Moral Clauses and Hollywood Back in the Day

[fureverywhere]

Just started the most interesting book about the making of "Gone with the Wind". It begins with the studios debating on taking it on at all. Bette Davis was originally considered for Scarlett. Bad career move...she walked out thinking it could never be a success. Someone considered seriously was Tallulah Bankhead. Southern roots but what a colorful personality.

The big studios had a huge image machine. Tallulah was over the top in that she would often end up at parties naked on the piano. The studio's would micro-manage to a point that even a couple seen speaking to each other might be suppressed, Out of wedlock children? Divorce? Substance abuse? Nope wouldn't even make the press.

It's sad...compare that to the celebrities of today that flaunt themselves in the all together. Every scandal, everything out in the open. Perhaps there is a halfway mark. But with social media we won't ever get there again. Lucy and Ricky in separate beds? I rest my case...

 

[Aunt Bea]

I think what we see today is also due to a change in the behavior of the media. Years ago the media respected personalities and politicians private lives, certain things were off limits. Today nothing seems to be off limits, even the truth seems unimportant. I find it very disturbing when the mainstream media reports on something with a disclaimer that they have not verified the information.

 

[Carla]

I've always wondered how those papers like the Enquirer and others get away with some of the stuff they print. I sometimes read the front page in the supermarket while waiting to check out. Some of it is ridiculous. Maybe that's the answer though--they will print whatever sells. What's even more disturbing is this fake news they've been talking about lately.

 

[BlondieBoomer]

I've always wondered how those papers like the Enquirer and others get away with some of the stuff they print. I sometimes read the front page in the supermarket while waiting to check out. Some of it is ridiculous. Maybe that's the answer though--they will print whatever sells. What's even more disturbing is this fake news they've been talking about lately.

The fake news is disturbing because there are people out there gullible enough to believe it. If they read it on the internet it must be true!