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Motion picture industry -- Fiction Books
Best books
Upton Sinclair
Oil! : $b A novel
"Oil!" by Upton Sinclair is a novel published in 1926–27. Set against the backdrop of the Teapot Dome scandal in Southern California, this social and political satire follows Bunny Ross, son of an oil tycoon, as he grapples with conflicting loyalties. Torn between his father's cutthroat business practices and his growing sympathy for workers and socialist ideals, Bunny navigates family tensions, labor strikes, and political corruption. The story explores wealth, justice, and the moral costs of American capitalism.
Louis Joseph Vance
Linda Lee, Incorporated: A Novel
"Linda Lee, Incorporated: A Novel" by Louis Joseph Vance is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The narrative centers around Lucinda Druce, a woman navigating the complexities of her marriage to Bellamy Druce while grappling with her feelings for Richard Daubeney, another man from her past. Through rich dialogue and interactions among a vibrant cast of characters, the book explores themes of love, infidelity, and the societal norms of the time. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to Lucinda and her friend Dobbin as they share a candid conversation about her marital situation. Lucinda's apparent steadfastness in her love for Bellamy collides with Dobbin's lingering affections for her, hinting at the complicated emotional dynamics at play. As they reminisce about their past, Bellamy's character is introduced indirectly, already showing signs of conflict through Lucinda's observations of his behavior. The beginning sets the stage for a deeper exploration of Lucinda’s inner turmoil, her social interactions, and the challenges of her contemporary life against the backdrop of 1920s society.
Harry Leon Wilson
Merton of the Movies
"Merton of the Movies" by Harry Leon Wilson is a comic novel published in 1922. Small-town dreamer Merton Gill abandons his simple life to pursue stardom in Hollywood's silent film industry. Armed with a correspondence course in acting, he arrives in the glamorous world of cinema only to find his idols less perfect than imagined. With help from stuntwoman Flips Montague, Merton finally gets his chance—but his earnest, dramatic performances produce hilariously unexpected results that transform his career in ways he never anticipated.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
The girl from Hollywood
"The Girl From Hollywood" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around characters from the American West, particularly focusing on Grace Evans and Custer Pennington as they navigate personal aspirations against the backdrop of ranch life and the allure of Hollywood. As Grace yearns for a life in acting, tensions arise about their future and the influences that threaten their idyllic existence. The opening of the novel introduces Grace and Custer as they ride through the picturesque California hills, showcasing their camaraderie and burgeoning romance. The narrative delves into their differing aspirations, with Grace feeling a strong pull toward the stage, while Custer is more grounded in his commitment to the family ranch. Tensions are palpable as conversations hint at past alcohol use and potential issues with other characters, such as the dubious Slick Allen. The distinct setting and the characters’ interactions set the stage for a deeper exploration of ambition, love, and the trials they face as Grace's dreams push against the life Custer desires to maintain.
Arthur Somers Roche
Find the Woman
"Find the Woman" by Arthur Somers Roche is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story introduces Clancy Deane, who leaves her mundane life in a small town in Maine to chase her dreams of fame in New York City. As she navigates the new and exciting world of Broadway, Clancy's adventures quickly turn dark when she finds herself entwined in a scandal involving murder and deceit. The opening of the novel details Clancy's arrival in New York, capturing her awe and determination as she steps into a world far removed from her previous life. She is filled with dreams of success upon receiving an unexpected inheritance, and her initial excitement leads her to the Napoli, a theatrical hotel. However, her encounters become increasingly complicated when she meets new friends, including the enigmatic Fay Marston, and soon finds herself at a dinner party that culminates in chaos when a murder occurs. As these dramatic events unfold, Clancy's naivety clashes with the harsh realities of the city, leading to a precarious situation where her future and innocence hang in the balance.
George O. (George Oliver) Smith
Problem in solid
"Problem in Solid" by George O. Smith is a science fiction story published in the late 1940s. The narrative revolves around advanced concepts of photography and duplication, exploring the implications of creating three-dimensional images and the complex moral consequences that ensue from such technology. The plot centers on Martin Hammer, a film producer, and Tim Woodart, an engineer who has invented a revolutionary way to create lifelike, three-dimensional images. The story takes a darker turn with the character Harry Foster, a motion picture star whose duplicity leads him to create a duplicate of himself, which ultimately results in murder. As the investigation unfolds, themes of identity, morality, and the nature of existence are examined, culminating in a courtroom drama where the distinctions between original and duplicate become entangled in a legal and ethical quagmire. The story highlights the consequences of technological advancement and raises questions about life, reality, and the law in a unique narrative style.
Arnold Marmor
The Scandalized Martians
"The Scandalized Martians" by Arnold Marmor is a satirical science fiction novella written in the mid-20th century. The narrative follows the misadventures of an ambitious filmmaker, David Fry, who dreams of creating a groundbreaking and realistic film that includes Martians. Through its comedic lens, the book explores themes of creativity, censorship, and the absurdities of Hollywood. The story centers around the eccentric director David Fry, who is determined to produce an epic film depicting life on Mars with actual Martians. Initially met with skepticism, Fry eventually convinces his friend and screenwriter Ronnie to collaborate on this unconventional project. Fry's ambition leads him to encounter a group of Martians, whose bizarre requests and societal norms clash with his vision for the film. The humor escalates as Fry's stubbornness drives the Martians away, ultimately leading to their departure back to Mars. The novella cleverly critiques the film industry and highlights the chaotic interactions between artistic vision and external restrictions.
Edgar Rice Burroughs
Hollywoodin tyttö
"Hollywoodin tyttö" by Edgar Rice Burroughs is a contemporary fiction novel published in 1922-1923. The story follows two parallel worlds: the wholesome Pennington family on their California ranch and a struggling Hollywood actress trapped in a web of drugs and exploitation. When Shannon Burke seeks refuge at the ranch, she finds hope for redemption. But danger follows her, entangling the family in bootlegging, murder, and Hollywood's darkest secrets, leading to a devastating trial that threatens an innocent man's life.
W. C. (Wilbur C.) Tuttle
Creepin' Tintypes
"Creepin' Tintypes" by W. C. Tuttle is a humorous adventure novel written in the early 20th century. Set in the wild landscape of the American West, the narrative follows the exploits of two hapless characters, Ike Harper and Dirty Shirt Jones, who become embroiled in a scheme involving a bank robbery that goes hilariously awry. The book captures the essence of Western life, infusing it with comedic elements and dialogue that reflect the unique vernacular of the time. In "Creepin' Tintypes," Ike and Dirty find themselves helping a bumbling sheriff capture a suspect named Tombstone Todd but soon become reluctant participants in a movie-maker's attempt to stage an authentic Western bank robbery. As they disguised themselves as scientists searching for a dinosaur, they inadvertently create chaos in the town of Piperock during its anniversary celebration. The pair's misadventures lead to a series of comedic mishaps, culminating in an accidental escape from the law rather than any real success. Ultimately, their journey highlights the absurdities of life in the frontier, filled with colorful characters and unforeseen consequences that keep readers entertained throughout.
H. C. (Harry Charles) Witwer
Kid Scanlan
"Kid Scanlan" by H. C. Witwer is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around the titular character, Kid Scanlan, a welterweight boxer whose journey from the ring to becoming a movie star unfolds with humorous and colorful anecdotes. Through a blend of wit and adventure, the novel captures the highs and lows of Scanlan's life as he navigates fame, fortune, and the challenges that come with them. The opening of "Kid Scanlan" introduces readers to the Kid as he reflects on his boxing career and his path to championship glory. It details the aftermath of his thrilling bout against One-Punch Ross, leading to a surprise transition into the film industry. Supported by his savvy manager, Johnny Green, Scanlan embarks on a new adventure in Hollywood, marked by a series of comedic misadventures involving film producers, eccentric directors, and a host of misunderstandings. As Scanlan prepares to play the lead in his own movie, the narrative sets the stage for a delightful exploration of showbiz alongside the chaos of Scanlan's boxing days.
Tom W. Harris
You'll Like It on Mars
"You'll Like It on Mars" by Tom W. Harris is a science fiction novel that likely emerged in the mid-20th century, a time rich with exploration and speculative ideas about space travel and extraterrestrial life. The book delves into the realm of filmmaking, blending elements of horror and adventure, through the lens of a struggling producer who becomes embroiled in a mysterious and gruesome filmmaking secret tied to the planet Mars. The story centers around Manny, a beleaguered producer caught in the competitive and cutthroat world of Hollywood. Tasked by his boss Myron Ferdinand to uncover the secret behind a sensational Mars movie, “Mars Hazard,” Manny discovers the shocking truth that the film's startling realism is actually rooted in the horrifying experiences of the cast on Mars. After enduring a brutal encounter with a Martian beast himself, he finds himself transported to Mars, where he learns that those who undergo treatment there for their injuries have the ability to regenerate their bodies but at a cost—their love for Earth gradually fades as they begin to prefer their new lives on the red planet. This revelation twists the narrative into a commentary on ambition, identity, and the cost of chasing fame.
Robert Zacks
Don't Shoot
"Don't Shoot" by Robert Zacks is a science fiction story that was originally published in the mid-20th century, specifically in 1955. This narrative combines elements of humor and satire, particularly exploring the movie industry and its absurdities. The central theme revolves around an innovative invention that has unintended consequences, linking the fantastical notion of the Abominable Snowman to the world of Hollywood. The story follows an unnamed young physicist who, after developing a revolutionary optical invention, finds himself entangled with Mr. Eammer, a ruthless and greedy movie mogul. Initially seeking a way to save his failing studio from the onslaught of television, Eammer enlists the scientist to help him capitalize on a sensationalized version of the Abominable Snowman. However, a malfunction in the physicist's experiment turns Eammer into a tiny and vulnerable version of himself, prompting a mix of comedic and precarious situations. Ultimately, the narrative culminates in a departure from Eammer, as the scientist attempts to prevent his dangerous invention from falling into the wrong hands while ensuring the safety of Mary, his love interest, and the plot’s moral integrity.
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