Book Summary20th Century-Fox, by Scott Eyman

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of 20th Century-Fox

William Fox's Rise and Fall and Fox Studio's History

This section of the book delves into the life and career of William Fox, who established 20th Century-Fox. Eyman explores Fox's extraordinary journey from a poverty-stricken immigrant to a film industry titan, and the subsequent downfall of his empire.

William Fox's Early Life and Initial Entrepreneurial Ventures

Fox, Born Wilhelm Fuchs in Hungary, Immigrated To the U.S., Growing Up In Poverty on NYC's Lower East Side

The author introduces William Fox as a quintessential example of the grit and ambition of immigrants. Born in Hungary in 1879 as Wilhelm Fuchs, he immigrated to the United States with his family as an infant. Raised in a large impoverished family on New York City's Lower East Side, Fox experienced hardship from an early age. This difficult upbringing instilled in him a fierce determination to achieve financial success and escape the poverty that defined his youth.

Practical Tips

• Reflect on the significance of names and consider how they influence identity. Write down your thoughts on what your name means to you, how it connects to your family history, and whether it aligns with your sense of self. This can be a personal journal entry or a creative piece like a poem or short story.
• Create a "Determination Jar" where you deposit a small amount of money each time you exhibit determination in your financial goals, like when you choose to cook at home instead of eating out. This tangible representation of your determination can serve as both a reward system and a visual reminder of your progress.

Fox Worked Odd Jobs Early, Focusing on Wealth and Control

Driven by his desire for wealth and power, Fox worked numerous odd jobs in his teen years. He was forced to drop out of school at age eleven to contribute to his family's income. He held jobs selling candy and stove polish and even hired other kids to be his employees, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. Fox consistently saved every penny he could, believing that wealth was essential for achieving his ultimate goal of independence. This unwavering emphasis on accumulating wealth would characterize his entire career, shaping both his business decisions and his personal relationships.

Practical Tips

• Volunteer with organizations that support educational access. By giving your time to groups that focus on literacy and learning, you can help others who may be in a situation similar to the one described. This could involve tutoring, donating books, or helping with after-school programs.

Other Perspectives

• Entrepreneurship typically involves innovation and risk-taking, which is not clearly evidenced solely by the act of hiring peers.
• The belief that wealth is crucial for independence might not hold true for everyone, as some individuals may prioritize other values such as community, creativity, or altruism over financial wealth.
• The influence of wealth on business decisions could lead to innovation, job creation, and economic growth, which might benefit society as a whole.

Fox's Initial Nickelodeon and Theater Expansion in 1904

After years of hustling and saving, Fox made his first foray into the entertainment business by putting money into a nickelodeon in Brooklyn in 1904. He swiftly realized the importance of showmanship and promotion, drawing crowds with ballyhoo and live acts. Recognizing the immense potential of the burgeoning film industry, Fox methodically expanded his empire, acquiring theaters throughout Brooklyn and eventually building larger venues as his profits grew. Eyman emphasizes that from the outset, Fox demonstrated shrewd business acumen and understood the importance of appealing to a broad audience, tailoring his programming to cater to the tastes of the predominantly immigrant population that frequented his theaters.

Context

• The film industry was in its infancy, with short, silent films being the norm. This period saw the transition from peep show machines to projected films in theaters.
• The era saw a trend towards grand, opulent theater designs, often referred to as "movie palaces," which were intended to provide an immersive and luxurious experience, further encouraging the construction of larger venues. -...

20th Century-Fox Summary Zanuck's Background, Ascent, and Leadership in the Company

This section introduces Darryl F. Zanuck, who would become closely identified with 20th Century-Fox during its peak of success. Eyman details Zanuck's rise to power in Hollywood, highlighting his unique skills and his ruthless ambition.

Zanuck's Early Life and Beginnings in Hollywood

Zanuck's Journey From Wahoo, Nebraska to Hollywood Writer

Darryl F. Zanuck's origins stand in stark contrast to those of the Eastern European Jewish immigrants who dominated the early film business. Zanuck, a native of Wahoo, Nebraska, entered the world in 1902 and came from a decidedly less urban and less commercially driven background. His childhood was characterized by an unsettled home life and an early yearning for escape. He left home at the age of fourteen, misrepresenting his age to join the military and serve in the First World War, experiences that would deeply shape his personality and his filmmaking sensibility. After the war, Darryl Zanuck pursued his dream of becoming a writer, churning out stories and scripts for pulp magazines and eventually breaking into Hollywood as a prolific screenwriter for Warner Bros.

Practical Tips

• Explore your own hometown's history to...

20th Century-Fox Summary Darryl F. Zanuck's Golden Era: Iconic Films, Celebrities, and Tech Adaptation

This section explores the creative peak of Darryl F. Zanuck's career at 20th Century-Fox, a period marked by the production of iconic films, the development of major stars, and the company's pioneering embrace of new filmmaking technologies.

Zanuck's Success at the 20th Century-Fox Studio

Zanuck Guided Successful Films: The Grapes of Wrath, how Green Was My Valley, Gentleman's Agreement

Eyman calls the years from 1940 to 1950 "a protean decade" in Zanuck's career. Under his leadership, Fox produced a remarkable array of commercially successful and critically acclaimed films, many of which garnered Academy Awards and became enduring classics. Among these were The Grapes of Wrath, a powerful adaptation of John Steinbeck's Depression-era novel helmed by John Ford with unflinching realism; How Green Was My Valley, a nostalgic and emotionally resonant story of a Welsh mining family, also helmed by Ford; and Gentleman's Agreement, a groundbreaking film that directly addressed anti-Semitism, helmed by Elia Kazan. These films not only demonstrated Zanuck's willingness to tackle difficult social issues, but also his instinctive understanding of the evolving tastes of the...

20th Century-Fox Summary Studio's Challenges, Decline, and Resurgence After Zanuck's Departure

This final section focuses on the period after Darryl F. Zanuck left 20th Century-Fox, detailing the challenges the studio faced, its decline, and its eventual resurgence under new leadership.

Zanuck's Departure and the Studio's Struggles

Board Forces Zanuck Out, Leading to Management and Innovation Deterioration

In 1956 Darryl Zanuck left 20th Century-Fox to work as a producer independently, a decision fueled by his frustration with the changing dynamics of the movie industry and his desire to escape the demands of studio life. He remained chairman of the board and continued to exert influence, but the studio he built began a slow decline in his absence. Eyman portrays Zanuck's departure as a turning point for the company, marking the start of an era of managerial and creative uncertainty. His successors, without his forceful personality and his clear vision, struggled to adapt to the shifting tastes and financial pressures of the 1960s and 1970s.

Context

• Even after leaving his executive role, Zanuck's continued presence as chairman of the board suggests he still had significant influence, although it was not enough to prevent the studio's decline. -...