Classic Hollywood would certainly not have been the same if it were not for the many beloved musicals that were produced during the filmmaking industry’s golden years. From films like The Jazz Singer (1927) to 42nd Street (1933), Darryl F. Zanuck, in particular, revolutionized the movie musical.

Zanuck initially began his career in films by writing scripts during the Silent Era, later working his way to becoming an executive at Warner Bros. Once he left the studio, he would go on to form Twentieth Century Pictures, soon merging with Fox Film Corporation, resulting in Twentieth Century-Fox.

During his time at these three studios, Zanuck spent much time focusing on musical productions. The Golden Age of Musicals of Darryl F. Zanuck: The Gentleman Preferred Blondes by Bernard F. Dick is the first book devoted to the musicals that Zanuck produced. Dick details the importance of this film genre in Zanuck’s career as well as his preference for showcasing the blonde female stars who frequently headlined his musical output.

The Golden Age of Musicals of Darryl F. Zanuck: The Gentleman Preferred Blondes is a must-read for any fan of classic movie musicals.

The Golden Age of Musicals of Darryl F. Zanuck: The Gentleman Preferred Blondes is available for purchase via the University Press of Mississippi.