Book Review: Assembly Line Auteur: The Pre-Code Films of William Wellman

In this new book from McFarland, author David Meuel explores the importance of Wellman’s films of the early 1930s.  Films like The Public Enemy, Night Nurse, Heroes For Sale, and Wild Boys of the Road are some of the most important cinematic releases of the pre-code era.  In examining these and other such films, author Meuel makes a case of how Wellman defined Depression era cinema.

Wellman had a long career, continuing to direct films till the end of the 1950s, but the author chooses to spotlight on the period from 1930-1933, during which Wellman directed some of his finest films.

Of the 18 features that Wellman directed during this period, the author indicates that despite their being a part of the studio’s assembly line process, Wellman was able to offer exceptionally high quality cinema for roughly half of these releases.

The book begins when Wellman leaves Paramount for Warner Bros.  He started out his career at Warners with the Joe E Brown comedy Maybe It’s Love, following it up with Other Men’s Women, featuring movie newcomer James Cagney in a supporting role.  By the time Wellman directed Cagney in The Public Enemy he connected with the actor and they both connected with the screenplay that included a lot of brutal scenes that are still talked about today,

The book continues to examine the rest of Wellman’s screen work with depth and insight, offering a lot of information and keen assessments.  Night Nurse featured a bravura performance by Barbara Stanwyck and advanced newcomer Clark Gable’s career.  Heroes For Sale presents a heartbreaking portrait of returning war heroes.  Wild Boys of the Road shows how the Depression affected young people,  who become train hopping runaways confronted by real danger.

Author Meuel gives us a study that will benefit anyone interested in film history, especially the pre-code era.  It celebrates the work of one of American cinema’s finest directors, and, along the way, responds to the work of many iconic stars.  Highly recommended for libraries, research centers, and film buffs with an interest in the 1930s.

The book is available at this link:  WELLMAN