HOLLYWOOD SAGA

The study of Hollywood from its inchoate beginnings in 1913, as seen by the brother of Cecil de Mille, pioneer extravaganza producer. An inside picture of Hollywood's growth from infant industry to undreamed of power. The book seems oddly dated, since it brings the history up only to the advent of sound pictures, and younger readers will find the personalities are those of a past era, Chaplin, Mary Pickford, Theda Bara, etc. The focus is on the developments in production and acting and technique, rather than on personal anecdotage, so it wont hit the gossip hounds. Primitive cinematic beginnings of William C. de Mille, his work as a writer, as a director, various tight spots in making pictures, etc. Except for those who want background material on early picture history, and for those who are indiscriminate in absorbing everything about Hollywood, I can't see very wide sale for this.