A Multisided History of the Growth of Warner Brothers

Pufferies of mainstream corporations are typically not the sort of book that interests me, as I tend to assume that most of what is published about these founders is a fiction that marketers released to puff the standing of the brand. Despite these reservations, it is useful for academia to study the origins of the monopolies that dominate our modern world, as these examinations are necessary for our culture to be aware of what it is buying into.
This specific book is well-executed in its delivery of researched facts, instead of theoretical or imagined narratives. The “Prologue” opens with a meeting of the Anti-Nazi League that led to the Warner Bros.’ production of the first film about the Nazis. Then, the dynamics between and characteristics of the three Warner brothers are summarized. It is also honest in presenting both positive and negative aspects of Warner’s founding, such as that this company switched to making “anticommunist films” after it was blacklisted in 1947 for making “communist” films (2). This type of wavering or working for both sides of “issues” is a common tactic of most corporations that put profits ahead of ideology; it is refreshing that this reality is presented, instead of focusing on one extreme or another in a cherry-picked study. It is also good that this book acknowledges that the three Warner brothers were not the only creators who build this company, but that “others… helped the Warners along the way.” The standard narrative of the exceptionalism of a few corporate CEOs above all others has led to the current extreme pay-disparity between the top and the workers, when most of the actual labor that gets a company extreme success might be performed by the common workers who are entirely uncredited in typical books of this type.
The first chapter “Manifest Destiny: Origins to 1923” notes that the Warner surname is an invented name that was changed from “either Wonsal or Wonkskolaser”. Such uncertainties in the naming of Jews due to their persecution is an important reality in any history that addresses the Jewish heritage. There is more certainty that “Hirsch became Harry and Abraham became Albert”. It is also good that the brothers’ early jobs are listed, such as “Sam’s summer job working at Idora Park with Hales Tours and Scenes of the World amusement company”. This simple beginning makes them more sympathetic and truly self-made, which makes this into a socially beneficial story, unlike biographies of rich people who simply preserved their family-wealth.
This is a well-written book that presents plenty of quotes from various knowledgeable parties, biographies of businessmen, and a history of the development of an entertainment company. Those who are interested in starting an entertainment company of their own, or those researching early Hollywood should find much to appreciate in this book.

"The Warner Brothers" by Chris Yogerst is a captivating journey through the dynamic history of one of Hollywood's most iconic studios. Yogerst's writing effortlessly weaves together the personal stories of the Warner siblings, their passion for filmmaking, and the impact of Warner Bros. on the entertainment industry.

What makes this book stand out is Yogerst's ability to blend insightful research with a storytelling flair that keeps you hooked from start to finish. From the early days of silent films to the groundbreaking innovations in sound and color, the Warner brothers' influence on cinema is vividly brought to life. Yogerst also delves into the studio's role during crucial moments in history, making it more than just a Hollywood tale.

Whether you're a film buff or simply curious about the people behind the iconic WB shield, "The Warner Brothers" is a must-read. Yogerst's enthusiasm for his subject matter is contagious, making this book an engaging and informative ride through the golden age of Hollywood. It's a love letter to the magic of moviemaking and the pioneers who shaped it.

This book is a must read for movie lovers and Hollywood history. It is a story of immigration, innovation and entrepreneurship. It is a Shakespearean family drama of four brothers who enter the movie business and end up building one of the seminal studios in Hollywood. This book covers the business trajectory with its triumphs and failures as well as the good times and bad for the family. There is incredible detail about early fights with Edison over rights (Edison had a monopoly and shut out a lot of movie producers and distributors in the early days). We learn about the anti-Semitism present as the brothers and other Jewish studio heads became successful. One of the brothers, Sam, was instrumental in bringing sound to movies but tragically died of an infection before he could see the success with The Jazz Singer. Warner Brothers studio was also known to make statement films such as The Black Legion with Humphrey Bogart, which focused on a disgruntled factory worker who falls prey to hate rhetoric -- a film I need to see because it is interestingly reflective of our current times. Warner Brothers was the first studio to pull their films out of Germany as Hitler was rising and they made a film called "Confessions of a Nazi Spy." When the brothers were called to testify to defend themselves during the McCarthy Hearings, Harry Warner stated that the only thing they are guilty of is accurately recording on the screen that world as it is or as it has been. Meanwhile, Jack Warner mentions his "Pest Removal Fund" in his typical grandstanding way. Under Jack Warner, there were missteps like "Mission to Moscow" because it ignored Stalin's purge trials. Also, his conflict with unions and stars resulted in Olivia de Havilland successfully winning a law suit which only allows a 7 year contract maximum. Jack Warner as a true Shakespeare villain, stages a power coup in 1956 against his brothers and alienates his son. The book has lots of great photographs, many from the author's own collection. This is a comprehensive and very well written book about the Warner Brothers and their studio.

Thank you to Netgalley and University Press of Kentucky for an ARC and I left this review voluntarily.