Summary
Highlights
Tony Mietta kicks off by explaining the origin of the iconic line 'I'm ready for my closeup, Mr. DeMille' from the 1950 film "Sunset Boulevard," uttered by Gloria Swanson. He then delves into why the US film industry, initially based in West Orange, New Jersey (due to Thomas Edison), shifted to Los Angeles. Edison's litigious nature and 'patent men' who harassed independent filmmakers forced many to seek refuge as far west as possible. Southern California offered not only distance from Edison but also 260 days of sunshine and diverse landscapes for filming.
Mietta discusses the beginning of Hollywood's Golden Age, generally considered with the advent of sound around 1927, extending to the mid-to-late 1960s. He also highlights a 'second golden age' from 1968 to 1975, characterized by groundbreaking films from directors like Scorsese and Coppola after the production code was abolished. He clarifies the 'pre-code' era (1929-1934), detailing how films were largely uncensored until 1934 when external pressure, particularly from the Catholic Church, led to the strict enforcement of the Production Code.
The studio system, where actors were contracted and 'owned' by studios, ended in the 1960s. While restrictive, it provided a valuable training ground and guaranteed employment for stars like Lucille Ball. Mietta explains the Mid-Atlantic accent, an artificial blend of East Coast upper-class dialects and stage speech, developed for standardization in early talkies, which faded by the 1950s as realism gained traction in cinema.
Marilyn Monroe is praised for her 'flesh impact' and natural comedic talent. Despite being a huge star, she paused her career to study acting, showing dedication to her craft. Her potential was cut short by her early death at 36. Elizabeth Taylor, dubbed 'the last movie star,' was raised by the studio system. Her talent, beauty, and high-profile relationship with Richard Burton made her a tabloid sensation. Taylor was also a significant humanitarian, being one of the first public figures to speak out about AIDS.
The classic Hollywood musical declined due to high production costs (requiring musicians, songwriters, choreographers), a post-war shift towards realism, and the rise of television. Movies were expensive, and studios couldn't maintain large pools of talent cheaply. Mietta addresses the controversy surrounding "Gone with the Wind," acknowledging its technical brilliance as a filmmaking achievement while recognizing the outdated and shameful attitudes it depicts regarding slavery and the Civil War. He suggests viewing it with historical context.
Mietta shares scandalous tales, including rumors about Clark Gable's early career as a gay hustler and the much-publicized affair between Loretta Young and Clark Gable, which resulted in Young secretly giving birth and later 'adopting' her own daughter. He also recounts the details of the first Academy Awards ceremony in May 1929 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, a short and inexpensive event that gained prominence later with television broadcasts. The origin of the 'Oscar' nickname is attributed to Betty Davis's comment about her husband.
The mysterious death of Natalie Wood in 1981 is discussed, with the most accepted theory involving her slipping and drowning after attempting to re-tie a dinghy. Mietta notes the historical presence of gay and bisexual stars in Hollywood, like Rock Hudson and Montgomery Clift, who were forced to remain closeted due to societal prejudice and the risk of career ruin. He acknowledges the ongoing struggle but notes progress in LGBTQ+ representation.
The transition from silent films to talkies was challenging for many actors. Silent film was a distinct art form, and many stars had heavy accents or voices that didn't match their on-screen personas (like John Gilbert's light tenor voice). This shift coincided with the Great Depression, changing audience preferences for heroes. He also reveals the dark side of child stardom, citing Judy Garland's forced drug use by MGM to manage her weight and sleep during filming. Shirley Temple, despite saving 20th Century Fox from bankruptcy as a child, had a drink named after her reflecting her youth and non-alcoholic status.
The 'old Hollywood system' ended in the late 1960s when Supreme Court rulings forced studios to divest from their theater chains, leading to drastic cuts in staff and film production. The rise of television further eroded their audience. Mietta encourages viewing black and white films, recommending "Babyface" (1933) as an example of an exciting pre-code movie that defies the 'boring' stereotype. He identifies early genre-defining films: "It Happened One Night" (screwball comedy), "The Broadway Melody of 1929" (musical), and "Dracula" (horror).
Charlie Chaplin's immense impact on cinema is highlighted; he was a singular filmmaker who wrote, directed, produced, and starred in his own films. His athletic prowess and ability to perform his own stunts without CGI or camera manipulation set him apart. Mietta concludes by explaining the enduring obsession with "Citizen Kane." Its revolutionary deep focus cinematography, the real-life David-and-Goliath struggle between Orson Welles and William Randolph Hearst, and the rebellious spirit behind its creation solidify its place as a groundbreaking and often considered the greatest film of all time, despite its initial commercial struggles.