PW Publishers Weekly

Review Source: Publishers Weekly

Review Date: 2011-03-28

Copyright: (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Harry Sirkus, the protagonist of Altman's atmospheric historical, is a boy orphaned at a young age and sent to live in a home for destitute children. Once Harry becomes a teenager and realizes the home can no longer support him, he strikes out to find his fortune. Along the way he meets young would-be mogul Louis B. Mayer and begins to learn the film business. He next works for William Fox, founder of Fox Film Corporation, and then-from the 1910s to the 1930s-proceeds to meet a host of influential performers and famous film industry figures, all the while casting a critical eye on issues like immigration, anti-Semitism, and opportunity in early 20th-century America. Through Harry, Altman frames a vibrant story about early Hollywood and a tumultuous time in American history. Harry, meanwhile, lovable if a little bland, mainly serves to bring readers closer to larger-than-life figures like Fox and Mayer. Readers with an even passing interest in the history of Hollywood will be enthralled. (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

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