Academy Film Scholar Richard Jewell Revisits RKO Deals, Dynamics During Hollywood's Golden Age

BEVERLY HILLS, CA – Academy film scholar Richard B. Jewell, professor of critical studies at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts, will present highlights from his book RKO Radio Pictures: A Titan Is Born on Tuesday, September 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences’ Linwood Dunn Theater in Hollywood. Jewell’s presentation will be followed by a screening of a production typical of the RKO system, "Bachelor Mother" (1939), starring Ginger Rogers and David Niven, and directed by Garson Kanin. Admission is free.

The complex corporate history of RKO Radio Pictures has often been overshadowed by its cinematic gems, including "King Kong," "Citizen Kane," its sparkling screwball comedies and the Astaire-Rogers musicals.

With his rigorous scholarship and unparalleled access to original studio materials, Jewell has documented the business side of the studio’s distinctive and often turbulent story, from its formation in 1929 through 1942. In addition to offering insights into the making of some of Hollywood’s most enduring classics, Jewell will provide case studies of film industry management during the volatile years of the Depression and the lead-up to World War II.

Established in 1999, the Academy Film Scholars program is designed to stimulate and support the creation of new and significant works of film scholarship about aesthetic, cultural, educational, historical, theoretical or scientific aspects of theatrical motion pictures. Film scholars receive $25,000 to research and produce such works, which can take the form of books, multimedia presentations, curatorial projects, DVDs or Internet sites.

For grant guidelines and information about the Academy Film Scholars program, visit http://www.oscars.org/education-outreach/grants/filmscholars/index.html.

Admission to the Academy Film Scholars presentation is free, but tickets are required. Tickets are available by mail, at the Academy box office (8949 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills), or online at www.oscars.org. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Ticketed seating is unreserved.

The Linwood Dunn Theater is located at 1313 Vine Street in Hollywood. Free parking is available through the entrance on Homewood Avenue. For more information call (310) 247-3600 or visit www.oscars.org.

SOURCE The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences