Garson Kanin was involved in Hollywood for many years, knew many of the greats in film making in its golden years. In this novel he makes use of his inside knowledge.

The story centers on the fictional Ben Farber of Farber Films. He is in negotiations to sell his company, and he tells Guy Barrerre, the narrator and negotiator, the story of his life. And what a life! He gets into the film business almost from the beginning, working for Mack Sennett and D. W. Griffith in New York and moving with them to Hollywood. He thought Mabel Normand was grand, and tells the story of her bizarre relationship with Sennett. Later chapters tell the horrible story of the nightmare that happened to Fatty Arbuckle, acquitted of a crime he did not commit but unable to get work afterwards. Then comes the poignant story of Greta Garbo and John Gilbert, after that the amusing story of the search for an actress to play Scarlett O'Hara, and the sad story of Marilyn Monroe. It is a terrific tale of the movie industry from its beginnings through the golden age. Great book for Hollywood buffs. ( )