Twentieth Century Fox

October 1, 2016
This expansive and detailed book gives readers an inside look into one of Hollywood's most influential film studios. This is the studio that introduced moviegoers to Shirley Temple and produced one of the most beloved movie musicals of all time, The Sound of Music (an entire chapter is devoted to the making of the movie and a great amount of information is provided about the production and its stars.) Reading the book will make readers feel like they are on an actual tour of the studio. Included are many archived photos of noted studio executives, employees, actors, and directors. Of note is the fine foreword written by current Twentieth Century Fox chairman and CEO, Jim Gianopulos. One of the more fascinating tidbits in the book is that a young man named Marion Robert Duke Morrison was discovered here while working in the property department on the Western Avenue studio lot. Better known as John Wayne, he was cast in The Big Trail in 1930. There is a chapter about the making of Cleopatra and the various people involved. This reference is very interesting and recommended for academics interested in film and television studies, as well as most public libraries with film and history buffs.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)