Moguls: The Lives and Times of Hollywood Film Pioneers Nicholas and Joseph Schenck - Softcover

Benson, Michael; Singer, Craig

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0806543094 ISBN 13: 9780806543093

Publisher: Citadel Pr, 2026

Synopsis

The sensational, lurid, and wickedly entertaining true story of the brothers who invented Hollywood to become the godfathers of cinema—movie moguls Nicholas and Joseph Schenck—studded with glamorous stars, scandals, mobsters, murders, and one legendary blonde bombshell . . .

They were the Godfathers of the Movies. Groundbreaking pioneers of the Hollywood Dream Factory, Joseph and Nicholas Schenck may not have been household names like the Warner brothers or Louis B. Mayer, but they were infinitely more powerful, influential—and ruthless. A pair of Russian immigrants with giant ambitions, the Schencks turned their small nickelodeon business in New York’s Bowery into a partnership with Loew’s movie theaters and a controlling interest in three major studios: MGM, Twentieth Century-Fox, and United Artists. They painted the silver screen silver, laid the foundations for the all-powerful studio system, and ruled a global movie empire from their Gatsby-sized mansions on the East and West Coasts. The Schencks had become moguls.

Their story is the stuff of legends—and their scandals are among the greatest stories Hollywood never told. This riveting, behind-the-scenes account reveals the surprising truth about:

* The union-busting Mob deal that landed Joe Schenck in federal prison for four months on tax evasion charges, including deductions for a ménage à trois.

* The cutthroat and merciless political maneuvering that defined the Hollywood studio heads.

* The lurid murder charges against silent film star “Fatty” Arbuckle—whose legal defense was paid for by Joe Schenck.

* Joe’s secret infatuation with Marilyn Monroe.

* The brothers’ ingenious creation of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Oscars—and indomitable control over the entire film industry.

From the earliest days of silent films and the swinging era of the Roaring Twenties, through the Golden Age of the studio system and the patriotic call of World War II, to the Red Scare paranoia of the McCarthy years, the history of the Schenck brothers is the story of Hollywood itself—and the enduring power of the American Dream. Moguls is a must-read for film fans, history buffs, and anyone who loves the movies.

About this title

About the Author

Michael Benson is the acclaimed author of nonfiction history and crime books, including Gangsters vs. Nazis, Hollywood vs. Nazis, Evil Season, and Betrayal in Blood, as well as Moguls, co-authored with Craig Singer. He is also one of America’s most accomplished and popular Mafia experts, having co-authored numerous books on the subject, including Carmine the Snake, Mafia Hit Man, Lord High Executioner, Red Hook, Carlo Gambino, and Olive Oil King with Frank DiMatteo and Mafia Secrets with Gianni Russo. He is a regular commentator, appearing on numerous radio and television shows such as 20/20, On the Case with Paula Zahn, and Deadly Sins on the ID: Investigation Discovery channel. A recipient of the Academy of American Poets Award, he can be found on Facebook at /AuthorMichaelBenson.

Craig Singer is an Emmy-nominated director. His most recent theatrical film, 6:45, has earned him multiple awards, including Best Feature, Paris Independent Film Festival; Best Feature, Hollywood on the Tiber Film Awards; Best Horror Feature, Hong Kong Indie Film Festival; and Best Director, Catalina Film Festival. He was nominated for an Emmy in the interactive fiction category in 2008 and his series have been honored many times by the Tellys and Webbys. He is the co-author, with Michael Benson, of Moguls.

Edition details

• Publisher: Citadel Pr
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0806543094
• ISBN 13: 9780806543093
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 288