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Balboa Films
A History and Filmography of the Silent Film Studio
by Jean-Jacques Jura and Rodney Norman Bardin II
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Book Presentation:
From 1913 through 1918, Long Beach, California, was home to the largest independent film company in the world, the largely forgotten Balboa Studio. Founder Herbert M. Horkheimer bought the studio from Edison Company in 1913, and by 1915 Balboa’s expenses exceeded $2,500 a day and its output hit 15,500 feet of film per week. Bert Bracken, Fatty Arbuckle, Henry King, Baby Marie Osborne, Thomas Ince, and William Desmond Taylor began their careers with the studio.
In 1918, Horkheimer stunned the industry by declaring bankruptcy, shutting down Balboa, and walking away from moviemaking. The closing of the studio effectively ended Long Beach’s runs as a major film location and left many wondering about the true reasons behind Horkheimer’s decision. Most of Balboa’s films have been lost, and little has until now been written about the studio. This book first explores the history of filmmaking in Long Beach and then fully details the story of Balboa. The extensive filmography includes length, copyright date when available, cast and credits, and a plot summary.
About the authors:
Jean-Jacques Jura is the advisor and coordinator for Languages other than English at California State University in Long Beach.
Rodney Norman Bardin II is a radio talk show host. Both live in Long Beach, California.
Press Reviews:
Finalist, Theatre Library Association Award
"a solid and thorough investigation…. The breadth of the study, its detailed filmography…and its careful scholarship make this a very worthwhile book"—Choice; "includes a helpful timeline"—ARBA; "the life—and afterlife—of the studio is documented in quite incredible detail…most welcome"—Classic Images; "entertaining and absorbing…wonderful pictures…well researched"—Past Times; "the impact that this independent studio had upon this era of movie making [is] not to be taken lightly…a must read"—The Silents Majority.
See the publisher website: McFarland & Co
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