Paramount Studios: 1940-2000

Images of America: California

by Marc Wanamaker, Michael Christaldi, E.J. Stephens

The fascinating tale of Hollywood powerhouse Paramount Pictures beginning with its birth in the 1910s through the turbulent decade of the 1930s was told in Early Paramount Studios by Marc Wanamaker, Michael Christaldi, and E.J. Stephens. Now the same authors are back to tell the next 60 years of the studio saga in Paramount Studios: 1940 2000, with a foreword by former Paramount head of production Robert Evans. This book picks up the story during the time of World War II a successful era for the studio which was followed by a decade of decline due to the upstart medium of television. By the 1960s, the studio teetered on the brink of bankruptcy before rebounding, thanks to several 1970s blockbusters, such as Love Story, The Godfather, and Chinatown. The tale continues through the final decades of the 20th century when Paramount showcased some of the greatest hits in its history."

Genres: History, Film, Nonfiction

128 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2016

Reviews

[John Mullarkey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series highlights elements of history and specifically locations. I am very intrigued by the history of the film industry and when I that this slim and sleek title was available, I was eager to read it. This volume is highly pictorial/photographic - as a matter of fact it is more like a photo album. The interest in Paramount specifically was also based on the studio's successful transition and addition to TV production in the late 40's and early 50's. All of the stars are included here - Gary Cooper, Barbara Stanwyck, John Wayne, Cary Grant, and Bob Hope. In addition, all of the classic TV shows and their casts are included: Mission Impossible, The Brady Bunch, Happy Days, The Odd Couple, Laverne and Shirley and Cheers. Each chapter is comprised of decades, so there is a natural progression through the years . One of the great aspects of this volume is how the studio has structurally changed with time - and what elements have remained as a connection to the studio's past. One element that I would have liked to learn more about would have been about the everyday people who worked at the studio and the types of work that they did beyond the stars and directors- and maybe some details about studio tours - something that someone like me living on the East Coast has knows little about; all in all - I highly recommend this title along with similar books about Hollywood that are in the "Images of America" series.

[A Aubry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good informational book. Some of the information next to the pictures was a little repetitive and some of the pictures were repetitive within the same few years but I was okay with it. I’ve been on the Paramount Studios tour twice, once for the shorter 2 hour one and once for longer 4.5 hour one and I still didn’t know a lot of the history behind the studios. I love learning about the history of movie making and this book along with its “sister” book of the early Paramount really taught me a lot!

[Giulia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was great until the last chapter was just pictures of buildings. Slightly disappointing in that regard. I wanted to see more person-centric pictures for the last chapter. Overall, interesting facts about the actors and actresses who worked for Paramount.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of disappointed, wanted more story. My father in law worked here for over 20 years after leaving MGM. My husband worked here too. The pictures were familiar, but needed more story