Forgotten Stars and Stories: Rediscovering the Hidden Treasures of Hollywood's Golden Age

As the golden age of Hollywood fades into the annals of cinematic history, a treasure trove of forgotten stars and stories waits to be rediscovered. Turner Classic Movies (TCM) brings these lost gems to light with its captivating series, "Forgotten Stars and Stories."

This Was Hollywood: Forgotten Stars and Stories (Turner Classic Movies)

by Carla Valderrama

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	96409 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	240 pages

FREE

Hosted by esteemed film historian Ben Mankiewicz, each episode of "Forgotten Stars and Stories" delves into the forgotten corners of Hollywood lore. Viewers are introduced to actors who once graced the silver screen but whose legacies have been overshadowed by time. They encounter directors whose innovative techniques pushed the boundaries of filmmaking. And they witness the rediscovery of lost films that have been tucked away in vaults for decades.

Forgotten Stars: Rediscovered Talents

One of the most captivating aspects of "Forgotten Stars and Stories" is its exploration of forgotten performers. Actors who once commanded the screen with their talent and charisma are brought back into the limelight. Viewers discover the stories of:

• Ann Sheridan: A fiery redhead who starred in a string of classic films in the 1930s and 1940s, only to vanish from public view in later life.
• Douglas Fairbanks Jr.: A swashbuckling leading man who inherited his father's charm and athleticism, but whose career was marred by personal demons.
• Walter Huston: A character actor par excellence who won an Oscar for his role in "The Treasure of the Sierra Madre," but whose contributions to cinema have been largely forgotten.

Unsung Directors: Cinematic Visionaries

Beyond the actors, "Forgotten Stars and Stories" also pays tribute to unsung directors who shaped the cinematic landscape. These visionary filmmakers pushed the boundaries of storytelling and technical innovation, yet their names are often absent from the annals of film history.

The series features directors such as:

• George Cukor: A master of Hollywood glamour who directed some of the most iconic films starring Katharine Hepburn and Judy Garland.
• John Ford: A pioneer of the Western genre whose epic films captured the rugged beauty of the American frontier.
• Michael Curtiz: A Hungarian immigrant who directed some of the most beloved classics of Hollywood's golden age, including "Casablanca."

Lost Films: Rediscovered Cinematic Treasures

"Forgotten Stars and Stories" not only sheds light on forgotten talents and directors but also celebrates the rediscovery of lost films. These cinematic treasures were once considered lost to time, but thanks to the efforts of film historians and preservationists, they have been brought back to life.

The series features lost films such as:

• "The Exquisite Sinner": A 1926 silent film starring Pola Negri, which was thought to be lost for decades until a print was discovered in the Cinémathèque Française.
• "The Wandering Jew": A 1933 film based on the classic novel, which was banned in several countries and disappeared from circulation for over 50 years.
• "The Shanghai Gesture": A 1941 film noir starring Gene Tierney and Victor Mature, which was once considered a lost classic but was recently restored and released on Blu-ray.

Preserving the Legacy

Through "Forgotten Stars and Stories," TCM plays a vital role in preserving the legacy of Hollywood's golden age. By bringing forgotten talents and lost films back into the public consciousness, the series ensures that these treasures will not be lost to the sands of time.

For film enthusiasts, "Forgotten Stars and Stories" is an unmissable journey into the hidden corners of Hollywood history. It is a celebration of the forgotten stars who once illuminated the screen, the unsung directors who shaped the medium, and the lost films that have been rediscovered and restored for future generations.

This Was Hollywood: Forgotten Stars and Stories (Turner Classic Movies)

by Carla Valderrama

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	96409 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	240 pages

FREE