SANTA MONICA, CA -- Found in a box of aged, dusty and molded radio-plays, screenplays, tele-plays, articles, manuscripts and various other project drafts, the accumulation of years of hard work. Amongst them, a manuscript with a unique dedication; "To all the stars of yesteryear who have been forgotten by the mighty motion picture industry they helped to build."
What was this? This was no mere manuscript or screenplay- it was the "as told to" authorized biography of the first movie star of Hollywood, Francis X. Bushman. Written then abandoned in 1948 by Maurice Zimm most notably author and creator of Creature from the Black Lagoon and has numerous other radio, television and film projects to his credit. The book is a chronicle of Bushman looking back at his extraordinary life at the age of 65.
Bushman provides keen insight and a historical perspective into crucial events, the key players, and behind the scenes dramas that shaped Hollywood. This is the inside story of inside stories from the very icon whose career shaped the movie business. He was the usher who opened the door to the age of celebrity. Marketed as the "Handsomest Man in the World", along with Beverly Bayne (his co-star and 2nd wife), were the "Age of the Silver Screen's" first romantic couple. †According to Variety magazine, one of the Top 5 of the highest grossing films of Silent Film Era was Ben Hur in which Bushman played†(Messala) a leading role.
Zimm makes you feel what it was like to watch the first Epic Hollywood Movies and the making of the film industry. Bushman was the maverick of his era, blazing a trail for all of those who came after him.† Bushman was living out the dreams and ambitions of a country as it entered into the modern era.† He did it all with a who's who cast of Hollywood legends coming in and out of his life. His first hand account, illuminates and clarifies many Hollywood myths.
At 83, Bushman passed away in 1966, his gravestone reads: "Francis X. Bushman - King of the Movies".
2Way Mirror Media, LLC, a boutique multi-media company will be in charge of all developmental, marketing, production, and promotional activities. This includes release and publication of the manuscript in book form, documentary projects, film adaptations and web-based projects.
Any inquiries regarding this project should be directed to Justin Merkin
310.829.9111
or info@2waymirrormedia.com
http://www.2waymirrormedia.com
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King of the Movies, Francis X. Bushman, Maurice Zimm
