Fabrika Snov: Khronika nashego vremeni (The Dream Factory: Chronicle of Our Time)
Berlin: Petropolis, [1931]. N. Z. (cover design). Publisher's wrappers. Item #507
Book measures: 19,5 х 14,5 cm. 243 pages. Text in Russian. Light wear and foxing.
In his 1931 pamphlet "The Dream Factory," Ilya Ehrenburg offers an incisive analysis of the inner workings of the Hollywood movie industry. He presents a vivid portrayal of Adolph Zukor, tracing his journey from a humble craftsman to the formidable president of Paramount Pictures. Ehrenburg illustrates how the film industry captivates audiences across America and Europe. He describes the common moviegoer who, with spare change in hand, ventures into the cinema to witness the fortunes of others unfold on the screen, allowing him to dream of grand possibilities—from marrying wealthy American heiresses to inventing perpetual matches or capturing notorious criminals and being hailed a hero. In this world, the movie screen serves as a shield against the noose and the bomb, offering an escape from despair. Zukor himself epitomizes the ultimate success story, urging others to aspire to his achievements; from toiling over malodorous furs to attaining wealth and celebrity, he has transformed from an individual into an institution—Paramount.
Price: $150.00