Flickering Empire
How Chicago Invented the U.S. Film Industry
Book • 2015
Flickering Empire, co-written by Michael Glover Smith and Adam Selzer, explores how Chicago was instrumental in the invention and early growth of the United States film industry.
The book surveys the city’s early studios, filmmakers, and industrial infrastructure that predated and influenced Hollywood’s rise.
Combining archival research and narrative history, it reconstructs neglected stories about production, distribution, and exhibition centered in the Midwest.
The authors argue for Chicago’s overlooked significance in shaping American cinematic forms and business practices.
The work has been recognized in film-history circles for bringing attention to regional contributions in early cinema scholarship.
The book surveys the city’s early studios, filmmakers, and industrial infrastructure that predated and influenced Hollywood’s rise.
Combining archival research and narrative history, it reconstructs neglected stories about production, distribution, and exhibition centered in the Midwest.
The authors argue for Chicago’s overlooked significance in shaping American cinematic forms and business practices.
The work has been recognized in film-history circles for bringing attention to regional contributions in early cinema scholarship.
Mentioned by
Mentioned in 0 episodes
Mentioned by ![undefined]()
Bradley Morgan
Michael Glover Smith, "Bob Dylan as Filmmaker: No Time to Think" (McNidder and Grace, 2026)
Mentioned by ![undefined]()
Bradley Morgan
Michael Glover Smith, "Bob Dylan as Filmmaker: No Time to Think" (McNidder and Grace, 2026)
