Los Angeles: Kenneth Turan’s upcoming book, “Louis B. Mayer & Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation,” reveals the influential partnership that shaped MGM during Hollywood’s Golden Age, exploring the complexities of their backgrounds and the studio’s lasting impact on cinema and modern celebrity culture.
At the height of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) during Hollywood’s Golden Age, the studio became a household name synonymous with glamour and exceptional filmmaking. To this day, audiences recall the signature MGM logo with fondness, as Kenneth Turan, a renowned film critic for NPR and the Los Angeles Times, recounted, “If they would go to a sneak preview, and the film would start and it would have the MGM logo, people would applaud.”
MGM, established in 1924 through the merger of Metro Pictures, Goldwyn Pictures, and the legal and production firm of Louis B. Mayer, was managed under the visionary leadership of Mayer himself and Irving Thalberg, head of production. Their partnership was a driving force behind the studio’s significant commercial and critical success during the 1920s and 1930s, paving the way for a legacy that features iconic stars like Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, and Jean Harlow.
In Kenneth Turan’s upcoming book, “Louis B. Mayer & Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation,” the intricacies of this influential collaboration are explored in depth. The publication, which is set to hit the shelves on February 4, 2025, sheds light on the personalities behind MGM’s greatest hits, articulating how their unique backgrounds informed their contributions to the film industry. Notably, Mayer, an Eastern European immigrant, and Thalberg, who was born in the United States to German-Jewish parents, experienced their Jewish heritage in markedly different ways. Turan elaborated on this, stating, “Mayer was an Eastern European immigrant… Thalberg was born in this country… there was a real hostility between the two groups.”
The robust combination of Mayer’s business acumen and Thalberg’s creative foresight created a studio synonymous with high-quality entertainment. MGM was home to memorable films such as the silent version of “Ben-Hur,” the landmark best picture winner “The Broadway Melody,” and “A Night at the Opera,” brilliantly showcasing the Marx Brothers. “Sometimes today critics prefer output from other studios that were edgier,” Turan acknowledged, while highlighting MGM’s role in elevating the cinematic experience beyond merely ticket sales.
Throughout his research, Turan encountered challenges due to the pandemic, which limited access to libraries and archival collections. He found unexpected assistance through eBay, sourcing memorabilia and fan magazines from cinema enthusiasts. Describing the experience, he mentioned, “It helped really immerse me in the period. It really made me feel like I was back in the ’20s and ’30s.” This hands-on approach allowed a fresh perspective on the bygone era and its profound impact on modern pop culture, including a resurgence of vintage fashion in the wardrobes of contemporary celebrities who increasingly draw inspiration from the glitz and glamour of earlier decades.
Turan’s book goes beyond the narrative of MGM’s rise; it delves into the dynamics of the studio’s operations under Mayer and Thalberg’s direction. Their ability to synergistically bridge the gap between producers, directors, and writers became a hallmark of their success. Turan points out that Thalberg was renowned for his skill in working with writers, stating, “Writers liked Thalberg’s notes… This was just something no one could believe.”
The author will be engaging with the public during a book event at Diesel, A Bookstore in Santa Monica on February 19. Attendees can purchase a signed copy of “Louis B. Mayer & Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation” alongside reserved seating for a price of $30. As Turan’s work revives historical discussions surrounding the MGM legacy, it encourages modern audiences to contemplate the significant influences of vintage aesthetics and styles that continue to reverberate in today’s celebrity culture.
Source: Noah Wire Services
