26. Hollywood’s Golden Age Was NOT Golden for Its Actors and Actresses
In Hollywood’s Golden Age, American cinema established itself as the world’s most powerful and influential film style. That era of classical Hollywood, circa the 1910s through the 1960s, is often depicted as the most glamorous and fabulous stretch in Tinseltown’s history. However, in some important ways, the term “Golden” in the Golden Age of Hollywood is inaccurate. It was a golden era for the studios, but not for the actors and actresses. The era had its seedy and less salubrious side. There was the pervasive sexism of an era, in which the “casting couch” was routine and the likes of Harvey Weinstein were common, plus an extreme lack of diversity. There was also the fact that the major studios owned their stars.
Hollywood studios had a method to create, promote, and exploit stars. Talent scouts were hired to spot new performers with potential. Emphasis was placed on image rather than talent, which the studios figured could be taught. Once signed to an exclusive contract, the studios would give the performers new names and even new backgrounds. Performers would then be given voice, acting, and dance lessons. In a type of apprenticeship, new performers were first tried out in supporting roles. Those seen as star material got lead roles in minor productions, and if they did well, eventually got to star in major productions. It was an effective system, but as seen below, one rife with abuses.