Evolution of the Warner Brothers Studio: 1920’s through 1980’s

Earning its spot on the list of the major studios right from the start, Warner Brothers began a legacy that has remained strong for over eighty years. Despite the volatile relationship that existed between Jack, Sam, Harry and Albert Warner, they still managed to produce some of the greatest movies in the history of film (Seeing Stars 1). It is interesting to trace the evolution of the studio throughout the years, seeing the changing movie styles and different types of movie stars. In the following pages, I will attempt to accurately map out the development of the Warner Brothers Studio, beginning in the late 1920’s and ending in the 1980’s. For each decade, I will explore specific genres and/or films that epitomize the feeling of that time.
The year 1927 gave birth to a wonderful invention—the “talkie” or talking picture, and Warner Brothers was the first to share this joy with everyone. The Jazz Singer with Al Jolson was the world’s first talking picture, givin...