Fifty Hollywood Directors introduces the most important, iconic and influential filmmakers who worked in Hollywood between the end of the silent period and the birth of the blockbuster. By exploring the historical, cultural and technological contexts in which each director was working, this book traces the formative period in commercial cinema when directors went from pioneers to industry heavyweights.Each entry discusses a director's practices and body of work and features a brief biography and suggestions for further reading. Entries include:Frank CapraCecil B DeMilleJohn FordAlfred HitchcockFritz LangOrson WellesDW GriffithKing VidorThis is an indispensible guide for anyone interested in film history, Hollywood and the development of the role of the director.