Some Time in the Sun by Tom Dardis

Some Time in the Sun

Author: Tom Dardis
Published by: Andre Deutsch
Edition: First Edition, 1976
Pages: 274

In Some Time in the Sun, Tom Dardis presents a fascinating account of how some of the greatest literary minds of the 20th century attempted to carve a place for themselves in Hollywood. The book examines the experiences of celebrated authors such as F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, Nathanael West, and others who tried their hand at screenwriting in an industry that valued commercial appeal over artistic expression.

Dardis paints a vivid picture of Hollywood in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s, when the film industry was at its peak yet often unwelcoming to literary integrity. The book explores the tension between art and commerce, showing how these esteemed writers struggled to adapt their talents to the formulaic demands of the studio system. Many were lured by lucrative contracts but soon found themselves creatively stifled, leading to frustration, alcoholism, and in some cases, tragic ends.

Through meticulous research, personal letters, and historical anecdotes, Dardis reconstructs the disillusionment faced by these literary figures. He discusses how F. Scott Fitzgerald, once the darling of the Jazz Age, found himself lost and unfulfilled in the movie business. William Faulkner, despite winning a Nobel Prize, was unable to make a lasting impact in Hollywood. Nathanael West, whose biting satirical novel The Day of the Locust captured the dark side of Hollywood, met an untimely death before witnessing its full recognition.

Beyond individual experiences, Some Time in the Sun also provides a broader critique of the film industry, revealing how it prioritizes profit over artistic depth. Dardis highlights the inherent clash between literature and Hollywood’s business-driven approach, illustrating how even the brightest literary talents struggled to leave a mark on cinema.

With engaging storytelling and deep insight, Some Time in the Sun offers a poignant reflection on the sacrifices and struggles of writers in Hollywood. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of literature and film, the inner workings of the Hollywood studio system, and the personal battles of some of the greatest literary figures of the 20th century.

• Chronicles the experiences of renowned authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald, William Faulkner, and Nathanael West in Hollywood.

• Examines the struggle between literary integrity and the commercial demands of the film industry.

• Explores how Hollywood’s rigid studio system stifled creative freedom for writers.

• Highlights personal struggles, including financial woes, creative frustration, and alcoholism.

• Provides a broader critique of Hollywood’s treatment of literary figures.

• A compelling read for fans of film history, literature, and cultural criticism.