Research Catalog

Slow fade to black : the decline of RKO Radio Pictures

Title
Slow fade to black : the decline of RKO Radio Pictures / Richard B. Jewell.
Author
Jewell, Richard B.
Publication
  • Oakland, California : University of California Press, [2016]
  • ©2016

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TextUse in library MFL 16-3534Performing Arts Research Collections - Theatre

Details

Description
xvi, 265 pages : illustrations; 23 cm
Summary
"Slow Fade to Black completes Richard B. Jewell's richly detailed two-part history of the RKO film studio, which began with RKO Radio Pictures: A Titan Is Born, published in 2012. This second volume charts the studio's fortunes, which peaked during World War II, declined in the post-war period, and finally collapsed in the 1950s. With unparalleled access to archival materials, Jewell chronicles the period from 1942 to the company's demise in 1957. Some of the towering figures associated with the studio were Howard Hughes, Orson Welles, Charles Koerner, Val Lewton, Jane Russell, and Robert Mitchum. In addition to its colorful cast of characters, the RKO narrative features key moments in entertainment history: Hollywood collaboration with Washington, film noir, censorship, HUAC, the rise of independent film production, and the impact of television on film. Taken as a whole, Jewell's two-volume study represents the most substantial and insightful exploration of the Hollywood studio system to date"--Provided by publisher.
Subject
Bibliography (note)
  • Includes bibliographical references and index.
Contents
1. "Showmanship in place of genius" : the Rathvon-Koerner regime (1942-1945) -- 2. "RKO's spirit encircles globe" : the Rathvon regime (1946) -- 3. "The screen has come of age" : the Rathvon-Schary regime (1947-1948) -- 4. "There is a lot of life in the old place yet" : the Hughes-Depinet-Rogell regime (1948-1950) -- 5. "The predictable unpredictable" : the Hughes-Depinet regime (1950-1952) -- 6. "The shortest and most bizarre period of studio ownership in film industry history" : the Stolkin interregnum (1952) -- 7. "Incompetence or indifference" : the Hughes-Grainger regime (1953-1955) -- 8. "He had a great sense of entitlement, Mr. Hughes" : the six-foot-four enigma (1948-1955) -- 9. "An untoward turn of events" : the O'Neil-O'Shea-Dozier regime (1955-1957) -- Epilogue.
Call Number
MFL 16-3534
ISBN
  • 9780520289666
  • 0520289668
  • 9780520289673
  • 0520289676
  • 9780520964242 (canceled/invalid)
  • 0520964241 (canceled/invalid)
LCCN
2016004856
OCLC
922911995
Author
Jewell, Richard B., author.
Title
Slow fade to black : the decline of RKO Radio Pictures / Richard B. Jewell.
Publisher
Oakland, California : University of California Press, [2016]
Copyright Date
©2016
Type of Content
text
Type of Medium
unmediated
Type of Carrier
volume
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references and index.
Research Call Number
MFL 16-3534
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