United Artists, Volume 1, 1919&1501950 The Company Built by the Stars [Paperback]

United Artists was a unique motion picture company in the history of Hollywood. Founded by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and director D.W. Griffith—four of the greatest names of the silent era—United Artists functioned as a distribution company for independent producers. In this lively and detailed history of United Artists from 1919 through 1951, film scholar Tino Balio chronicles the company’s struggle for survival, its rise to prominence as the Tiffany of the industry, and its near extinction in the 1940s.
    This edition is updated with a new introduction by Balio that places in relief UA’s operations for those readers who may be unfamiliar with film industry practices and adds new perspective to the company’s place within Hollywood.

United Artists was a unique motion picture company in the history of Hollywood. Founded by Charlie Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Douglas Fairbanks, and director D.W. Griffith—four of the greatest names of the silent era—United Artists functioned as a distribution company for independent producers

“A book of distinct value to all who have a serious interest in the history of motion pictures.”—Ben Irwin,Los Angeles Times

“Exhaustive research conveyed in bright prose. . . . A particular strength is the psychological insight gained into the personality of the principals of the boardroom.”—The Hollywood Reporter

“Lucidly written . . .  a most useful addition to our knowledge of the business side of the film industry.”—Philip French,Times Literary Supplement

Illustrations
Preface
1 Artists in Business: 1919
2 Starts and Fits: 1919-1924
3 Joe Schenck’s Reorganization: 1925-1931
4 Adjusting to the Talkies: 1928-1932
5 Depression and Monopoly: 1932-1934
6 Schenck’s Last Years: 1932-1935
7 Without a lã)