Subject
Motion picture industry -- Juvenile fiction Books
Best books
Alice B. Emerson
Ruth Fielding in the Great Northwest; Or, The Indian Girl Star of the Movies
"Ruth Fielding in the Great Northwest; Or, The Indian Girl Star of the Movies" by Alice B. Emerson is a novel written in the early 20th century. This adventure focuses on the character Ruth Fielding, who embarks on a journey filled with excitement and challenges, including encounters with her friends and a fierce bull, as well as the budding friendship with an Indian girl named Wonota. The narrative hints at themes of friendship, bravery, and the pursuit of dreams in the backdrop of post-war America, capturing the spirit of that era. The opening of the story introduces Ruth Fielding and her friends on a car ride, where they reflect on their recent past during the war and the departure of their loved ones. The carefree nature of their trip is interrupted when a wild bull charges at them, but they are saved by Wonota, an Indian girl who impresses them with her marksmanship. As the plot progresses, Ruth becomes intrigued by Wonota's character, and the potential for collaboration develops as Ruth aspires to help Wonota become a star in the movie industry. This sets the stage for a deeper exploration of cultural dynamics and personal growth as Ruth takes on the challenge of bringing Wonota’s story to the silver screen.
Edith Lavell
Linda Carlton's Hollywood Flight
"Linda Carlton's Hollywood Flight" by Edith Lavell is an adventure novel written in the early 20th century. This installment in the Linda Carlton series features the titular character, a bold young aviatrix, as she navigates unexpected challenges following a case of mistaken identity related to her fame in aviation and a false contract with a film studio. The book explores themes of friendship, determination, and the quest for truth as Linda sets out to clear her name and confront the impostor attempting to take her place. The opening of the story introduces readers to Linda's world as she returns from a mysterious flying trip and is met by her friends and family. Excitement soon follows when news of an impostor claiming to be Linda Carlton appears in the media, and she learns that a false actress is set to star in a film as her. Determined to prove her identity, Linda plans her journey to Hollywood with her best friend Dot, ready to confront the challenges that await them. This gripping beginning sets the stage for a thrilling adventure filled with flying, friendship, and a quest for self-identity amidst the glamour and intrigue of Hollywood.
Alice B. Emerson
Ruth Fielding Down East; Or, The Hermit of Beach Plum Point
"Ruth Fielding Down East; Or, The Hermit of Beach Plum Point" by Alice B. Emerson is a novel written in the early 20th century. This work is part of the Ruth Fielding series, which follows the adventures of its title character, Ruth Fielding. The story likely centers around Ruth and her friends as they blend thrilling experiences with elements of mystery and adventure, particularly following a recent traumatic event in her life related to the war. The opening of "Ruth Fielding Down East" sets the stage with a dramatic windstorm that interrupts Ruth's writing in a summer-house near the Red Mill. As the storm approaches, Ruth is drawn into a reunion with her friends, Tom and Helen, after returning from Europe. This cheerful encounter is soon overshadowed by Ruth's distress over losing her precious moving picture scenario, wiped away by the wind and possibly stolen. As Tom searches for clues surrounding the mysterious disappearance of her work, the semblance of a normal summer day gives way to an adventure full of suspense and character dynamics, leading them into encounters with the unknown.
Roy J. (Roy Judson) Snell
Hour of Enchantment A Mystery Story for Girls
"Hour of Enchantment" by Roy J. Snell is a mystery novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows the protagonist, Florence Huyler, as she embarks on an adventurous quest involving a mysterious three-bladed knife and a long-eared Chinaman. Set against the backdrop of a grand carnival in Chicago, the intrigue unfolds with themes of friendship, exploration, and the pursuit of lost treasures. At the start of the tale, Florence is captivated by the excitement of the carnival atmosphere when she first encounters the enigmatic Chinaman and the jeweled knife. This chance sighting leads her to pursue him, setting off a chain of thrilling events. The narrative introduces her companion, Petite Jeanne, who adds depth to the adventure, highlighting the bond between the two friends as they delve deeper into the mysterious happenings surrounding them. The opening chapters establish a vibrant setting and tease a captivating plot filled with suspense and enchantment, ensuring readers are hooked on the unfolding mystery.
Alice B. Emerson
Ruth Fielding on the St. Lawrence; Or, The Queer Old Man of the Thousand Islands
"Ruth Fielding on the St. Lawrence; Or, The Queer Old Man of the Thousand..." by Alice B. Emerson is a novel written in the early 20th century. This installment follows the adventures of Ruth Fielding, a young woman who has already established herself as a capable screenwriter and moving picture actress. As she attends a wedding to support her friend Jennie Stone, Ruth finds herself caught in a series of unexpected events involving her friends and a mysterious old man, setting the stage for intrigue and adventure. The opening portion presents a vibrant wedding scene for Jennie Stone, highlighting Ruth's connections with her friends, including the envious Tom Cameron and the attentive Chess Copley. Amid the festivities, an accident occurs when a piece of plaster falls from the ceiling, nearly injuring Ruth. The chaos escalates when it becomes apparent that a rival producer, Mr. Horatio Bilby, is trying to encroach on the rights of Wonota, a promising actress of Osage descent who Ruth has a significant professional interest in. Ruth's determination to protect her friends and solve the emerging conflicts sets the tone for the story’s impending challenges.
Ruthe S. Wheeler
Janet Hardy in Hollywood
"Janet Hardy in Hollywood" by Ruthe S. Wheeler is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows Janet Hardy, a high school student with dreams of participating in the senior class play while balancing the challenges of young adulthood, friendships, and the impending return of her friend Helen's father, a famous film director. The narrative explores themes of ambition, friendship, and the quest for recognition against a backdrop of personal and social challenges. At the start of the book, we are introduced to Janet and her friend Helen as they prepare for tryouts for their school's dramatics production, showcasing their excitement and nervousness about competing against fellow classmates. The lively scenes highlight Janet's supportive nature as she encourages Helen, who has a deep desire to impress her father with her leading role in the play. As the story progresses, we see the pressures they face, the friendships that develop, and how their aspirations intertwine with family dynamics, particularly with Helen's father's cinematic influence looming over their lives. Overall, the opening sets a vibrant stage for the exploration of youth, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams.
L. Frank (Lyman Frank) Baum
Aunt Jane's Nieces out West
"Aunt Jane's Nieces Out West" by L. Frank Baum is a novel published in 1914. When Beth and Patsy accidentally become film extras in Hollywood, they're appalled by the crude state of cinema. But a visionary filmmaker convinces them that movies can educate and inspire. The cousins launch their own studio to create wholesome children's films, befriending starlet sisters and a mysterious man named A. Jones. When a jewel inspector accuses Jones of being an international thief, the family must prove his innocence before he's extradited.
Alice B. Emerson
Ruth Fielding at Golden Pass : $b or, the perils of an artificial avalanche
"Ruth Fielding at Golden Pass : or, the perils of an artificial avalanche" by Alice B. Emerson is a young adult adventure novel written in the early 20th century. The story follows motion-picture pioneer Ruth Fielding as she premieres her latest hit and then leads her company west to film a new drama amid the peaks and canyons of Montana’s Golden Pass. Professional rivalries, a temperamental leading lady, and the dangers of mountain filmmaking—including a staged avalanche—put Ruth, her chum Helen, and business partner Tom to the test. The opening of the novel finds Ruth back in Cheslow for the triumphant premiere of her film “Snowblind,” where a sudden explosion and smoke cause a theater panic until Tom rescues her. Reunited with old Briarwood friends and buoyed by praise from studio head Mr. Hammond, Ruth commits to a new Western picture at Golden Pass. She signs rugged star Layton Boardman (to Tom’s unease about rival mogul Sol Bloomberg) and hires glamorous, volatile Viola Callahan despite the cost. After a warm house party at the Red Mill, the company heads west, and in Chicago Ruth spots Viola in furtive talk with Bloomberg’s agent, stirring suspicion yet not halting the trip. They reach Montana, take quarters at Headwaters Ranch, and as Boardman’s horsemanship wins over the cowboys, Ruth readies to scout locations for the perilous mountain scenes ahead.
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