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THE HISTORY OF THE HOLLYWOOD MUSICAL

OLLI at ILLINOIS

SPRING SEMESTER 2018

THE HOLLYWOOD STUDIO SYSTEM

• VERTICAL INTEGRATION

- the major studios control all facets of the industry - producing, distributing, and exhibiting films:

filmmaking

booking/distribution

theaters

THE CONTRACT SYSTEM

“House Style” in the Studio Era

• A studio would use its under-contract actors and other creative personnel to develop a recognizable studio style and look – and would emphasize certain genres to capitalize on the strengths of their studio

Warner Bros. – James Cagney, Bette Davis, Humphrey Bogart

RKO – Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers (1930s)

MGM – Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Gene Kelly, Fred and Ginger (1940s- 50s), Ann Miller, Donald O’Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra. . . “more stars than there are in the heavens”

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

• Directed by Vincente Minnelli

• Starring Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Tom Drake, Lucille Bremer, Mary Astor, Leon Ames

ARTHUR FREED and the FREED UNIT

Vincente Minnelli - Director

• Began his career as a set designer

• Films include An American in Paris, The Band Wagon, Brigadoon, Father of the Bride, Lust for Life, The Bad and the Beautiful, Gigi (Oscar for Best Director)

• Married to Judy Garland 1945-1951

JUDY GARLAND

FAMILY ANDFUTURE

LOUISIANA PURCHASE EXPOSITION (1904)

HALLOWEEN and CHRISTMAS

TITLE CARDS

USE OF COLOR

CINEMATOGRAPHY

A 5-MINUTE BREAK!