by Robert Clotworthy, the film offers a detailed look at the production processes, challenges faced, and the subsequent cultural impact of the trilogy. It remains a well-regarded resource for fans and scholars alike.
For further information, visit the IMDb page of Empire of Dreams.
2) Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood (2010)
"Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood" is a seven-part documentary series produced by Turner Classic Movies.
The series covers the period from the invention of film to the rise of New Hollywood in the 1970s.
Christopher Plummer serves as the series' narrator, providing an authoritative voice throughout.
The documentary features interviews with relatives of famous Hollywood studio heads like Samuel Goldwyn Jr. and insights from various film historians.
Each one-hour episode focuses on a different era, showcasing clips and interviews with significant Hollywood figures.
It highlights key moguls such as Louis B. Mayer, Jack Warner, and Lou Wasserman.
The series provides a comprehensive look at the origin and evolution of the American film industry.
Moguls & Movie Stars: A History of Hollywood on IMDb
3) The Lion's Roar: The MGM Story
"The Lion's Roar: The MGM Story" delves into the history of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), a cornerstone of Hollywood’s Golden Age. This documentary, released in 1992, showcases the inception and rise of MGM from its formation in 1924.
The documentary lays out how MGM combined three companies—Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and Louis B. Mayer Pictures—to become a cinematic powerhouse. With stars like Katharine Hepburn and Joan Crawford, MGM boasted “more stars than there are in the heavens.”
Patrick Stewart hosts this in-depth exploration, detailing the studio's dominance with iconic films like "Ben-Hur" (1925) and the transition from silent films to talkies, highlighting milestones such as "Garbo talks!" MGM's story isn't just about its successes; it also addresses its decline.
The series examines critical moments, including Mayer’s departure and the company's financial struggles. Notably, the documentary discusses how Kirk Kerkorian’s takeover led to the selling of sets and props, marking the end of an era for MGM.
For more information, refer to the IMDb page for MGM: When The Lion Roars (1992).
4) Hollywood Renegade: The United Artists Saga
United Artists, founded in 1919 by Charlie Chaplin, D.W. Griffith, Mary Pickford, and Douglas Fairbanks, aimed to give actors control over their work. This unique venture was established so filmmakers and actors could avoid dependency on commercial studios and retain their financial and artistic autonomy.
Through decades, United Artists produced and distributed numerous iconic films, adapting to industry changes. The studio flourished during Hollywood's Golden Age, presenting classics like "West Side Story" and "Rocky." These films underscored its commitment to creative freedom and innovation.
However, the journey wasn't always smooth. The studio faced financial struggles and ownership changes, leading to a rocky path in maintaining its original vision. Despite such hurdles, United Artists remained emblematic of artistic independence.
In the late 20th century, the studio encountered notable challenges. The production of "Heaven's Gate" in 1980 led to a financial disaster, almost sinking the studio. The project ran massively over budget and failed at the box office, highlighting the risks of granting artists too much control.
Today, United Artists serves as a significant lesson in Hollywood's history about the balance between artistic freedom and commercial viability. The legacy of its founders' bold vision continues, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. For more detailed information, visit United Artists on Wikipedia.
5) The Golden Age of Hollywood
The Golden Age of Hollywood is characterized by the dominance of five major studios: Paramount, MGM, Fox, RKO Pictures, and Warner Bros. This period spanned from the late 1920s to the early 1960s.
During this era, the studio system was at its peak, with studios controlling every aspect of movie production and distribution.
Moguls and Movie Stars (2010) chronicles the rise of these studios. This series provides insights into the early 20th century, featuring relatives of the influential studio heads and historians. More Information
Sunset Boulevard (1950) directed by Billy Wilder, offers a narrative deeply embedded in the Golden Age. It portrays the stark reality of faded stars and delusions within Hollywood. More Information
The Story of Film: An Odyssey (2011) by Mark Cousins covers the development of world cinema. Key moments from the Golden Age are explored in this fifteen-hour series. More Information
The influence of the Big Five studios set the foundation for modern cinema. These studios not only produced films but also owned theaters and had contracts with actors.
Understanding this era provides valuable insights into the evolution of film and the industry's practices.
6) The Crash and Burn of RKO Pictures
RKO Radio Pictures Inc., commonly known as RKO Pictures or simply RKO, was one of Hollywood's Big Five studios during its Golden Age. The studio was formed after the merger of the Keith-Albee-Orpheum theater chain and Joseph P. Kennedy's Film Booking Offices of America. This merger placed the studio under the control of the Radio Corporation of America.
RKO Pictures experienced a golden era producing numerous hits such as "King Kong" (1933) and "Citizen Kane" (1941). Despite its success, financial instability plagued the company due to changing management and ownership. The high costs of producing ambitious films intensified these financial woes.
Val Lewton’s low-budget horror films, including "I Walked with a Zombie" (1943), provided momentary financial relief through moderate success. However, these successes were not sufficient to sustain long-term stability for the studio. The advent of television further eroded RKO's box office revenue, as audiences found a new medium for entertainment.
The studio's eventual sale to the General Tire and Rubber Company marked the beginning of its rapid decline. By 1957, the once-prominent RKO Pictures ceased production, closing its doors permanently. The dissolution of RKO marked the end of an era for one of the original titans of Hollywood.
More about RKO Pictures and its history can be explored through Wikipedia.
7) Paramount on Parade: The Rise and Fall
Paramount Pictures, founded in 1912, quickly established itself as one of Hollywood's most influential studios. By 1916, with the establishment of its West Coast production plant, Paramount began to cement its legacy in American cinema.
During the 1920s and 1930s, Paramount produced a string of successful films and introduced iconic stars like Mary Pickford and Douglas Fairbanks. The studio's innovative approach and strategic mergers helped it dominate the industry.
Facing financial difficulties in the late 1930s, Paramount had to reorganize. Despite these challenges, it continued to release notable films and adapt to changing market conditions.
In the 1960s and 1970s, under the leadership of executives like Robert Evans, Paramount experienced a creative renaissance. Hits like "The Godfather" and "Chinatown" rejuvenated its reputation.
In recent decades, Paramount has navigated the complex landscape of global media and digital streaming. The studio’s resilience showcases its ability to evolve and remain relevant over a century after its founding.
For more about Paramount Pictures, click here.
8) Warner Bros: The Brothers Warner
"The Brothers Warner" (2007) is a detailed documentary about the four siblings who founded Warner Bros. It highlights the lives and careers of Harry, Albert, Sam, and Jack Warner. These pioneers played a key role in shaping Hollywood history.
The documentary offers an intimate look at their personal and professional lives. It sheds light on how they built one of the most influential studios in film history. The film explores their innovative contributions, such as the introduction of sound in movies.
The challenges faced by the Warner brothers are also covered. This includes their fight against the Nazis in the 1930s, and labor issues in the 1940s. Their dynamic relationships, both harmonious and contentious, are depicted.
Directed by Cass Warner Sperling, the granddaughter of Harry Warner, the film brings a personal touch. The documentary serves as both an homage to her grandfather and a tribute to the Warner legacy.
For those interested in Hollywood history, "The Brothers Warner" provides an engaging narrative with rich archival footage and interviews. Further details can be found on its IMDb page.
Historical Context
The development of Hollywood studios spanned multiple decades, with significant transformations shaping the industry. From its early informal experiments to the robust studio systems of the Golden Age, Hollywood's growth is marked by innovation and consolidation.
Early Days of Hollywood
During the early 20th century, Hollywood began as a small community of independent filmmakers. By 1910, it had become a burgeoning center of film production due to its favorable climate and scenic variety.
Paramount Pictures, founded in 1912 by Adolph Zukor, was instrumental in creating the first nationwide distribution network. Zukor's practice of vertical integration, controlling production, distribution, and exhibition, laid the groundwork for the studio system.
Small independent studios collaborated for mutual benefit, establishing the discipline and structures that would define Hollywood's business practices.
Golden Age of Hollywood
The Golden Age of Hollywood (1920s-1960s) witnessed the dominance of the "Big Five" studios: Warner Bros., MGM, Fox, RKO, and Paramount Pictures. This era was characterized by the pervasive studio system where these companies controlled major aspects of film production.
Each studio operated extensive backlots and sound stages, churning out films in assembly-line fashion.
Paramount's status as a pioneer of this system persisted, influencing peers' business models. Moreover, iconic films and stars emerged, establishing cultural touchstones still revered today.
During this period, the introduction of sound, color films, and significant box office hits fostered rapid industry growth, cementing Hollywood’s status as the epicenter of global cinema.
Key Players
The Hollywood studio system was dominated by a few major studios and influential filmmakers and producers who played pivotal roles in shaping the film industry. Understanding these key players is essential to grasp the rise and fall of Hollywood studios.
Major Hollywood Studios
During the Golden Age of Hollywood, five major studios led the industry: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), RKO Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Warner Bros., and Paramount Pictures. These studios controlled all aspects of film production, distribution, and exhibition through vertical integration.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) was renowned for its lavish productions and star-studded rosters. RKO Pictures distinguished itself through innovative films and collaborations with great directors. 20th Century Fox, now known as 20th Century Studios, contributed key technological advancements and memorable classics.
Warner Bros. was known for its gritty, socially conscious films and its investment in sound technology like "The Jazz Singer." Paramount Pictures excelled in producing sophisticated dramas and comedies and remained a dominant force in Hollywood for decades.
Influential Filmmakers and Producers
Several filmmakers and producers had a considerable impact on the Hollywood studio system. Louis B. Mayer, head of MGM, became one of the most powerful figures, thanks to his talent management and production oversight. David O. Selznick, an independent producer, was behind monumental films like Gone with the Wind.
Cecil B. DeMille of Paramount was known for his epic films, while Darryl F. Zanuck at 20th Century Fox pushed for technological innovations and gritty realism. Jack Warner, one of the founders of Warner Bros., was influential in the adoption of sound films.
Each of these filmmakers and producers brought unique visions that molded the landscape of American cinema, dictating trends and elevating the medium to new heights. Their influence persists, informing the industry's practices and artistic directions even today.
