The Star Machine

An excellent and enthusiastic overview of the studio system of Hollywood's classic period, described through the careers of particular performers. Basinger shows how studios carefully crafted actors' and actresses' careers–the discovery of a star, the lessons, the publicity, the films as tests, and finally the hitting upon type and the playing against type. I love how Basinger brings some actors back from obscurity–such as Deanna Durbin–to make us appreciate why they were so popular in their day. The only part of the book that misses its mark is when she attempts to critique the current Hollywood system and stars.