Hollywood: The Oral History

Film historian Basinger (The Star Machine) and journalist Wasson (The Big Goodbye) have combed the archives of the American Film Institute, where 400 directors, producers, actors, writers, and costumer designers have recorded their recollections over the past 50 years. These interviews took place on different occasions, but the authors have stitched together quotes to give the impression that they are all in the same room together, conversing and reminiscing about old times. Starting with the era in which Hollywood was just beginning with silent cinema and continuing up through the present digital age, the book expounds on every aspect of the industry, from production details to marketing. There is gossip as well, with vibrant stories and digs on who was easy to work with and who wasn’t (there is across-the-board praise for the professionalism of Joan Crawford but wide disdain for Marilyn Monroe). The book’s format presents a challenge for narrators Timothy Andrés Pabon and Marni Penning, but they handle the content with aplomb. Even so, film aficionados may note more than one name mispronunciation.