The Origins of the Film Star System: Persona, Publicity and Economics in Early Cinema

In the early 20th century, film stardom emerged in Europe and North America due to economic circumstances. Andrew Shail's book explores how film studios and actors consented to the adoption of a star system, which prefigured and precipitated the star system. He demonstrates that series characters and the 'firmament of film stars are functionally equivalent, and how openly fictional characters still provide the model for 'real film stars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 424 pages
Publication date: 24 February 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the early 20th century, Andrew Shail delves into the captivating journey of film stardom's emergence in Europe and North America. Building upon Richard deCordova's account of the birth of the US star system, Shail intricately weaves a rich tapestry of economic factors that shaped the adoption of this iconic system. He explores the transformative shift within the film industry, from the era of character-based series films in 1908 to the emergence of the star system. Through meticulous analysis, Shail unveils how these characters not only foreshadowed but also played a pivotal role in establishing the framework of film stars. He demonstrates that the concept of series characters and the 'firmament of film stars' are functionally equivalent, highlighting the enduring influence of fictional characters on shaping the realm of 'real' film stars. This captivating exploration underscores the intricate interplay between art, commerce, and the cultural landscape, shedding light on the birth and evolution of film stardom in the early 20th century.

Weight: 726g
Dimension: 158 x 234 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350272255