"Peter Decherney tells the story of Hollywood, from its nineteenth-century origins to the emergence of internet media empires. Using well-known movies, stars, and directors, the book shows that the elements we take to be a natural part of the Hollywood experience--stars, genre-driven storytelling, blockbuster franchises, etc.--are the product of cultural, political, and commercial forces"-- Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references (p. 131-134) and index.

Introduction : five theses on the history of Hollywood -- Before Hollywood -- The studio system -- Sound and the production code -- Hollywood at war -- The blacklist and Cold War -- The new Hollywood -- Home video and Indiewood -- Digital cinema and the internet.