The Universal Story
- Documentary
Richard Dreyfuss hosts a celebration of the 80 year history of Universal Studios. Founded as IMP by Carl Leammle to oppose Edison's Motion Picture Tust, it soon grew under the leadership of 21 year old production head Irving Thalberg with classic silents from artists like John Ford, Erich Von Stroheim, and Lon Chaney and prospered further in the Sound Era under the leadership of Carl Leammle Jr. with such classics as "All Quiet on The Western Front," "Showboat," and the studio's signature monster franchises, "Frankenstein" and "Dracula."
The Universal Story is a 1996 documentary hosted by Richard Dreyfuss that chronicles 80 years of Universal Studios history, from its founding as IMP to challenge Edison's Motion Picture Trust through its evolution into a major Hollywood powerhouse. The film traces the studio's rise under visionary leaders like Irving Thalberg and Carl Laemmle Jr., showcasing the classic films and iconic monster franchises that defined cinema.
When does The Universal Story come out?
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In cinemas
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Richard DreyfussSelf
Kirk DouglasSelf (archive footage)
Michael J. FoxSelf (archive footage)
Tom HanksSelf (archive footage)
Alfred HitchcockSelf (archive footage)
Boris KarloffSelf (archive footage)
Spike LeeSelf (archive footage)
Steven SpielbergSelf (archive footage)
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The Universal Story — frequently asked
When was The Universal Story released?
The Universal Story was released on April 21, 1996.
Who hosts The Universal Story?
Richard Dreyfuss hosts the documentary.
What time period does the documentary cover?
The film covers 80 years of Universal Studios history, from the studio's founding through the mid-1990s.
What are the main topics covered in the documentary?
The documentary covers Universal's founding as IMP to compete with Edison's trust, its silent film era under Irving Thalberg with directors like John Ford and Erich von Stroheim, and its sound era successes including classics like All Quiet on the Western Front and the monster franchises Frankenstein and Dracula.
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