The growth of the film industry no doubt also opened the door to many new job opportunities. In the case of B.S. Moss, Moss followed his calling to build a large and prestigious theater chain in New York. To this day, Moss Management continues to keep his theater chain alive, surviving the transition from vaudeville entertainment to enjoying films in exquisite Art Deco palaces, and on to today’s multiplexes.

Magic in the Dark: Our Family’s Century of Adventures in the Movie Business by Charles B. Moss, Jr., and Johnathan Kay details the life of Moss as well as the history of his family’s business achievements. Drawing from their family archives in their Times Square headquarters, Moss and Kay document the fascinating ups and downs of Moss’s theaters and the challenges Moss faced.

Overall, Magic in the Dark is an interesting book that showcases the many gambles and difficulties Moss faced while dealing with the realities of world wars, union battles, and real estate values. The challenges continued over the years with additional Moss family members, now working against the threats of radio, television, and streaming services. Most impressive to me is the inclusion of rare photographs from their archive, though not all are captioned to full detail. In particular, a rare photograph of cabaret singer Hildegarde Sell appears in the book, though she is not documented in the book as a film premiere attendee.

Magic in the Dark is recommended to those interested in the history of the film industry, classic film, and theatrical management.

Magic in the Dark: Our Family’s Century of Adventures in the Movie Business is available for purchase via Sutherland House.