Hollywood and the Box Office, 1895–1986

Abstract

Changing business circumstances have put pressure on the film studios and changed the nature of films they produced. Virtually every decade since the invention of the cinema has brought crisis to the industry and this book examines the reaction of the corporations who have found themselves in danger or have perceived new ways of adding to their profitability, influencing the films they produce. Included is a survey of the US film industry from the days of a small collection of studios to the vast business empires of today, as well as an analysis of the kinds of films produced.