Louis B. Mayer: A Discussion with New York Times Best-Selling Author Scott Eyman

Lana Turner, Greta Garbo and Joan Crawford were all discovered by Louis B. Mayer, legendary film tycoon who made an indelible mark on the motion picture industry. This pre-recorded video from our 2019 ArtSmart Lunch & Learn series reveals his incredible rise from working in the scrap metal business to becoming one of the most powerful people in Hollywood. Get the inside story from best-selling author Scott Eyman and former New York City Ballet member Steven Caras.

[@simonovessimon4242]

excellent documentary ,,gives one a feel that L. B. Mayer. cared about what type of movies were made at MGM..HE found out that the movies are responsible in what and who are portrayed and they represented himself and his values on the screen..a great underrated man that took risks and the mgm library is a fantastic legacy to mgm movies..well said by all in this documentary..

[@richardmcleod1930]

Lionel Barrymore was so devoted to Mr. Mayer, he would not involve himself in the new medium of television as he felt such actions would negatively affect Mr. Mayer. Whether he was right is debatable, but it does show his friendship and appreciation for Louis B. Mayer.

[@donaldprice9569]

These are the titans who made Hollywood what it was. They were involved in every aspect of their studios and that is why we will never see the greatness in actors and film that we witnessed during this period.

[@wilburbonzo]

There's a big contradiction in what the author says: he claims that Mayer was not a womanizer but later says he had a strong sex drive

[@l.b.2592]

LBM assaulted many females.

[@paul8192]

they didn't mention that Mayer was an employee of Marcus Loew, at the beginning at least; Loew was much richer than Mayer, owned many more theaters.

[@alexvaliansky7707]

Yes, but Marcus Loew died in 1927.

[@joannajazzyrimmer]

L. B. Mayer. A GENIUS.

[@melisagalvalizi6982]

And abuser

[@lynnturman8157]

I get that for dramatic purposes they had to make him antagonistic but in the movie "Mank", L.B. Mayer really came across as a villian & a buffoon of grotesque proportions. I wonder what Scott thought of how Mayer was portrayed in that movie.

[@Jimmy1982Playlists]

Well, not to mention the entire conceit of the film, that Orson Welles didn't have anything to do with writing the script for "Citizen Kane" and was a credit-stealer, was total garbage, based off the _awful_ work of Pauline Kael, mostly, which has been thoroughly debunked (and worse)... so I'm not surprised to hear you say that about the characterization of LB Mayer - I didn't recognize him, either, from what I've read of him. Fincher really disappointed me with his seeming vendetta against Welles, and lack of honesty or veracity! Other than that, the cinematography, the performances, the sets the costumes... all beautiful, as usual 😁 www.google.com/amp/s/www.denofgeek.com/movies/mank-ending-orson-welles-citizen-kane/%3famp

[@cchevy936]

Mayer WAS a buffoon and a monster.

[@cchevy936]

Mayer ruined Billy Haines's movie career bc Billy wouldn't renounce his male partner. Mayer also ruined John Gilbert's career. Mayer 'discovered' Garbo, Lana and Crawford and used them to make money; there was no benevolence on his part, only $$$

[@larschristensen9367]

Excellent book 👍

[@sulevisydanmaa9981]

ZANUCK was the only mogul that wsn t jewish. The NIZER memoir doesn t give a very pretty pic (pun int) on the person herein. Nor does the AVA memoir. Loew s Inc. was the backgnd cmpny calling the shots above Louie B s shoulder, from Wall St. The Schenck bros were the runners of it. Zukor was their pal, wayback, but on a diff stick-stock base. Nuff said.

[@jayceewriter7826]

Major casting couch in his office

[@paul8192]

also nothing about Hays' production code

[@johnfd0210]

"...basically..."

[@gigigiseleworld]

#royalty 👑 ..