BOOK IT! PRODUCED BY IRVING THALBERG:
THEORY OF STUDIO-ERA FILMMAKING Ana Salzberg Author Ana Salzberg has done a detailed and intelligent perspective
that combines the life and career of movie producer Irving Thalberg and his accomplishments while also taking a time machine back to the times of his life. Irving Thalberg? He was there when Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) first started as a motion picture studio in 1924 … making silent movies. Thalberg was the only head of production for his talent and skills in producing MGM pictures but also added to his days at MGM by supervis- ing other important aspects of filmmaking such as directors, stars and scripts. As mentioned in Salzberg’s book, Thalberg was considered a “boy wonder” but Thalberg preferred the tag of intelligent producer. The proof is in the pudding as he brought to light and life an incredible
array of high-quality pictures that still stand the test of time today. There is a lot that can be learned and admired within the pages of this book about working in the MGM studio during this time period. Let’s drop some names, shall we? Thalberg nurtured Norma Shearer in the very first year of the studio with the film He Who Gets Slapped, channeled Lon Chaney into a brilliant performance as well in that film, and kicked off the studio’s reign as one of excellence. Oh, and Norma Shearer became his wife … how’s that for star billing? Greta Garbo reached the heights of her career under Thalberg as a
producer with notably her tragic turn as Camille and numerous other silent films and in her talkie debut as the star of Anna Christie. Then, there’s Joan Crawford. He built her up as well with belief in her talent, acting and striking beauty in one of the grandest star casts in Grand Hotel. Thalberg also had his hands on Red-Headed Woman (a pre-code film) starring a bombshell known as Jean Harlow. Let me count the ways as it has more stars than there are in the heavens, as MGM used to claim, all of whom Thalberg helped soar and skyrocket to fame. Thalberg may have had a weak heart but he always put his heart and mind into the creation of films for MGM. Even the year he died in 1936 at the age of 37, he had already created plans for several films including Marie Antoinette starring Norma Shearer and Tyrone Power. His vision of the film was honored by his legacy in creating a superb performance by his widow in one of the most opulent films of the time. MGM lost someone who guided the studio with gusto, inventiveness and great care. Ana Salzberg really did a magnificent and thought-provoking job at creating new thoughts in the realm of Thalberg’s career and his gifts that he left for any film lover. Available Now
Jean Harlow Irving and Norma OCTOBER 2020 | @theragemonthly 35
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