Bernard F. Dick is a respected author whose writing focuses primarily on the entertainment industry, including film and television. He has written several books on the subject, exploring various aspects of the industry and the artists who shape it.
Bernard F. Dick Books in Order
- Anatomy of Film
- Hollywood Madonna: Loretta Young (Hollywood Legends Series)
- Forever Mame: The Life of Rosalind Russell (Hollywood Legends Series)
- Claudette Colbert: She Walked in Beauty (Hollywood Legends Series)
- Billy Wilder
- That Was Entertainment: The Golden Age of the MGM Musical
- The President’s Ladies: Jane Wyman and Nancy Davis
- Engulfed: The Death of Paramount Pictures and the Birth of Corporate Hollywood
- City of Dreams: The Making and Remaking of Universal Pictures
- The Merchant Prince of Poverty Row: Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures
Summary of Bernard F. Dick Books in Order
Anatomy of Film
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Hollywood Madonna: Loretta Young (Hollywood Legends Series)
“Hollywood Madonna: Loretta Young (Hollywood Legends Series)” by Bernard F. Dick is a comprehensive biography that delves into the life and career of one of Hollywood’s most iconic actresses. The book takes readers on a journey through Young’s upbringing in a strict Catholic household, her rise to stardom in the golden age of Hollywood, and her tumultuous personal life. Bernard F. Dick explores Young’s complex relationships with her family, co-stars, and the studios, providing insight into the challenges she faced as a woman in the male-dominated film industry.
The biography also examines Young’s notable roles in films and television, as well as her philanthropic work and religious beliefs. Dick paints a vivid portrait of Young, highlighting her talent, beauty, and resilience in the face of personal and professional adversity. The book offers a nuanced look at the real woman behind the Hollywood glamour, shedding light on her private struggles and triumphs. With meticulous research and engaging storytelling, “Hollywood Madonna” offers a compelling and revealing glimpse into the life of a legendary actress.
Overall, “Hollywood Madonna: Loretta Young (Hollywood Legends Series)” provides a comprehensive and insightful look into the life and career of Loretta Young. It offers a balanced portrayal of the actress, showcasing her accomplishments and complexities while also addressing her personal and professional challenges. Bernard F. Dick’s biography is a must-read for fans of classic Hollywood and anyone interested in the fascinating life of Loretta Young.
Forever Mame: The Life of Rosalind Russell (Hollywood Legends Series)
“Forever Mame: The Life of Rosalind Russell” by Bernard F. Dick is a biography of the legendary Hollywood actress. The book delves into Russell’s life and career, exploring her rise to stardom and the challenges she faced along the way. Dick provides a comprehensive look at Russell’s personal and professional life, offering insights into her work as an actress and her relationships with other Hollywood stars.
The biography examines Russell’s most memorable roles, including her iconic portrayal of Auntie Mame in the stage and film adaptations of the classic story. Dick also explores Russell’s off-screen persona, highlighting her wit, intelligence, and personal struggles. The book offers a balanced portrayal of the actress, shedding light on both her successes and failures.
“Forever Mame” is a well-researched and engaging biography that offers a thorough exploration of Russell’s life and legacy. Dick’s writing style is both informative and entertaining, making this book a must-read for fans of classic Hollywood cinema and the golden age of the silver screen.
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Claudette Colbert: She Walked in Beauty (Hollywood Legends Series)
“Claudette Colbert: She Walked in Beauty” by Bernard F. Dick is a comprehensive biography of the iconic Hollywood actress Claudette Colbert. The book delves into Colbert’s early life, her rise to stardom in Hollywood, and her enduring legacy in the entertainment industry. Bernard F. Dick provides a detailed account of Colbert’s personal and professional life, offering insight into her groundbreaking roles in classic films such as “It Happened One Night” and “Cleopatra.”
The author explores Colbert’s acting style, her relationships with co-stars and directors, and the challenges she faced as a woman in Hollywood during the Golden Age of cinema. Additionally, the book sheds light on Colbert’s off-screen persona, revealing her private struggles and triumphs. Bernard F. Dick’s thorough research and engaging writing style make “Claudette Colbert: She Walked in Beauty” an essential read for fans of classic Hollywood and anyone interested in the life of a pioneering actress.
In “Claudette Colbert: She Walked in Beauty,” Bernard F. Dick presents a compelling portrait of a trailblazing actress whose talent and charisma made her a beloved figure both on and off the screen. This biography offers a nuanced exploration of Colbert’s impact on the film industry and her enduring influence on future generations of actors. Through in-depth analysis and captivating storytelling, Dick celebrates Colbert’s remarkable career and contributions to the world of entertainment.
Billy Wilder
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That Was Entertainment: The Golden Age of the MGM Musical
“That Was Entertainment: The Golden Age of the MGM Musical” by Bernard F. Dick delves into the history and impact of the iconic musical films produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) during its golden age. The book explores the behind-the-scenes stories of the creation and production of classic musicals such as “Singin’ in the Rain,” “An American in Paris,” and “The Wizard of Oz.” Dick thoroughly examines the cultural significance of these films and their lasting influence on the entertainment industry.
The author provides in-depth analysis of the key players involved in the MGM musicals, including directors, composers, choreographers, and performers. He also discusses the ways in which these musicals reflected and shaped the values and attitudes of American society during the mid-20th century. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Dick sheds light on the creative processes, technical innovations, and business strategies that made the MGM musicals a dominant force in Hollywood.
“That Was Entertainment” offers a comprehensive look at the artistic, commercial, and social aspects of the MGM musicals, making it a valuable resource for film enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in the history of popular culture. Dick’s insightful exploration of the magic behind these beloved films makes this book a must-read for those seeking a deeper understanding of the golden age of Hollywood musicals.
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The President’s Ladies: Jane Wyman and Nancy Davis
“The President’s Ladies: Jane Wyman and Nancy Davis” by Bernard F. Dick explores the lives of two women who were involved with the same man, Ronald Reagan, who eventually became the 40th President of the United States. The book delves into the personal and professional lives of Jane Wyman and Nancy Davis, from their careers in Hollywood to their relationships with Reagan. Dick provides insight into their individual personalities, successes, and struggles, and how they navigated their roles as the wives of a future president.
Through extensive research and interviews, Dick paints a comprehensive picture of these two influential women, shedding light on their impact on Reagan’s life and political career. The book offers a unique perspective on the private lives of public figures and the ways in which Jane Wyman and Nancy Davis shaped Reagan’s journey to the White House. Dick’s detailed and engaging narrative provides readers with a deeper understanding of these remarkable women and the role they played in shaping the political landscape of America.
“The President’s Ladies” offers a fascinating commentary on the intersection of politics, Hollywood, and personal relationships. Dick’s compelling storytelling and meticulous research make this book an insightful and thought-provoking read for anyone interested in the lives of these influential women and the presidency of Ronald Reagan.
Engulfed: The Death of Paramount Pictures and the Birth of Corporate Hollywood
“Engulfed: The Death of Paramount Pictures and the Birth of Corporate Hollywood” by Bernard F. Dick is a comprehensive examination of the transformation of Paramount Pictures from an independent film studio into a corporate entity during the mid-20th century. Dick explores the complex relationships between the major players involved in this transition, including studio executives, financiers, and government officials. He also delves into the impact of this shift on the wider Hollywood industry, shedding light on how the studio’s evolution affected the production, distribution, and reception of films during this era.
The book offers a detailed analysis of the various factors that contributed to this transformation, including changes in government regulations, shifts in consumer behavior, and the rise of new media technologies. Dick also explores the broader cultural and economic implications of Paramount’s evolution, arguing that the studio’s corporate restructuring had far-reaching effects on the film industry as a whole. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Dick provides readers with a compelling account of how Paramount Pictures’s demise marked the beginning of a new era in Hollywood, characterized by corporate dominance and the commodification of film.
Readers of “Engulfed” will gain a deep understanding of the dramatic shifts that took place within the film industry during the mid-20th century, as well as insight into the complex dynamics that shaped Hollywood’s transition from independent filmmaking to corporate hegemony. Dick’s book offers a valuable contribution to the scholarship on film history, providing a nuanced analysis of the forces that transformed Paramount Pictures and set the stage for the rise of corporate Hollywood.
City of Dreams: The Making and Remaking of Universal Pictures
“City of Dreams: The Making and Remaking of Universal Pictures” by Bernard F. Dick is a comprehensive look at the history and evolution of Universal Pictures. Dick explores the studio’s founding in 1912 by Carl Laemmle and its rise to prominence in Hollywood. He delves into the studio’s successes and failures, as well as its impact on the film industry. The book also examines the various changes and challenges Universal Pictures has faced over the years, including shifts in leadership, changes in ownership, and the studio’s response to shifts in audience tastes and industry trends.
Throughout “City of Dreams,” Dick provides insight into the various filmmakers, actors, and executives who have played a role in shaping Universal Pictures’ legacy. He also analyzes the studio’s key films and how they have reflected or influenced cultural and societal shifts. The book offers a deep dive into the inner workings of Universal Pictures, including its production processes, marketing strategies, and distribution methods. Dick’s thorough research and engaging writing style make “City of Dreams” a valuable resource for anyone interested in the history of film and the Hollywood studio system.
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The Merchant Prince of Poverty Row: Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures
“The Merchant Prince of Poverty Row: Harry Cohn of Columbia Pictures” by Bernard F. Dick is a biography of Harry Cohn, the co-founder and president of Columbia Pictures. The book chronicles the rise of Cohn from a struggling immigrant to one of the most powerful and influential figures in the film industry. It offers a comprehensive look at Cohn’s management style, his relationships with actors and filmmakers, and the impact he had on the development of Columbia Pictures.
The biography delves into Cohn’s controversial and often confrontational approach to business, as well as his personal life and relationships. It explores the complex and often contradictory nature of Cohn’s character, shedding light on his successes and failures in the film industry. Through extensive research and interviews with Cohn’s peers and colleagues, the author provides a compelling portrait of a man who wielded immense power and influence in Hollywood.
Dick paints a vivid picture of the golden age of Hollywood and the workings of the studio system, offering valuable insight into the cultural and historical context in which Cohn operated. The book ultimately presents a nuanced and multifaceted view of Cohn, shedding light on his impact on the film industry and his enduring legacy as a key figure in Hollywood history.
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Biography Bernard F. Dick
Bernard F. Dick is a distinguished Professor of Communication and English and Co-Director of the School of Art and Media Studies at Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey. With a focus on film, he has authored several books, including The Star-Spangled Screen: The American World War II Film; Engulfed: The Death of Paramount Pictures and the Birth of Corporate Hollywood; Hal Wallis: Producer to the Stars; Forever Mame: Rosalind Russell; and She Walked in Beauty: Claudette Colbert. His latest work is a biography of Loretta Young, titled Hollywood Madonna.
Overall, Bernard F. Dick’s books provide a comprehensive exploration of various aspects of film, television, and literature, offering valuable insights into the works and lives of the creators behind them. His meticulous research and engaging writing style make his books enjoyable and informative reads for anyone interested in the history and art of visual storytelling. Through his work, Dick also underscores the importance of critical thinking and offers a nuanced perspective on the ideological underpinnings of media, encouraging readers to approach popular culture with a discerning eye and a deeper understanding of its social and political implications.
FAQs about author Bernard F. Dick
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