Tweet New Book about Samuel ‘Roxy’ Rothafel – “American Showman”

"Cinema Treasures is excited to announce the publication of a new book, “American Showman: Samuel ‘Roxy’ Rothafel and the Birth of the Entertainment Industry” (Columbia University Press, 2012) by Ross Melnick and a 30% discount for Cinema Treasures users and Theatre Historical Society members.

“Roxy” (1882-1936) built an enormously influential career as film exhibitor, stage producer, radio broadcaster, musical arranger, war propagandist, and international celebrity. He managed many of New York’s most important theaters, including the Regent, Strand, Rialto, Rivoli, Capitol, Roxy, and Radio City Music Hall, and was one of the nation’s most celebrated broadcasters from 1922-1935 on NBC and CBS.

He also helped engineer the integration of film, music, and live performance in silent film exhibition; scored early Fox Movietone films such as Sunrise (1927) and Street Angel (1928); pioneered the convergence of film, broadcasting, and music publishing and recording in the 1920s; and helped movies and moviegoing become the dominant form of mass entertainment between the world wars.

Regularly cited as one of the twelve most important figures in the film and radio industries, Roxy was instrumental to the development of film exhibition and commercial broadcasting, musical accompaniment, and a new, convergent entertainment industry. “American Showman” is the first book to examine Rothafel’s multifaceted career in film, music, and broadcasting.

“It’s about time that we are finally getting the full story of America’s most daring and successful showman…. Ross Melnick’s book is that rare combination of in-depth research and a great read. Finally, Roxy has received his due.” – Rick Altman, University of Iowa, author of Silent Film Sound."

http://cinematreasures.org/blog/2012/4/ ... 0-discount