The men who made Hollywood - Michael Freedland

First or second generation Jewish immigrants who had often worked their way up from poor backgrounds, the Hollywood Moguls were remarkable entrepreneurs, the likes of whom will probably never be seen again. Sam Goldwyn, Jack and Harry Warner, Louis B Mayer, Harry Cohn, and Zukor and Lasky ruled the movie empires in the golden age of Hollywood.These Tinseltown gods liked to be seen at race meetings as proof of their social standing, were loyal to their wives but made good use of the casting couch, they were Jewish but more American than apple pie, and the stories of their rise to the top are as fascinating as they are entertaining.When Harry Cohn, iron dictator of Columbia Pictures, died a rabbi was asked if there was anything good that could be said of him Sure, he replied, hes dead. Louis B. Mayer, of MGM fame, regarded himself as head of a big family
if one of his children was out of line, his solution was to punch them in the jaw. Jack Warner had a determination that the studio bearing his name should product quality products. Brother Harry looked upon things differently: I dont want it good he once said, I want it Tuesday.The Men Who Made Hollywood is a fascinating look at the men who really did make Hollywood and, in doing so, created the first and arguably most important art form of the 20th century. Based on interviews with family members, actors, producers and directors this is a frank and detailed portrayal of the extraordinary lives of these powerbrokers, from their backgrounds and motivations to their love lives and quarrels.Michael Freedland is an author, journalist and broadcaster. He has written over 40 books, many of them telling the stories of the Hollywood greats, from Frank Sinatra to Al Jolson. He is also a BBC broadcaster and writes regularly for national newspapers on both sides of the Atlantic.