Focusing on the transition from the age of early short films to the era of commercially successful silent feature films, this study traces a cultural phenomenon that revolutionized American leisure time. Emphasis is placed on the growth of film publicity and the appeal of individual film stars.

In this study, the author examines the underlying structures that made the silent-movie era work, from the operations of eastern bankers to the problems of neighborhood theater musicians. He offers a new perspective on the development of a major industry and art form and provides a revealing new context for the creative contributions of the screen icons.