Friday, August 28, 2020

FFB-THE STAR MACHINE, Jeanine Basinger

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This is a lengthy study of the measures Hollywood studios went to to promote their actors. Of course, the studio system broke up in the fifties-sixties but from the 20s till then, an incredible amount of time and money was invested in making sure their stars became STARS. Basinger chooses actors who the studios were successful in promoting and played the game and others who fought the system or failed at it. It was not uncommon for an actress to appear in several stories in the same issue of a magazine. The studios had a lot to say about almost every facet of their "property's" life including marriage partners, wardrobe off the set, what activities the star engaged in, where they spent Saturday night, pretty much everything. Defying their edicts often meant less pictures (movies), smaller parts, even shunning them completely. It was very hard for an actor to have success without the backing of a studio and the ones that were successful were hugely successful stars before attempting it. Lots of fun facts and extensive research in this book.

A fun and relaxing read.

11 comments:

Jeff Meyerson said...

It does sound interesting. I've read a number of things on this theme over the years (not a whole book, but pieces about various stars and studios), and this came up again when Olivia de Haviland died (because of her ultimately successful lawsuit to free her from her restrictive contract). Some of that was dealt with in CITY OF NETS. It's also why people like Rock Hudson were (or felt) forced to marry. And if you stepped out of line too much, there were ways the studio had of keeping you there.

Margot Kinberg said...

This sounds interesting, Patti. I do like those behind-the-scenes looks at Hollywood...

Jerry House said...

Sounds like the Republican Party of today.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Good analogy, Jerry.

David Cranmer said...

Always enjoy these reads and the actors who defied the studios.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Some of them paid a big price but the talented ones succeeded.

George said...

The latest issue of THE ECONOMIST ended with a very moving OBITUARY of Olivia de Haviland who really changed the studio system. I was dimly aware of de Haviland's importance, but now I want to know more.

TracyK said...

My husband enjoyed reading this book. I had planned to read it but sometimes I can't get in the mood for nonfiction. He still has it plus two other books she wrote so maybe I will get to it someday.

pattinase (abbott) said...

Megan is a big fan of hers and gave me this book. She liked the one on silent films but I have not seen enough for that to resonate with me.
Loved Olivia DeHaviland and there was much about her in this book.

Todd Mason said...

Alas, not all the talented ones got to do what they should've been able to. But so few of us do. Funny old world.

Elgin Bleecker said...

This sounds like one I would like, Patti. The Hollywood machine was fascinating. There are lots of stories of studio fixers getting stars out of trouble and keeping the stories out of the papers.