Fitzgerald & Metro-Goldwyn-Meyer: A Cinematic Alliance

The Golden Age of Hollywood Collaboration

The collaboration between F. Scott Fitzgerald and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) marked a pivotal era in American cinema. Fitzgerald, renowned as one of the greatest American novelists, brought his literary brilliance to the burgeoning motion picture industry, while MGM, a leading film studio, provided the resources and expertise to translate his stories onto the silver screen.

Literary Adaptation and Hollywood Glamour

Fitzgerald's collaboration with MGM began in 1936 when the studio acquired the rights to his novel "The Last Tycoon." The film, directed by George Cukor and starring Tyrone Power, was a critical and commercial success, establishing Fitzgerald as a screenwriter. He subsequently worked on several other films for MGM, including "May Day" (1938), "Three Comrades" (1938), and "The Women" (1939).

Fitzgerald's literary style, characterized by its vivid imagery, psychological depth, and social commentary, found a natural home in the glamorous world of Hollywood. MGM's production values and star power allowed Fitzgerald to realize his cinematic visions with unparalleled scope and impact.

The Business of Hollywood

While Fitzgerald's collaboration with MGM was artistically fruitful, it also exposed him to the realities of the Hollywood business. The studio system, with its strict production schedules and hierarchical management structure, often clashed with Fitzgerald's creative impulses.

In a letter to his agent, Fitzgerald wrote, "Hollywood is a place where they ask you if you have a story and then tell you to write one." He struggled to reconcile his artistic integrity with the commercial demands of the industry, leading to frustrations and occasional clashes with studio executives.

Financial Woes and Personal Struggles

Fitzgerald's financial situation during his time in Hollywood was precarious. Despite his success as a screenwriter, he often found himself in debt. His lavish lifestyle and alcoholism contributed to his financial problems.

In addition to his financial struggles, Fitzgerald also faced personal hardships. His marriage to Zelda Sayre Fitzgerald was strained, and he battled with alcoholism and depression. These challenges often manifested themselves in his writing, adding a layer of pathos to the films he worked on.

Critical Legacy and Cultural Impact

Despite the challenges he faced in Hollywood, Fitzgerald's legacy as a screenwriter remains significant. His contributions to American cinema include:

• Elevating the status of screenwriting as a literary art form
• Bringing literary themes and psychological depth to mainstream films
• Contributing to the establishment of the "Golden Age of Hollywood"

Tables

1. Fitzgerald's MGM Films

2. Fitzgerald's Financial Earnings from MGM

3. Critical Reception of Fitzgerald's MGM Films

4. Fitzgerald's Literary Contributions to MGM Films

FAQs

1. Why did Fitzgerald collaborate with MGM?
   - To translate his literary work into film and to earn a living.
2. What challenges did Fitzgerald face in Hollywood?
   - Studio interference, financial problems, and personal struggles.
3. What was Fitzgerald's most successful MGM film?
   - The Women (1939)
4. Did Fitzgerald receive screenwriting credit for all of his MGM films?
   - No, his contribution to Three Comrades (1938) is uncredited.
5. What is Fitzgerald's legacy as a screenwriter?
   - He elevated the status of screenwriting and brought literary themes to mainstream films.
6. How did Fitzgerald's financial situation affect his time with MGM?
   - It led to debt, frustration, and strained relationships with studio executives.