#4: The Dark Side of Louis B. Mayer’s Legacy

Hollywood’s golden age wasn’t just built on talent—it was shaped by power, control, and ruthless decisions. Louis B. Mayer, the force behind MGM, wasn’t just a studio head; he was a master manipulator who played careers like chess pieces. His most infamous target?

Actor John Gilbert. Mayer systematically destroyed Gilbert’s career, spreading rumors about his voice and forcing him into terrible films. This wasn’t just about business; it was personal. Mayer didn’t just sideline Gilbert—he made sure he had nowhere else to go.