Old Hollywood Q&A Summary

Introduction

• Tony Maietta responds to questions about Old Hollywood's history and trivia.

Iconic Movie Lines

• "I'm ready for my closeup": From "Sunset Boulevard" (1950), spoken by Gloria Swanson.

Hollywood History

• US Film Industry in Los Angeles: Originated from East Orange, New Jersey due to Edison's patents. Moved to California for freedom and favorable filming conditions.

Hollywood's Golden Age

• Golden Ages: Typically marked by the advent of sound films. The period spanned the end of the studio system (mid-60s), with a second golden age from '68-'75.

Studio System and Actors

• Studio Contracts: Ended in the 60s, were training grounds (e.g., Lucille Ball).
• Mid-Atlantic Accent: Made-up for clearer diction in early films.

Marilyn Monroe and Elizabeth Taylor

• Marilyn Monroe: Iconic actress, improved skills at Lee Strasberg's Actor Studio.
• Elizabeth Taylor: Hugely popular 50s-60s star, known for her beauty and humanitarian work.

Decline of Musicals

• Musicals declined post-war due to changing tastes and financial constraints, exacerbated by the rise of television.

Film and Culture

• Gone With The Wind: Technically impressive but controversial.
• First Academy Awards: Held in May 1929; tickets were $5.

Scandals and Tragedies

• Loretta Young's secret affair with Clark Gable, Natalie Wood's unexplained death, and pressures on actors like Judy Garland.

LGBT+ Representation

• Existence of gay/bisexual stars in Old Hollywood, but they couldn't be open due to societal views and consequences.

Transition to Talkies

• Challenges included voice mismatches with on-screen personas and societal shifts (e.g., Alvin Gilbert's struggle).

Legacy of Charlie Chaplin

• A pioneer, known for being his own boss and mastering physical comedy.

Silent Era and Its Demise

• Silent films relied on scenarios rather than scripts; lip-reading audiences caught improvised dialogue.

Notable Films and Genres

• Pioneering genres: screwball comedies, musicals, horror, and gangster films.

Citizen Kane

• A technical and narrative milestone but faced initial backlash, growing in fame post-release.

Conclusion

• The session provided insights into various facets of Old Hollywood, its stars, cultural impacts, and cinematic innovations.