Demanded Star Power

     One of the major elements in the success of the studio system was the star system. Several major film studios discovered that certain actors and actress could attract an audience to a film no matter what the movie was about.



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     “[Stars] became such attractions that their names appeared above the title of the film on theater marquees” (Straubaar 192). Such significance of these stars was associated with the rise of the studio system.

Studios began focusing on producing films that fulfilled the popular demand of single actors and actresses instead of a particular genre. Stars became contracted products and a representation of the films being produced.

     A particular standout example is Judy Garland, famous for her appearance as Dorothy in The Wizard Of Oz. Judy was an over worked MGM contracted star. Many viewers flocked the theater no matter what the movie genre, to awe in Ms. Garland’s wondrous singing talents. This became one of her consistent character traits that carried from film to film (Much like most of the popular contracted stars developed). Judy evolved into a huge MGM commodity used to promote other MGM stars in film. A single star powerhouse, sold in the form of film to attract an audience.

Below is a video showcasing her talents as she sings "Over the Rainbow", in The Wizard Of Oz