Mark Vieira

Each installment focuses on a different era of American movie history, from the invention of the first moving pictures to the revolutionary, cutting-edge films of the 1960s.

Looks at the stereotype-breaking films of the period from 1929, when movies entered the sound era, until 1934 when the Hays Code virtually neutered film content. No longer portrayed as virgins or vamps, the liberated female of the pre-code films had dimensions. Good girls had lovers and babies and held down jobs, while the bad girls were cast in a sympathetic light. And they did it all without apology.

Film historians, and survivors from the nearly 30-year struggle to bring sound to motion pictures take the audience from the early failed attempts by scientists and inventors, to the triumph of the talkies.

A look at the forces that shaped Pre-Code Hollywood and brought about the strict enforcement of the Hays Code in 1934.

Produced for Turner Classic Movies, this documentary looks at the early days of the gangster film.

An examination of "The Public Enemy" (1931) by film historians and critics.

The intertwined lives of Jean Harlow and William Powell, from childhood struggles to Hollywood stardom. The rise of Jean Harlow and William Powell in Hollywood, from humble beginnings to success in the transition to talkies.The journey of Jean Harlow's rise to stardom, from being discovered by Howard Hughes to her relationship with Paul Bern. Tragic love stories of iconic Hollywood stars, Jean Harlow and William Powell, intertwined with scandals and success. The transformation of Jean Harlow's career in Hollywood due to the implementation of the Hays Code. The romantic relationship between Jean Harlow and William Powell blossoms amidst Hollywood's glamour and studio pressures. The tumultuous relationship between Jean Harlow and William Powell, marked by unfulfilled engagement and family interference. Tragic love story of Jean Harlow and William Powell leading to Jean's untimely death. The tragic love story between two iconic Hollywood stars, Jean Harlow and William Powell.

Short documentary about the making of "The Petrified Forest."

An examination of "White Heat" (1949) by film historians and critics.

A look at the life and films of the expressionistic movie and television director John Brahm.

This documentary is featured on Warner Brothers' DVD for The Roaring Twenties (1939), released in 2005.

Documentary covering the Warner Bros. James Cagney /Pat O'Brien classic "Angels with Dirty Faces" (1938), hosted by film historian Rudy Behlmer.

This is a first installment of a soap opera showing the Castro as a Gothic, sleazy neighborhood where danger and duplicity lurk. Assorted characters include the innocent new boy in town, a streetwise detective, a pair of lesbian astronauts, a bitchy male couple, and an alcoholic landlord.

A biography of the short-lived character actor Laird Cregar.

An examination of "Little Caesar" (1931) by film historians and critics.