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Because the concept of stardom is synonymous with film, it is convenient to believe that the American film industry has been creating stars for as long as that industry has been in existence. This is not the case. For many years, pre 1910, actors were not even given a name. Producers feared rightly that actors would ask for higher wages, and become aware of their power. But all of the studios and production companies had a common goal: to make money. Stars did this, and made a lot of it for executives and producers, especially after they had gained identities in the public. Then these identities were exploited and fabricated in the many motion picture magazines. Gossip and scandal ruined some celebrities’ careers while making others. Overall, the public couldn’t receive enough of their favourite stars on the screen, in the papers, or on the cover of the magazines. After stardom reached a zenith in the twenties, studios had caught on, and thus began the Motion Picture Star System. They breaded actors and actresses by the hundreds with the hope that a handful would become the next superstar. As to whom was ultimately responsible for the star system – the public or producer – the answer must lie somewhere in betwee