This course will cover the entire history of Universal Studios including its early embrace of television, which turned the studio into a giant television production factory. We will discuss Carl Laemmle – an innovative pioneer who built the studio and was responsible for some of the early, ground-breaking decisions (including opening up to the public for tours). We will also talk about Lon Chaney – Universal’s first great star – and other big names in the silent era.

We will continue through the 1930s discussing some of the early “talkie” hits, including “All Quiet on the Western Front,” “Dracula,” and “Frankenstein.” Although they were successful, poor decision-making led to Laemmle’s ouster. Into the 1940s and 1950s, lots of changes turned up some popular, memorable (and yes, campy) movies. The 1960's Universal was where Alfred Hitchcock ended his career and where Steven Spielberg's began, ushering in the modern era of the Movie Blockbuster. Universal's vast TV legacy (Columbo, Law and Order, etc.) remains a dominant factor in what we watch on streaming services today.

We will also look at the Universal conglomerate which includes, among other enterprises, the music business and the hugely popular Universal Studios Tours and Theme Parks.

Matthew Weisman received his MFA in Film from Columbia University School of the Arts where he also taught classes in Cinema Studies and directed the Cinematheque film program. His undergraduate degree in English is from Boston University. A professional screenwriter and producer, he taught Graduate Screenwriting at the USC School of Cinema for fifteen years. He is a retired member of The Writers Guild of America. He has taught several continuing education courses in film and television history and appreciation both online and in the classroom.

Fifty and Better was designed to offer university-level courses and lectures (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.