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Short Synopsis
The sensational, lurid, and wickedly entertaining true story of the brothers who invented Hollywood to become the godfathers of cinema—movie moguls Nicholas and Joseph Schenck—studded with glamorous stars, scandals, mobsters, murders, and one legendary blond bombshell . . .

Full Synopsis
Groundbreaking pioneers of the Hollywood Dream Factory, Joseph and Nicholas Schenck may not have been household names like the Warner brothers or Louis B. Mayer, but they were infinitely more powerful, influential—and ruthless. A pair of Russian immigrants with giant ambitions, the Schencks turned their small nickelodeon business in New York's Bowery into a partnership with Loew's movie theaters and a controlling interest in three major studios: MGM, 20th Century Fox, and United Artists. They painted the silver screen silver, laid the foundations for the all-powerful studio system, and ruled a global movie empire from their Gatsby-sized mansions on the East and West coasts. The Schencks had become moguls.

Their story is the stuff of legends—and their scandals are among the greatest stories Hollywood never told. This riveting, behind-the-scenes account reveals many surprising truths.

From the earliest days of silent films and the swinging era of the Roaring Twenties, through the Golden Age of the studio system and the patriotic call of WWII, to the Red Scare paranoia of the McCarthy years, the history of the Schenck brothers is the story of Hollywood itself—and the enduring power of the American Dream. Moguls is a must-listen for film fans, history buffs, and anyone who loves the movies.

"This illuminating book sheds light on brothers at least as influential as the Warners, but lesser known in cinematic popular culture." ---Library Journal

Moguls

The Lives and Times of Hollywood Film Pioneers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck

Author Michael Benson, Craig Singer

Narrated by Stephen Bowlby

Publication date Sep 24, 2024

Running time 11 hrs

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