Book SummaryThe Kid Stays in the Picture, by Robert Evans

1-Page Summary1-Page Book Summary of The Kid Stays in the Picture

Robert Evans' rise to prominence and subsequent fall in the film industry.

The narrative segment delves into how Robert Evans shifted from his early acting ambitions to become a distinguished producer in the film industry. The memoir explores his unconventional path, his successes and challenges, and the unique viewpoint he brought to the successful period within the Paramount Pictures studio.

Early career and the shift toward production.

Evans' early pursuits clearly reflect his drive, his ability to adjust to different circumstances, and his readiness to challenge conventional assumptions. His first foray into acting yielded only moderate achievements, yet it granted him a fundamental understanding of the complexities of the show business sector. He ultimately leveraged his experience in the clothing business to successfully embark on a venture into the movie-making industry, demonstrating his exceptional commercial savvy.

Robert Evans made a seamless shift from his achievements in the fashion realm to the realm of film production.

Evans found unexpected success in the fashion industry when his acting career took a hiatus while he was nineteen years old. He joined forces with his brother Charles to create Evan-Picone, a firm that revolutionized women's attire by promoting the concept of "Ladies in Trousers." He instinctively recognized the untapped market potential and, leveraging his acting skills, promoted the new fashion trend through innovative television segments and a tireless work ethic. Before he turned 25, he had become a millionaire, acquiring essential business acumen and the financial independence necessary to pursue his dream of producing movies. His expertise in marketing and a keen understanding of captivating audiences significantly enhanced his subsequent endeavors in the film industry.

Context

• In 1962, Evan-Picone was sold to Revlon, a major cosmetics company, which helped expand its reach and influence in the fashion industry.
• The economic boom of the 1950s in the United States provided a fertile environment for new businesses to thrive, allowing entrepreneurs like Evans to capitalize on emerging markets and consumer trends.
• Acting skills such as charisma, presence, and the ability to engage an audience would have been crucial in making the television segments appealing and persuasive, helping to convey the fashion brand's message more effectively.
• Moving from fashion to film is not a common career path, but skills such as marketing, trend analysis, and audience engagement are valuable in both industries.
• Producers often need to build a personal brand or the brand of their production company, which involves strategic marketing to establish credibility and attract high-profile projects.

Early producing efforts and the impact of critical and commercial failures

Despite his success in fashion, Evans's passion for film never waned. He secured a contract to produce films with Twentieth Century-Fox after convincing Norma Shearer, Irving Thalberg's widow, of his exceptional ability to craft narratives. Robert Evans initiated his journey in theatrical production with the stage work titled "The Umbrella," which starred Geraldine Page, Franchot Tone, and Tony Franciosa, but its debut was unsuccessful, ending after just one showing. This experience underlined the volatile nature of the entertainment industry and the unpredictable relationship between critical acclaim and commercial success. Evans remained steadfast in his resolve to excel within the realm of movie production, regardless of the obstacles he encountered.

Context

• A film producer is responsible for overseeing the production of a film, including securing funding, hiring key staff, and managing the production schedule and budget.
• An American actor who gained fame in the 1930s and 1940s. He was known for his roles in both stage and film productions and was once married to actress Joan Crawford.
• Norma Shearer was a famous actress and the widow of Irving Thalberg, a legendary film producer known for his work at MGM. Her endorsement of Evans would have been significant, given her status and connections in Hollywood.
• Changes in societal values and cultural trends can influence what content is popular or acceptable, impacting the success of certain projects.
• Many successful producers and directors have faced early failures, using them as learning experiences to refine their skills and strategies in future projects.

During his time overseeing Paramount, Evans went through a period marked by remarkable success and influence.

Evans' tenure as a leader signified a noteworthy chapter in the history of the American film industry. Under his leadership, the movie studio rose from industry obscurity to its zenith, launching a series of movies that enthralled viewers and earned extensive praise, defining a generation. His intuitive approach to filmmaking and unwavering belief in the power of compelling stories fostered a creative environment that attracted top talent and gave rise to numerous highly praised cinematic works.

Evans faced challenges in implementing his unique approach to film production within the complex hierarchies of Hollywood's cinematic enterprises.

Evans adopted a filmmaking style that diverged significantly from traditional methods. He always placed the essence of the material first, convinced that its worth is inherent within the content itself. His method often resulted in clashes with the conventional studio system, which preferred established stars and proven, time-tested formulas. He also embraced unconventional methods, steered by his innate sense of drama and keen decision-making intuition. He often championed unconventional and bold film projects, showcasing his ability to discern movies that would have a cultural impact and be financially successful, such as the renowned "Rosemary's Baby" and additional...

The Kid Stays in the Picture Summary Evans' professional path was significantly influenced by his network of personal relationships.

The story explores the profound impact of his vast network of relationships on his career trajectory, highlighting the way his romantic entanglements were interwoven with his business choices, and considering how his male friendships concurrently shaped his professional journey.

Romantic involvements and their impact on the choices made by Evans.

Robert Evans' career trajectory and professional choices were often swayed by his romantic relationships, which were intricately woven into both his business and personal affairs. His tendency to blur the boundaries between his personal and professional worlds led to both moments of serendipity and periods of significant personal and professional turmoil.

In compliance with his mother's dying wish, he married Sharon Hugueny, a decision he would eventually regret, leading to their eventual parting.

Evans's first marriage to actress Sharon Hugueny was driven by a sense of familial obligation rather than romantic love. Motivated by his mother's aspirations for his achievements, he hastily made a marriage proposal to Hugueny, an actress with little experience, despite recognizing the substantial disparities in their characters...

The Kid Stays in the Picture Summary In his role as a high-ranking studio executive, Evans faced a multitude of challenges and disputes.

This section explores the challenges and conflicts that emerged while he was in charge of Paramount's production division, highlighting his clashes with the entrenched studio leadership and the scrutiny his personal life received within the complex power structure of Hollywood.

Evans' unorthodox approaches often led to conflicts with the established figures.

His rise to the helm of Paramount was met with great enthusiasm, as his unorthodox approach to creating movies and lack of previous studio background challenged the established conventions. The experienced executives were skeptical of his qualifications and scorned his unorthodox methods. Despite having made a name for himself in the fashion world, Evans was not intimidated by the seasoned professionals, maintaining his unique and individual viewpoint.

Prioritizing substantial foundational material rather than the typical emphasis on the charm of well-known individuals.

Evans firmly believed that the value of the screenplay was more important than the conventional dependence on star actors to ensure a film's success, a viewpoint that contrasted with standard industry practices. He frequently sought out...

The Kid Stays in the Picture Summary The autobiography details the author's own experiences and successes in the film industry, particularly focusing on his time in charge of a prominent movie production company.

The section in question highlights the distinctive and intuitive tactics utilized by the movie producer when crafting films, underscoring his inclination to deviate from conventional methods. He emphasizes the importance of a strong screenplay, the collaborative nature of film production, and the crucial role that the editing and completion stages play in shaping the ultimate success of a cinematic work.

An individual viewpoint on the artistry and expertise necessary to create movies.

Robert Evans' unique understanding of cinematic creation was rooted in his natural talent for crafting stories and his passion for engaging tales. He viewed each film as a living entity requiring meticulous nurturing, shaping, and relentless attention to the subtle details. He recognized that the triumph of a movie depended on the collective efforts of screenwriters, directors, actors, and the many dedicated people working behind the scenes.

Emphasizing the importance of a strong screenplay and finding material that resonated with audiences

Evans believed that a strong screenplay was the foundation of any successful film. He prioritized finding source material that captivated audiences...