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The Genius of the System by Thomas Schatz
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The Genius of the System

Hollywood Filmmaking in the Studio Era

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Narrator Paul Boehmer

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Length 24 hours 32 minutes
Language English
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At a time when the studio is making a stunning comeback, film historian Thomas Schatz provides an indispensable account of Hollywood's traditional blend of business and art. This book lays to rest the persistent myth that businesspeople and producers stifle artistic talent and reveals instead the genius of a system of collaboration and conflict. Working from industry documents, Schatz traces the development of house styles, the rise and fall of careers, and the making-and unmaking-of movies, from Frankenstein to Spellbound to Grand Hotel. The Genius of the System gives the definitive view of the workings of the Old Hollywood and the foundations of the New.

Thomas Schatz is a professor of radio-TV-film at the University of Texas in Austin. He is the author of Hollywood Genres and The Genius of the System.

Paul Boehmer attended his first Shakespearean play while in high school; he knew then that he was destined to become the classically trained actor he is today. Graduating with a master's degree, Paul was cast as Hamlet by the very stage actor who inspired his career path. A nod from the Universe he'd chosen aright! Paul has worked on Broadway and extensively in regional theater. Coinciding with another of his passions, sci-fi, Paul has been cast in various roles in many episodes of Star Trek. Paul's love of literature and learning led him by nature to his work as a narrator for audiobooks, his latest endeavour. Paul is married to the love of his life, Offir, and they live in Los Angeles with their two midnight-rambling tomcats, Dread and David.

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Reviews

"Boehmer sustains a firm pace, so this behind-the-scenes history of filmmaking, with its cavalcade of beloved stars and films, will fascinate and delight fans, students, and scholars alike." --AudioFile Expand reviews