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Noshing With Chris Yogerst – August 10, 2023
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Author, The Warner Brothers
This week, Ira, host of Ira’s Everything Bagel Podcast, sat down with Chris Yogerst, author of The Warner Brothers (published by University Press of Kentucky), for an insightful conversation about the real story behind one of Hollywood’s most iconic studios. In this golden-age episode of “Ira’s Everything Bagel,” Chris delves deep into the history of the Warner Brothers, debunking myths and providing fascinating facts that have shaped how we see their legacy today.
The Real Backbone of the Warner Empire
One of the most surprising revelations in The Warner Brothers is the spotlight Chris places on Harry Warner, often overshadowed by his younger brother Jack in the public narrative. While Jack Warner is known for his larger-than-life personality and role as the face of the studio, Harry Warner was truly the business and ideological backbone. Harry was responsible for the company’s growth and strategic decisions, making critical choices that kept the studio running smoothly. He wasn’t just a silent partner but the moral compass that guided Warner Brothers through its most challenging periods, from the early talkies to WWII.
Beyond Escapism: The Warner Brothers’ Legacy
Unlike many studios of the time, Warner Brothers was not known for making “escapist” movies. Chris explains why the studio took a different approach, focusing on films that were both entertaining and enriching. During a time when Hollywood was focused on glitzy musicals and lighthearted romance films, Warner Brothers was making socially relevant films that resonated with audiences on a deeper level. Their films tackled issues of crime, class struggles, and political unrest, making them pioneers in showing that movies can reflect societal issues while still drawing in viewers.
Debunking the Myths: The Truth About the Warner Brothers
Chris Yogerst sheds light on the many myths surrounding Hollywood’s Golden Age, particularly regarding the infamous casting couch culture. According to Chris’s research, Warner Brothers seemed to operate differently from some of their competitors. Unlike other studios that were mired in scandal, the Warner Brothers maintained a relatively clean reputation in this regard. The narrative of exploitation and corruption that haunted studios like MGM and Paramount was notably absent at Warner Brothers, further setting them apart in a highly competitive industry.
The Warner Brothers and Their Jewish Identity
Another compelling topic discussed in the podcast is the Warner Brothers’ Jewish identity. While many Jewish moguls at the time hid their religion, Harry, Jack, Albert, and Sam Warner did not. They were unapologetically Jewish and used their films to reflect their beliefs. Harry Warner was particularly outspoken, making sure that films from the studio were socially responsible and aligned with their values. The Warners believed that film could be a powerful tool to promote equality and speak out against oppression, evident in their opposition to fascism well before the United States entered WWII.
Harry Warner’s Vision: Film as a Tool for Change
One of the key reasons the Warner Brothers’ story remains relevant is their belief in the power of cinema as a force for good. Harry Warner was a visionary who saw film as more than just entertainment; he saw it as a tool to inform and shape public opinion. Under his leadership, the studio took risks on politically charged films that many others wouldn’t dare touch. Films like Casablanca, The Public Enemy, and I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang are examples of this social consciousness that shaped the studio’s identity.
The Brothers’ Jewishness and Hollywood’s Legacy
The Warner Brothers were proud of their Jewish heritage, which was unique during an era when many in Hollywood distanced themselves from their roots. Chris talks about how the brothers’ openness about their Jewish identity helped shape their moral framework, which was reflected in the kinds of films they produced. They were early adopters of anti-fascist sentiment, speaking out against Nazism in the 1930s, even when it wasn’t popular in Hollywood.
A Treasure Trove of Research
Chris’s extensive research into the Warner Brothers not only reveals new insights into their personalities but also highlights the broader cultural impact the studio had on America. Chris Yogerst is a film and media historian, and his ability to weave together the social and cultural significance of popular culture makes his work invaluable to understanding how Hollywood has mirrored and shaped society over the years. He’s been featured on NPR, The Times of London, Wisconsin Public Radio, and more, offering his expertise on topics ranging from cinema’s golden age to the modern media landscape.
Why Warner Brothers Matters Today
The Warner Brothers’ legacy is still felt in Hollywood today. Studios continue to grapple with the balance between art and commerce, and the Warner Brothers’ model—making films that are socially conscious but still commercially viable—remains an inspiration. Chris makes the case that the Warner Brothers’ focus on moral storytelling and its commitment to high-quality entertainment paved the way for studios today to take risks on meaningful content.
Chris Yogerst Podcast Episode Conclusion
In this episode, Chris Yogerst provides listeners with a fascinating exploration into the world of The Warner Brothers, revealing the personal dynamics, business acumen, and cultural impact that made this studio a powerhouse in Hollywood’s golden age. Whether you’re a fan of old Hollywood, film history, or just curious about the Warner Brothers’ unique legacy, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights.
For more on Chris Yogerst, his research, and his work on The Warner Brothers, you can visit his official website or follow him on social media to stay updated on his latest projects.
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FAQs About Chris Yogerst
Who is Chris Yogerst?
Chris Yogerst is a film historian, author, and academic known for his work in film studies, particularly focusing on the history of Hollywood and its cultural and political impact. He is also a professor of communication at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
What are other books by Chris Yogerst?
Some notable books by Chris Yogerst include:
– Hollywood Hates Hitler!: Jew-Baiting, Anti-Nazism, and the Senate Investigation Into Warmongering in Motion Pictures
– From the Headlines to Hollywood: The Birth and Boom of Warner Bros. (Film and History)
These works delve into the historical and political dynamics of Hollywood, especially during pivotal moments like the anti-Nazi movements and the rise of Warner Bros.
What is Chris Yogerst known for?
Chris Yogerst is best known for his expertise in the intersection of Hollywood history, politics, and culture. His research highlights Hollywood’s role in confronting political ideologies, such as Nazism, and its impact on American society. He also writes extensively on the legacy and evolution of Warner Bros., one of the most influential film studios in the U.S.
Why did Chris Yogerst write about the Warner Brothers?
Chris Yogerst wrote about the Warner Brothers because they played a significant role in shaping Hollywood’s political and social influence during the 20th century. His work particularly focuses on how Warner Bros. confronted Nazism and anti-Semitism, and how their films contributed to the political landscape of the time, especially during the Senate hearings that investigated Hollywood’s alleged “warmongering.”
How old is Chris Yogerst?
As of 2024, Chris Yogerst’s exact age is not widely documented in public sources. However, based on his career timeline and academic background, it is likely that he is in his late 30s to early 40s.
Watch the full Podcast Video
Read The Full Transcript
Ira Sternberg: Welcome to Ira’s Everything Bagel, where I talk with intriguing people about everything — their passions, pursuits, and points of view. The Golden Age of Hollywood leaves its mark to this day. A perfect example is the untouchable Turner Classic Movie Channel. While major corporations have taken over studios during the last several years and the magical glow has faded, the pioneers of Hollywood movie-making always make fascinating reading, and the Warner Brothers are no exception. My guest today is Chris Yogerst, author of The Warner Brothers, published by University Press of Kentucky and available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all the usual places. For everything about Chris Yogerst, go to chrisyogerst.com — that’s Y-O-G-E-R-S-T — and you can follow him on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Chris, welcome to the show!
Chris Yogerst: Hi, Ira. Thanks for having me.
Ira: Absolutely. Well, with your work as a film and media historian, what drew you to the Warner Brothers story as opposed to other studios or other subjects?
Chris: Well, there’s kind of a long history there. The short version is, when I first started falling in love with film history, I was watching a lot of stuff by Martin Scorsese, and I saw an interview where he talked about growing up and watching Cagney gangster films. So I started to seek those out, and that opened the door to old Warner Brothers movies, and it never ended. I ended up doing my dissertation on the Warner Brothers. With this book, what I really wanted to do was focus on all the brothers, not just Jack Warner, who’s usually the focus. I originally wanted to do a biography of Harry Warner, but my editor, Pat McGilligan, wisely suggested that a book about all the Warner brothers would have broader appeal.
Ira: Based on your book, Harry played a significant role at Warner Brothers, even though he wasn’t the showman like Jack. He was, in a way, the soul of the place. Can you elaborate on that?
Chris: Yeah, Harry was really the business and ideological backbone of the studio. All of the “ripped from the headlines,” socially conscious filmmaking, the anti-Nazi stance — all of that came from Harry. Jack had his finger on the pulse of popular culture, but it was Harry who saw things coming ahead of time. Sam Warner was the one with the technological vision. But Harry’s influence is often overlooked, and I wanted to bring that out in the book. The Warner Brothers’ personalities had a trickle-down effect on the films they made.
Ira: Were you able to talk to family members or people connected to the Warner Brothers, given how long ago all this was?
Chris: Well, I wasn’t able to talk to too many people directly connected because of the time that’s passed. But I did use a lot of archival materials, oral histories, and interviews that have been recorded over the years. I found many useful primary sources online, including some from Cass Warner’s website. I did speak with Greg Orr, Jack Warner’s grandson, and I’m pleased to say he read the book and really liked it.
Ira: Why don’t you tell us a little about your background before we dive further into the Warner Brothers?
Chris: Sure. I’m an Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. My research interests are in film history, and much of my writing focuses on how movies and popular culture interact with social and political culture. That’s why I’ve always been drawn to Warner Brothers — their films were very much rooted in addressing the issues of the day. They didn’t make a lot of escapist films like some of the other studios. Instead, they tackled tough subjects and made audiences think.
Ira: Did you get a chance to spend time on the Warner Brothers lot during your research?
Chris: Yes, I did. I was able to visit the lot a few times. It’s an amazing experience, just walking through the history that’s still there. I went on a few tours and got to see some places that aren’t on the usual tour route. You can feel the history as you walk around. The old buildings are still there, and the lot is full of character.
Ira: What was the biggest surprise you discovered while researching the Warner Brothers, particularly about Harry or Jack?
Chris: I think one surprise was that Jack Warner, who has this reputation for being pretty ruthless, also did some good things. He helped old stars by keeping them on the payroll and helped employees when they were in a financial bind. He didn’t do these things for publicity; he just did them. As for Harry, I didn’t find anything that changed my positive view of him. He really was an upstanding guy, the ideological heart of the studio.
Ira: You point out in the book that the Warner Brothers didn’t shy away from their Jewish identity, unlike some of the other Hollywood moguls. Can you talk about that?
Chris: Yeah, the Warners were upfront about being Jewish, which was unusual at the time. Other moguls tried to assimilate and downplay their Jewishness, but the Warners were proud of it. They didn’t feel the need to hide who they were. They were also Fearless in addressing social and political issues, and I think their Jewish identity played a role in that fearlessness.
Ira: I want to quote from your book: “Warner Brothers was more than a film studio because its productions reflected the Warner Brothers’ brand of cultural insight and resilience, cultivated over years of trials and failures.” The Warner Brothers pulled out of Germany in the early 1930s, well before many others. What set them apart from the other moguls?
Chris: That’s a great question. They all came from similar backgrounds, but I think the Warners were just wired differently in terms of how they approached the business. They didn’t shy away from tough topics. Harry, especially, saw films as a way to educate and challenge audiences. The other moguls were more focused on escapism, but the Warners saw film as a medium that could both entertain and engage with serious issues.
Ira: After researching and writing the book, did your attitude toward the Warner Brothers or any individual members change?
Chris: I think I understand them all a lot better now. I was pleasantly surprised by Jack Warner, finding more positive things about him than I expected. And Harry, as I mentioned earlier, remained someone I deeply admire. But what really stood out was how much they struggled early on — how many times they lost everything and had to start over before finally becoming successful. Their resilience was remarkable.
Ira: Before I let you go, was there any connection between the Warner Brothers and Walt Disney?
Chris: I didn’t come across much direct communication between them. Disney comes up occasionally in conversations, but not in any significant way. I think it’s because they were in such different spheres — Disney was focused on animation, which wasn’t something the Warners were really interested in. In fact, Jack Warner at one point mistakenly thought Mickey Mouse was one of their characters!
Ira: After finishing the book, what do you hope readers take away about the Warner Brothers or any specific lessons from their story?
Chris: I think what I want readers to take away is how movies can be both entertaining and enriching. The Warner Brothers set a perfect example of how you don’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Their films challenge us to think, while also being enjoyable. That’s something I think we can still learn from today.
Ira: That’s a great way to leave it. My guest has been Chris Yogerst, author of The Warner Brothers, published by University Press of Kentucky, and available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and all the usual places. For more about Chris, go to chrisyogerst.com. Chris, thanks for being on the show.
Chris: Thank you, Ira.
Ira: And join us every Thursday for a new schmear on Ira’s Everything Bagel.
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