Hollywood: Its Morals and Manners
Theodore Dreiser
Read by Chuck Williamson
Serialized in Shadowland from November 1921 to February 1922, Hollywood: Its Morals and Manners is Theodore Dreiser's shocking four part expose on the motion picture industry. In it, he shares his observations from his extended stay in Los Angeles, and gives us an intimate look at the seedier underside of Hollywood. (Summary by ChuckW) (1 hr 33 min)
Chapters
01 - The Struggle on the Threshold of Motion Pictures | 45:21 | Read by Chuck Williamson |
02 - The Commonplace Tales with a Thousand Endings | 18:28 | Read by Chuck Williamson |
03 - The Beginner's Thousand-to-One Chance | 15:02 | Read by Chuck Williamson |
04 - The Extra's Fight to Exist | 15:08 | Read by Chuck Williamson |
Reviews
Highly recommended Librivox reading
Robert B. Livingston
Theodore Dreiser's exposition about the trials and tribulations of making a profession, particularly as an actress or actor in Hollywood, is classic. I don't think is is as much a work describing the "seedier" side of Hollywood, as it is a description of the seedy, exploitative hiring processes pursued when supply of talent outstrips demand. It is entirely fascinating-- and a warning to any aspiring artist. No matter what one's profession-- people will here recognize similarities to the way most workers are treated so long as pressures remain for employers to seek the greatest profits at the least cost. The illusions of the Hollywood Dream... or more broadly, the American Dream function chiefly because of the rare exceptions to the rules which insure that a majority of people will still bear any cost or indignity to succeed against the odds. Dreiser wraps up his work with a satirical nod to such exceptions. Chuck Williamson reads this work flawlessly. This is one of the best readings from Librivox.
Excellent recording
Timothy Ferguson
This is a really interesting work, originally published as four lengthy magazine articles. It’s about how people get ahead in the Hollywood of the 1920s, and lifted the lid on the casting couch, and other abusive practices. Short, punchy and a great antidote to Hollywood’s myth-making about itself. Recommended for film history fans.