Rise and Fall of the Brothers Warner

Author Chris Yogerst takes a new look at the sibling founders behind one of Hollywood's most enduring - and complicated - empires

FAMILY FORCE Clockwise from top: Sam, Albert, Harry and Jack Warner. (credit: Moving Picture World, Oct. 8., 1927/ Lantern)

Sonny Bunch is a contributing columnist at the Washington Post, The Bulwark culture editor, and member of the Washington Area Film Critics Association.

This week I’m joined by Chris Yogerst to discuss The Warner Brothers, his fascinating new look at the life of Jack, Harry, Sam and Albert Warner, who collectively formed the Warner Bros. studio. From the technological innovations such as sound pursued by Sam, to the moral case for cinema made by Harry, to the classic mogul behavior of Jack, the journey of the brothers Warner is the story of the birth of Hollywood itself. Amongst the topics discussed: how Warner Bros. went to war against the Nazis; labor strife in the 1940s; and the ugly breakup of the family dynasty.

As a little bonus: Yogerst mentions an interview with Harry Warner’s longtime secretary, Lois McGrew. You can watch the whole thing here.