Irving Thalberg: Boy Wonder to Producer Prince

One thing I liked right away was that the author jumped into Thalberg's life without all the usual boring "his grandparents met and then the parents met and blah-blah-blah". It was interesting reading from the get-go. I am old but not old enough to know all the movies being referred to. Still, it was fascinating to peek at the early days of movies.I remember seeing a TV series long ago about Hollywood's silent era and was surprised to see how sophisticated the silent movies were, especially "Ben-Hur". This gave me some appreciation about what the author was describing. The book helped me realize that the transition to talkies was more than just adding sound, it changed the way movies were made and how actors had to adapt.From descriptions about Thalberg, I had known he was highly-respected and a genius. But this book also shows how his methods could be restrictive, especially for people like Buster Keaton. Thalberg's attitude toward writers was another eye-opener. It seems that they were both respected and not respected. I can understand how multiple writers can improve the final product, but also feel for the writer who sees their hard work chopped up or uncredited. Thalberg himself never put his name in the credits, which is quite shocking considering the egos involved.I don't know enough to say that this book is definitive, but it sure seems that way. It was great fun to be a fly on the wall to see exactly what sort of work Thalberg did. For example, the Marx Bros. "Duck Soup" (at Paramount) was a flop but "A Night At The Opera" (at MGM) was a hit. As zany as "Duck Soup" was, it appealed to men whereas the Thalberg approach added female appeal. Did that hurt the Marx Bros.' creativity? Sure. But if you want to continue making movies, they have to make money.Moviemaking seems to be a business where compromise is the rule. You can't get actors you want, the script needs changing, and adding X-dollars may improve a movie but also make it unprofitable. The more I see how complicated movies are behind the scenes, but more I wonder how they keep their sanity amid all the chaos.

I love the 1930s, including any books about Irving Thalberg, Norma Shearer and anything about that time frame. I couldn't wait to get this book in the mail.Why on earth did Mark Vieira choose the University of California Press as his book publisher? I splurged on this book and as soon as it arrived, I opened it. However, the print is TINY TINY! It's advertised as "a slim 6x9" book."( I like to underline / highlight my books and prefer a hard copy to e-books.)Although I have 20-20 vision, it would be a struggle and a strain to enjoy reading these 526 pages now that I've seen the tiny print. If it had come out in a normal-sized print, I would have purchased a larger one but it's not being offered at this time. I showed it to my husband and he shook his head, unbelievable. I wrote someone to see if there's a version with a larger pica then 4-8 pt. but there isn't one. Rediculous. Evidently, UC Press were trying to save money. They charged $46.95 plus shipping and tax for the book. You would think the author would value the readers enjoyment of this illustrious book. Len Maltin and others gave it a terrific review which only makes me more frustrated because I really want to read it. No one mentioned the tiny print. I assume they read the Kindle version (sold here for $45).I am very disappointed that the author approved this edition - what was he thinking??? Cost-saving and cost-cutting on such a beautiful book isn't using wisdom. Those who want to read it would pay extra. I took one star off because of the print size.

It's both a pleasure and an immense relief to see authors such as Mark A. Vieira consolidate their position as top film historians and Hollywood biographers. Film history as a whole and Hollywood biographies in particular have been plagued for many years with opportunism, dishonesty and sheer incompetence, leading to some of the most appalling books on the lives and careers of people who gave their whole earthly existence, to the art of film-making.It's painful to know that most readers can't see the difference between an honest and a dishonest biography. It has been said that they can't see the differrence between a delicate dish prepared by a great cook and junk food. Whatever. The fact is that some biographers seem to have decided from the start to dedicate their time and energy to producing trash about people who, by all accounts deserved better than that. .Hence the relief of authors like Mark A. Vieira coming up with works like "Irving Thalberg: Boy Wonder to Producer Prince". He did it again! Here is a film biography that makes it obvious from the start that it was extremely well researched. No hearsay. No apocrypha. The way facts are presented is proportional to their historical relevance, not to their gossip potential. The analysis of the period in which the story takes place is both objective and sympathetic. Last but certainly not least, this is a book that reads like a juicy novel that gives the reader great pleasure.Irving Thalberg needed very badly to become the focus of a gifted biographer. His importance in the development of the American film industry is tremendous. He was one of the men who gave shape to the star system. Hollywood would have been totally dfferent without him. His unique way of seeing what was ahead and the tremendous importance he attached to acting talent made it possible for truly great artists like Garbo and the Marx Brothers to leave their best work forever on film. Yet, unlike other producers, Thalberg was a reclusive man about whom many myths grew. Even Scott Fitzgerald added to the legend by making him the model for the lead in "The Last Tycoon," his last, unfinished novel.Now for the first time it's possible to read the real story of the man who didn't seem to have a shadow. His is one of the best biographies ever written about a key figure of the so called "Golden Hollywood," A book no one interested in film history can afford not reading. Irving Thalberg was a giant of a producer. Mark A. Vieira is a giant of a biographer. Anyone who cares for quality should celebrate this meeting.

Wonderful book. A glimspe into a very private and happy marriage between two long ago superstars of the Golden Age of Movies in Hollywood. Producer Irving Thalberg and Norma Shearer. I am so pleased I bought this brilliant book.

For the cinema enthusiast a book to treasure. Simply brilliant. All that was expected and more.

Great book. Incredibly informative. A must have read for anyone interested in the history of M. G. M

Whilst many have heard the name Irving Thalberg, mostly through the special Academy Award given in his name, few today understand the impact he had on the motion picture business nor the power he wielded. And they certainly don't know about the man himself.Mark Viera's book was a riveting read about an amazing man. It will appeal to all those who have an interest in the beginnings and growth of the industry as well as anyone who wishes to read a great story about a very interesting man.

Great