A new article titled 'Harley Clarke went to Hollywood, part 2' provides a detailed account of the life of Harley Lyman Clarke and his takeover of the Fox Film Corporation in 1930 [8abe70bd]. Clarke, praised for his business acumen and success in rescuing the company, assumed the position as the head of Fox. However, his tenure was short-lived as the Great Depression took a toll on the film industry. Clarke faced allegations of mismanagement and financial shenanigans at Fox, which led to antitrust and fraud charges. As a result, he retired from the film industry and encountered legal battles and financial troubles [8abe70bd].
The article sheds light on Clarke's rise and fall in Hollywood, offering insights into the challenges faced by the film industry during the Great Depression. It provides a comprehensive narrative of Clarke's journey, from his initial success to the subsequent downfall. The article highlights the impact of economic circumstances on the film industry and the consequences faced by individuals like Clarke [8abe70bd].
The documentary 'Frank Capra: Mr America' explores the legacy of legendary Hollywood director Frank Capra and his films, including 'It Happened One Night', 'Mr Deeds Goes to Town', 'You Can’t Take it With You', 'Mr Smith Goes to Washington', and 'It’s a Wonderful Life' [2ee162f3]. The documentary provides context to Capra's work and acknowledges his apolitical streak and dissonance with later filmmaking styles. Capra's films, known for their folksy optimism, resilience, and community spirit, have inspired filmmakers in India, including Raj Kapoor and Rajkumar Hirani. Capra's ability to use comedy as a means of escape and aspiration during the Great Depression of the 1930s is highlighted. The documentary also explores Capra's tendency to hog credit for team efforts and his self-mythologisation as an immigrant who struck gold in the Land of Opportunity. Despite the documentary's focus on Capra's relationship with the 'American Dream', it offers insights into his genius for comedy and his enduring connection with audiences [2ee162f3].