Lost Artwork of Hollywood: Classic Images from Cinema's Golden Age

by Fred E. Basten

Hollywood's Golden Age of the thirties and forties recalls the glamour of Garbo and Gable, the panache of Hepburn and Tracy, the romance of Bogart and Bacall, the verve of Garland and Rooney. These were the days of big stars and big productions, fueled by hungry audiences and a film industry bursting at the seams with great ideas and gusto.
The Lost Artwork of Hollywood presents a surprisingly unique selection of long-buried, inspired illustrations from the Golden Age, many of them by unknown artists, as well as others by the legends we know and love. Because the work featured in these pages was used exclusively for promotion within the film industry, movie fans missed seeing their favorites depicted by such masters as William Galbraith Crawford, Albert Hirschfeld, Ted Ireland, Norman Rockwell, Barbara Shermund, Alberto Vargas, Marcel Vertes, and many more. These were the real image makers, many whom toiled behind the scenes to create the stunning, playful, elegant, humorous, and sometimes shocking images that defined the era.
Each piece is accompanied by an informative caption that lists the movie, its year of release, the studio that produced it, and noteworthy background information. The book additionally turns the spotlight on the artists themselves by providing capsule summaries of their careers. A thorough index helps movie buffs easily locate much loved films and stars, as well as the people, trends, and events that influenced the industry.

Genres: Film, Nonfiction, Art

192 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 1996

About the author

FRED E. BASTEN is the author of over thirty-five books including, “Glorious Technicolor: The Movies’ Magic Rainbow,” “Max Factor’s Hollywood,” and “Steve McQueen: the Final Chapter” (with Grady Ragsdale). He currently lives in Santa Monica, CA

Reviews

[Andrew]

Basten's book on film posters and associated artwork falls somewhere between the two stools of being a serious historical text and a coffee table style publication with copious illustrations. This is not a bad thing per se, however it means that it will leave some readers unsatisfied. For those who want a serious and detailed study of the artists, their work and how it all formed an integral component in the cinema culture machine of Hollywood in the first half of the 20th Century, well they may be disappointed. On the other hand the selection of art included in this book is not going to provide sufficient material for a reader wanting to learn more about the graphic techniques of the artists, nor offer a large portfolio of pleasing examples of the genre.

If this sounds like 'The Lost Artwork of Hollywood' is at best a mediocre and unsatisfying text then that is not the aim of this reviewer. It needs to be said because the criticism that might be made of this book will most certainly be developed from these two perspectives. Instead it is far more reasonable to look to Basten's work as a "taster" or introduction to what is a large and complex cultural environment. Film posters and advertising materials produced by the relevant artists and at the relevant time cannot be brought together in one simple volumeand thus provide a definitive history and critique of the art work. No, Basten understands this and has made the best of his brief. The reader may, if aroused or encouraged to look into the illustrators and their work find alternatve and more comprehensive resources.

It must also be said that for the most part Basten's selections are excellent and he provides much in the way of useful information and/or criticism. The author is at times not too strong on the merit of the artworks, and he might have added some comments vis-a-vis prestigious artwork as inspiration for these posters. However he also gives succinct and appropriate details on each poster, whilst also developing a concise appraisal of the creators, including their technical skills.

In the positive column 'The Lost Artwork of Hollywood' includes some fantastic images and as one peruses the illustrations it's easy to see how they are a unique form of commercial art that cannot be seen in today's industry. Some of the pictures of the posters included in this book are not just advertisements, they are highly creative examples of the effective combination of form, technique and emotion. Whether it be sex, glamour, hope, mystery or a dozen other experiences, emotions, ideas, the best of the selected posters do more than just selling the film they were created for.

Basten does include a survey of many major artists and illustrators from Hollywood during its so-called 'Golden Years', and I understand why he and/or his editors and publishers took a chronological approach. It might have been more fruitful for specific illustrators to have a series of their works presented collectively. That way the artists' careers and stylistic features coud have been made more comprehensible.

In conclusion 'The Lost Artwork of Hollywood' is an extremely well put together introduction to its subject. It can be read both for pleasure and for more serious contemplation of the subject. Basten's book is a very useful and enjoyable hors d'oeuvre to a more detailed and broader study of its suject.

[Katherine]

Buzzwordathon - November
NFN - STYLE/COLLECTION

[D.M.]

This was a great idea for a book, and showcases some wonderful forgotten (and not so) art from movie trades. Unfortunately, the scope could've been broadened (it only really covers 20s-40s, with a cursory -- artless -- glance at the decades following) and making the text smaller would've allowed for more ginchy art.
Still, this is a good reference to pick up cheap or get for a gift, but full retail for it would feel like a ripoff. An improved edition is really a must.

[Barbara]

It's good. It has good pictures, though it is a heavy book to read/look at in bed. Was a Christmas present from my father.