In the 1940s, Louis B. Mayer was the highest paid man in America, one of the first celebrity CEOs and the figurehead of what for most Americans was the most glamorous industry on Earth. In 1951, Mayer was fired from the studio that bore his name. What happened -- to Mayer, and to movies on the whole -- to hasten the end of the golden era of Hollywood?
Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts.
Special thanks to Craig Mazin, who throughout this series played Louis B. Mayer. Mazin will return in a supporting role as Mayer next season, which begins in late January. Thanks also to all of our special guests this season, including Wil Wheaton, Dana Carvey, Steve Zissis, Kelly Marcel, Adam Goldberg, Rian Johnson and Noah Segan.
And extra super special thanks to Teddy Blanks, who created our new iTunes logo, and Henry Molofsky, who edited this episode and every episode this season.
We will be on hiatus for the next four weeks. Happy holidays, happy New Year, and we'll speak to you in late January!
Sources:
Lion of Hollywood: The Life and Legend of Louis B. Mayer by Scott Eyman
Picture by Lillian Ross
The Genius of the System by Thomas Schatz