Join the Acclaimed Film Critic for an Exploration of Hollywood’s Golden Age.
Kenneth Turan, renowned film critic and author, will discuss and sign his latest book, “Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg: The Whole Equation (Jewish Lives),” on Sunday, February 9, at 3 p.m. at DIESEL, A Bookstore in Brentwood.
The free event will take place in the bookstore’s courtyard, though seating is limited. To reserve a seat, attendees must purchase one copy of the book per reservation. You can make your reservation here.
Turan’s book delves into the extraordinary partnership of Louis B. Mayer and Irving Thalberg, two pivotal figures who helped shape the modern film industry. Mayer, a tough junkman’s son, and Thalberg, a sheltered mama’s boy, shared a vision that movies could both turn a profit and transform culture. As key players at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, their decade-long collaboration redefined Hollywood, with Mayer overseeing the business side of the studio and Thalberg focusing on creative efforts, particularly with writers.
Their relationship evolved over the years, from one of deep friendship to near enmity, culminating in Thalberg’s untimely death at the age of 37. Turan’s book, the first joint biography of the two men in five decades, explores their complex dynamic and examines Jewish identity in Hollywood’s history.
Turan, who served as the film critic for the Los Angeles Times for nearly 30 years and contributed to National Public Radio, is also the author of “Not to Be Missed: Fifty-Four Favorites from a Lifetime of Film” and other works.
