Transcript Film History

After the technology develops…
The fun begins…
The Silent Era (1900-1930’s)
The Studio Era (1934-1946)
American Film and Life Era (1940-1950)
Auteur Period ((1960-1970)
Blockbuster Period (1980’s-Present)
We are moving to into an Independent Era
 1915: Griffith’s The Birth of a Nation was
released. Became first commercially successful
narrative movie.
 This was the era of Charlie Chaplin
 All films were black and white
 Very limited camera movement
 Narrative cards and text were used to convey
plot
 Scores were often played live by pianists and
musicians
This era produced “The Star System”
Made actors huge celebrities
There were 4 major studios…
1. 20th Century Fox
1. Shirley Temple
2. Marilyn Monroe
3. Henry Fonda
Elizabeth Taylor
Joan Crawford
Judy Garland
Clark Gable
Bob Hope
Bing Crosby
Kirk Douglas
Humphrey Bogart
Bette Davis
5. RKO/Columbia was also important and
produced some influential films…. CK
What did you learn about this case in your
search?
In 1948 the Supreme Court decided that the
studios were in violation of Sherman anti-trust
laws because they owned all the levels of
production and means in regards to film.
 Production
 Distribution
 Exhibition
= Monopoly!!!
The studios sold off their theatres.
Eventually the star system of contracts and
exclusivity ended with it.
Produced many movies that dealt with
average American experiences
Many films focused on youth and family
The American identity was explored and
romanticized
The director was given more emphasis than
before. Before, most attention was focused
on the actors.
Directors were given more freedom.
Film schools and college programs produced
more directors.
Huge box office profits, but balanced by huge
costs and budgets
Certain actors and directors labeled as box
office gold
Massive commercialization of film
Onslaught of product placement and ad
opportunities
A blossoming of independent films functioned
as a backlash to this movement