Scott Eyman returns to Cleveland to discuss Hollywood's local roots

Scott Eyman, a New York Times bestselling author and leading expert on Hollywood's golden era, will return to the Cleveland area this week to examine the city's deep ties to the film industry. The Lyndhurst native, who now resides in West Palm Beach, Florida, will deliver a talk on Friday, November 6, at the Western Reserve Historical Society. The event, titled “Behind the Camera: The Golden Age of Hollywood,” is hosted by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission and aims to trace Northeast Ohio's involvement in cinema from the silent era through recent productions such as “The Land.”

Eyman grew up in a city he describes as a hub for film culture, though not for major studio production. He credits local figures like John Ewing, who founded the Cinematheque, and Jon Forman, who launched the Cleveland Film Festival, for shaping his understanding of American movies. Sheldon Wigod’s New Mayfield theater on Murray Hill operated as a model repertory cinema, while the Case Western Reserve Film Society hosted weekly premieres. Television also played a major role, with WUAB broadcasting the Warner Brothers package and WJW airing an extensive Paramount library that included classics from W.C. Fields and the Marx Brothers.

Despite this rich viewing culture, actual film production in Northeast Ohio was largely confined to industrial films for most of the 20th century. Major stars such as Alan Alda and Merv Griffin began their careers in what Eyman calls the precursors to infomercials. The region occasionally attracted Hollywood for unique projects, such as “The Kid From Cleveland,” a Republic Pictures film released after the 1948 World Series. Eyman notes that going to the Midwest was rare for studios, making such productions unusual one-offs.

During his presentation, Eyman will discuss films with local connections, including “The Fortune Cookie” and “The Avengers.” He will also explore the lives of stars who grew up in the area, such as Paul Newman, Margaret Hamilton, Dorothy Dandridge, Bob Hope, Lillian Gish, and the Warner Brothers. His familiarity with the local scene allowed him to build rapport with these figures during interviews. Eyman believes his background prevented him from asking superficial questions, which led to more candid responses.

One such exchange occurred with Bob Hope, who gave a direct answer when asked why he stopped making movies. Hope replied that he quit because they stopped making money. Eyman will share these anecdotes in a conversation with WKYC’s Betsy Kling on Friday. The event serves as a reminder that while Cleveland is not a primary film production center, it has a substantial history of engagement with and influence on the American film industry.

The talk is part of a larger effort by the Greater Cleveland Film Commission to promote the area's film heritage. The event covers a wide range of topics, including the silent era, mid-century productions, and upcoming projects. Eyman’s perspective as both a local native and a national authority provides a unique lens on how Cleveland contributed to the development of American cinema. His presence in the city this week underscores the ongoing connection between the region and the entertainment industry.