Ep 10. Hollywood Comes of Age

Academy Award Winners: The First 50 Years season 1 episode 10, entitled "Hollywood Comes of Age," explores the films and personalities that shaped Hollywood during its formative years. Through rare, archival footage and interviews with cinema luminaries, the episode covers the emergence of new genres such as the musical, western, and gangster film, as well as the rise of major studios like MGM and Warner Bros.

The episode begins with an examination of the first "talkie" films, including The Jazz Singer (1927) and All Quiet on the Western Front (1930). These groundbreaking films forever changed the way audiences experienced movies and launched the careers of legendary actors like Al Jolson and Bette Davis. From there, the episode delves into the early years of sound in Hollywood, with a focus on musicals such as The Wizard of Oz (1939) and Singin' in the Rain (1952).

As the episode progresses, it delves deeper into the development of various film genres. Westerns, for example, became hugely popular in the 1930s with stars like John Wayne and Gary Cooper becoming household names. Gangster films also emerged during this period, with movies like Little Caesar (1931) and The Public Enemy (1931) captivating audiences with their gritty depictions of crime and violence.

In discussing these films, the episode also paints a vivid portrait of the personalities behind them. Interviews with filmmakers like John Ford and Howard Hawks shed light on their unique approaches to storytelling and their impact on the Hollywood landscape. The episode also features discussions with iconic actors such as James Stewart and Katharine Hepburn, who provide insights into their craft and their experiences working with some of the greatest directors of all time.

One of the most fascinating aspects of "Hollywood Comes of Age" is its exploration of the major studios that shaped the industry during its early years. The episode looks at the rise of MGM, Warner Bros., and other major players, detailing their strategies for creating enduring hits and establishing themselves as powerhouses within the industry. This segment of the episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the business side of Hollywood and helps to explain how and why certain studios rose to prominence in the first place.

As the episode winds down, it touches on some of the biggest films and personalities of the 1950s, including Marlon Brando's powerful performance in On the Waterfront (1954) and Audrey Hepburn's iconic turn in Roman Holiday (1953). These films helped solidify Hollywood's place as the epicenter of the entertainment world and set the stage for the decades of creativity and innovation that would follow.

Overall, "Hollywood Comes of Age" is a fascinating, informative, and engaging episode of Academy Award Winners: The First 50 Years. Whether you're a diehard film buff or simply a casual viewer, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the history of Hollywood and the forces that helped shape it into the legendary institution it is today.