Speaking Volumes | Universal Pictures has been making movie magic for 110 years
Grab your popcorn and dim the lights! This year marks the 110th anniversary of the founding of Universal Pictures. The Manatee County Public Library System is here to provide you everything you need to throw the perfect Universal viewing party.
Founded in 1912 by Carl Laemmle, Universal Pictures is the oldest surviving film studio in the United States, and the fourth oldest in the world. The story of Universal Pictures is marked by innovation. Though its early days were plagued by unpredictable box office returns, its innovative spirit has cemented its legacy as an enduring household favorite.
Laemmle was first inspired to join the newly booming film industry after standing outside of a box office for hours, totaling its patrons and earnings. Suitably impressed, he purchased several nickelodeons and soon took the leap into producing his own films.
Laemmle’s early success can be credited to his pioneering use of star power. It was common practice of the time to not provide billing credit to actors. Universal Pictures changed this status quo by instead capitalizing on star power to market their films. One of those stars was Lon Chaney, who captivated audiences with his grisly performance in “The Phantom of the Opera” (1925). This silent film classic is available at your local library in both DVD format and digital format through Hoopla.
Following Lon Chaney’s success, Universal produced a succession of other monster movies such as “Frankenstein” (1931) starring Boris Karloff, “Dracula” (1931) starring Bela Lugosi, and “The Creature from the Black Lagoon” (1954). Known collectively as the Universal Classic Monsters series, it is the first instance of a multi-movie shared cinematic universe.
The iconic Gill-man creature was designed by forgotten special effects artist Milicent Patrick. Much like the creature she created, her legacy has been submerged in murky depths. Uncover her story in the biography “The Lady from the Black Lagoon” by Mallory O’Meara. Horror film fans will also enjoy the book “Universal Studios Monsters: A Legacy of Horror” by Michael Mallory.
By 1915, Universal City Studios was the largest moving-picture production lot in the world. Laemmle once again revolutionized the landscape by becoming the first movie mogul to open his studio to tourists. This studio lot is now the location of the Universal Studios Hollywood theme park. Following its success, the studio opened another theme park resort in Orlando.
Planning a trip to Universal Orlando Resort? Pick up a copy of “The Unofficial Guide to Universal Orlando 2022” by Seth Kubersky for a detailed peek into every ride, show, and restaurant on the resort.
Six Universal films have achieved box office records: Jaws (1975), E.T. (1982), Jurassic Park (1993), Despicable Me 2 (2013), Furious 7 (2015), and Jurassic World (2015). The first three of those films each became the highest-grossing film at the time of its release.
All movies and books mentioned in this article are available with your Manatee Library Card. Ask a librarian for help accessing resources online.
Your library is online at www.mymanatee.org/library.
Bethany Stevens is a library assistant in the Downtown Bradenton Library. Speaking Volumes is written by members of the Manatee County Public Library System.