American Experience Presents - Part 3: Hearst Conquers Hollywood and Builds a Castle

Part 3: Hearst Conquers Hollywood and Builds a Castle

11/20/24 • 28 min

By 1919, William Randolph Hearst had conquered the world of print media, but the ambitious mogul isn't satisfied. As America roars into the 1920s, Hearst sets his sights on a dazzling new frontier—the silver screen. From pioneering newsreels to lavish Hollywood productions, Hearst aims to dominate this revolutionary medium just as he has with newspapers.

Meanwhile, atop an isolated California hilltop, Hearst begins construction on a monumental castle to house his insatiable appetite for art and antiques. As his empire and real estate holdings expand, complications arise in his personal life as well. Don't miss the next chapter in the saga of America's first media tycoon.

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Credits:

Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins

Associate Producer: Meiqian He

Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe

Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins

Editorial Advisor: John Bredar

Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant

Narrator: James Edwards

Executive Producer: Cameo George

Learn more about American Experience

Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads

------------------------------

Credits:

Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins

Associate Producer: Meiqian He

Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe

Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins

Editorial Advisor: John Bredar

Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant

Narrator: James Edwards

Executive Producer: Cameo George

Previous Episode

Part 2: Hearst vs. Pulitzer

William Randolph Hearst has one goal: to dethrone Joseph Pulitzer as the king of newspapers. What follows is a circulation war like no other, where no tactic is off-limits. Hearst slashes prices to a penny, poaches top talent, and even lures away Pulitzer's pressroom cat. But it's his sensational coverage that truly captivates readers. From exposing corrupt ice trusts to smuggling Cuban revolutionaries, Hearst's 'new journalism' knows no bounds. He assembles his own 'murder squad,' races through city streets to catch killers, and brazenly claims credit for starting the Spanish-American War.

As Hearst's influence grows, so do concerns about his unchecked power. When newsboys go on strike against his unfair practices, the self-proclaimed champion of the working class shows his true colors.

Learn more about American Experience

Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads

------------------------------

Credits:

Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins

Associate Producer: Meiqian He

Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe

Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins

Editorial Advisor: John Bredar

Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant

Narrator: James Edwards

Executive Producer: Cameo George

Next Episode

Part 4: Hearst's Hollywood Dreams Meet the Great Depression

From Hollywood glamor to financial ruin, William Randolph Hearst's empire crumbles as the Roaring Twenties crash into the Great Depression. Facing economic collapse, a fractured relationship with President Franklin D. Roosevelt, and whispers of communism, Hearst navigates a treacherous landscape. His unexpected encounter with Hitler, passionate proposal to longtime love Marion Davies, and eventual inspiration for the film "Citizen Kane" reveal a man wrestling with power, love, and legacy. This is the final chapter of an American titan's extraordinary journey.

Learn more about American Experience

Follow the show on Instagram, X, Facebook, Threads

------------------------------

Credits:

Lead Producer: Devin Maverick Robins

Associate Producer: Meiqian He

Scriptwriter: Galen Beebe

Story Editor: Devin Maverick Robins

Editorial Advisor: John Bredar

Sound Designer: Jack Pombriant

Narrator: James Edwards

Executive Producer: Cameo George