This episode covers the 1940s - from 1941 to 1950 but the story jumps around. Every time you think it's going in chronological order, it goes back to 1940 or 41, so it's not too cohesive.
Still, you get a big picture of the ups-and-downs of movie moguls and you get some nice tributes to the biggest actors and directors of the decade.
In order of the show, some of things we see and hear about, include: The Grapes Of Wrath, Darryl Zanuck, Orson Welles and his famous film 'Citizen Kane" and the battles over it with William Randolph Hearst; Charlie Chaplin's film ("The Great Dictator," which was the first to portray Hitler in a bad light; "Casablanca," and then some World War II movies and the efforts of celebrities to help out.
Also, we see and learn a few things about Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Louis B. Mayer, Cary Grant, Preston Sturges, Samuel Goldwyn and "The Best Years Of Our Lives," Humphrey Bogart, film noir, Joan Crawford, Lew Wasserman, "activists," unions, racketeers and then the teaser at the end about "anti-trusts." All-in-all another decent episode in the series, but nothing earth-shaking or super interesting except maybe about Grant's identity problem.
click here to see where to watch or .
Ready to Watch Moguls Movie Stars, Season 1, Episode 5?