Bernard F. Dick Bücher

Horror films, Deanna Durbin musicals, Francis the talking mule, and iconic theme parks are just a glimpse into the legacy of Universal Pictures. In February 1906, Carl Laemmle, a German immigrant, opened his first nickelodeon in Chicago, transitioning from exhibition to distribution and film production. A savvy promoter, he relocated to Southern California within a decade, establishing Universal Pictures as a major Hollywood studio and founding a city in the process. Universal carved its niche with horror films featuring Karloff and Lugosi, comedies with Abbott and Costello, and low-budget musicals. However, Carl Laemmle Jr. struggled with empire building, leading to his ousting amid financial troubles. This set the stage for a series of studio heads who came and went, marking the early arrival of corporate Hollywood at Universal. The 1946 Universal-International merger, Decca's stock takeover in the early 1950s, and MCA's buyout in 1962 signaled a shift where business often overshadowed filmmaking. Despite the constant changes in stars and executives that reshaped its image, Universal's iconic globe logo has remained a fixture on screens worldwide. Unlike many of its contemporaries, Universal continues to produce films today.

The biography explores the vibrant and fulfilling life of a star from the Golden Age of Hollywood, delving into their career milestones, personal struggles, and the cultural impact they had during their era. It highlights key moments in their journey, showcasing their contributions to film and the entertainment industry, while also reflecting on the challenges faced in a rapidly changing world. Through a rich narrative, the book paints a portrait of resilience, talent, and the enduring legacy of a beloved icon.

Anatomy of Film is a brief, jargon-free introduction to film appreciation and analysis. Designed to be used in either English or Communication departments, Anatomy of Film helps students new to film develop a critical awareness of cinema without overwhelming them.

The narrative delves into the remarkable lives of influential figures who shaped Paramount's legacy, showcasing personalities like Billy Wilder, Adolph Zukor, and Shari Redstone. It highlights their contributions and the dynamic interactions that defined the studio's evolution, illustrating how these larger-than-life characters influenced the film industry and left a lasting impact on entertainment.

First study to focus on the work of the Ten: their short stories, plays, novels, criticism, poems, memoirs, and, of course, their films.

A radically different portrait of the man who ran Columbia Pictures.

Draws on numerous sources to finally tell the full story of Hal Wallis's illustrious production career

A new, updated edition of The Star-Spangled Screen.