Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood
Series Overview
Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood is a 2011 BBC documentary series written, directed and presented by Paul Merton. The three-part series traces the rise of the American film-making industry in Hollywood through from the early years of film-making to the foundation of the major motion-picture studios and the new class of the film star.
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1 Season • 3 Episodes
58 min per episode
2011 – 2011
Premiered: Fri, May 27, 2011
Paul MertonLatest Aired Episode
Season 1, Episode 3: “Part 3”
Paul Merton traces the rise of the studios through the story of MGM - the biggest dream factory of them all, which boasted of 'more stars than the heavens'. Metro Goldwyn Mayer's studio system was perfected by its young producer Irving Thalberg, the boy genius of Hollywood's silent era. The programme shows how he challenged the power previously wielded by the director of a film, taking on a much more creative role as the producer. This involved dealing with some of the most notorious egos in movie-making, such as that of flamboyant director Erich Von Stroheim. It was famously said of Thalberg that he didn't just make movies - he 're-made' them. He may have turned MGM into what Paul Merton calls 're-take valley' but Thalberg never put his name on any of his films, even the original Ben Hur or Mutiny on the Bounty - which may explain why you might never have heard of this remarkable man who did more than anyone to steer 1930s Hollywood from the silent to the sound era.
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What is Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood about?
Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood is a 2011 BBC documentary series written, directed and presented by Paul Merton. The three-part series traces the rise of the American film-making industry in Hollywood through from the early years of film-making to the foundation of the major motion-picture studios and the new class of the film star.
How many seasons does Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood have?
Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood comprises 1 season available to explore.
Who stars in Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood?
Key cast members in Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood include Paul Merton.
Who created or directed Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood?
Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood was developed and directed by Paul Merton.