This is an outstanding documentary chronicling the rise of the motion picture moguls and the movie stars that evolved about them in the 1920s and 1930s.
Our moguls were mostly Jewish and unfortunately, they had conveniently abandoned their faith for fame and fortune in their attempt to totally assimilate into American society, a society they felt that they'd be better off keeping their Jewishness to themselves.
Only Carl Laemmle, who eventually was forced out of the industry by bankruptcy, was the only person to speak up against the threat of Hitler. In fact, he was able to arrange for about 500 families to escape Nazi Germany. Unfortunately, Laemmle died at 72 in 1939.
The studio bosses were controlling forces who manipulated their stars to their advantage in their never ending attempt to make trunk loads of money for the studio.
Stars such as Bette Davis and James Cagney defied the studio bosses in their attempt to assert their independence and demand quality roles for themselves.
Our moguls were mostly Jewish and unfortunately, they had conveniently abandoned their faith for fame and fortune in their attempt to totally assimilate into American society, a society they felt that they'd be better off keeping their Jewishness to themselves.
Only Carl Laemmle, who eventually was forced out of the industry by bankruptcy, was the only person to speak up against the threat of Hitler. In fact, he was able to arrange for about 500 families to escape Nazi Germany. Unfortunately, Laemmle died at 72 in 1939.
The studio bosses were controlling forces who manipulated their stars to their advantage in their never ending attempt to make trunk loads of money for the studio.
Stars such as Bette Davis and James Cagney defied the studio bosses in their attempt to assert their independence and demand quality roles for themselves.