After the technology develops… The fun begins…

The Silent Era ( ’s) The Studio Era ( ) American Film and Life Era ( ) Auteur Period (( ) 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…

1.20 th 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