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The Father Of Hollywood Reader’s Guide

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Reader's Guide

About The Book

Without this man Hollywood would not exist!

Ralph Eggleston
Director/Production Designer, Pixar Animation Studios

"LOVED the book! It's a missing, ENDLESSLY fascinating link to the history of Hollywood. Thank you for researching and writing it!! I hope it's been widely well recieved, as it deserves to be. Take care, and thank you again."

Corey Miller
Executive Story Editor, CSI Miami

"[Keith] pulls back the curtain to tell the true story behind the foundation of perhaps the most famous city in the world and tells it with precision, an attention to detail, and also with a personal touch not seen in other biographies of the city. A fascinating read and a treasure trove of information."

From the earliest silent films made by pioneering American filmmakers to the multimillion-dollar blockbusters of today, the movie industry of America has always had a home: Hollywood. But how did Hollywood itself get started? Who were the driving forces behind its creation and development – the visionaries and kingmakers who built the infrastructure of a worldwide industry but only received a fraction of the credit that was heaped upon the stars of the silver screen? Movie buffs nowadays have no idea that so much of what we take for granted about Hollywood was largely planned, designed, and built by Hobart Johnstone Whitley, an extraordinary individual who is not nearly as well known as he should be. “HJ” was the primary developer of Hollywood, a central figure in attracting and keeping the talent needed to make such an ambitious project successful and, in turn, transform a formerly sleepy part of California into a hugely profitable and exciting industry. Gaelyn Whitley Keith’s remarkable book, The Father of Hollywood: The True Story, goes a long way toward erasing the misconceptions concerning HJ’s life and career, and paints a truly charming portrait of the man
who lived a life that itself is worthy of a fine movie.

Ellen Tanner Marsh
New York Times best-selling author

Book-Group Discussion Questions

1. To what extent do the chapters concerning the elderly HJ Whitley enhance the chapters recounting the young H J early tragedies? In what ways do the chapters about the young H J contribute to a deeper understanding of the elderly H J’s life?

2. What are the roles and importance of faithfulness and loyalty in The Father of Hollywood? In what ways does Keith contrast the difficulties and tragedies of his personal life with the equally impressive loyalties and instances of caring about his businesses?

3. How did you react when you learned how Hollywood was named? Have you every experienced an epiphany in your life?

4. Discuss the importance of the suffragettes in The Father of Hollywood. How did it effect the founding of Hollywood?

5. Does Gigi have free will? If so, how and when does she use it? If not, what aspects of society constrain her from doing so?

6. Discuss the role of love and family in The Father of Hollywood. What special quality does H J and Gigi’s love have?

7. Discuss the stylistic, thematic, and cultural role of Hollywood in the book. Did H J have a specific agenda in making Hollywood the center of action as well as a symbol of prosperity?

8. What is the lesson of the story?

9. What inspired the title?

10. Would you say this is an optimistic or pessimistic book?

11. How did the generations influence each other?

12. Discuss the different kind of relationships the Whitley siblings have with their parents. Is Ross Gigi’s favorite ?

13. What type of marriage do you think H J and Gigi have? How do you feel about H J as a father and a husband? How do Gigi’s children feel about her?

14. Which are the most sympathetic voices in the book? Discuss which characters you most and least identify with.

15. What does the memoir reveal about the ways in which human beings deal with death, grieving, and letting go of loved ones?

16. Why do you think Grace’s chapter is placed where it is? How does her chapter change your earlier perceptions of the Whitley family?

17. Gigi meditates on the distance between words and actions. Is Keith saying that words—her own chosen medium—are inadequate?

18. The Whitleys must endure a number of obstacles on their journey through life. To what extent are the elements against them, and to what extent do they sabotage themselves?

19. What compels loyalty in this family? What are the ways in which that loyalty is betrayed? Who do you feel makes the ultimate sacrifice for the family?

20. How are H J and Gigi Whitley described? What sort of life do they lead? What does the story warn against?

Author's Schedule

California, nationwide via telephone
CONTACT: 757-933-1312

Upcoming Events:

All in person upcoming events have been placed on hold due to Covid-19

If your bookclub or business would like to learn more about the founding of Hollywood a zoom meeting can be scheduled by using the contact page.

135th Celebration of HJ Whitley naming Hollywood 2021

Location and Time: TBD

Some Past Events:

Academny Awards Media Center
Event Date: February 25, 2018
Event Time: 11:00 to 3:00 PM

Book Signing Waldorf-Historia
New York City 
Event Date: December 4, 2015

Book Signing Barnes and Noble 
New York City 
Event Date: December 5, 2015

Twin Talk with Jose and Angel
Event Date: March 4, 2014 at 8:00 PM
twintalkcast.com

Academy Award Cermonies 2014
Hollywood Special
Event Date:February 27 2014
Event Time:times vary for appointment contact Gaelyn Whitley Keith

Celebrating the 90th Anniversary of the Hollywood Sign
on Thursday, September 19th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The Celebration will be held at Drai’s at the W Hotel
with a view overlooking the Hollywood Sign
Event highlights will include:
White carpet arrival
Sponsor displays and historical photos of the Hollywood Sign
Unique photo opportunity with the famous Hollywood Sign as the backdrop
Historians on hand to discuss the 90-year history of the Hollywood Sign
Madame Tussauds celebrity figures on display
White wine and hors d’oeuvres provided by Divine Catering
Champagne and anniversary cake
Entertainment and special appearances
Gift bags compliments of L'Oréal Paris
L'Oréal Paris beauty cabanas / bliss spa massage treatments
For more information contact:kaylee@hollywoodchamber.net

Academy Award Cermonies 2013
Hollywood Special
Event Date:February 21, 22, 23,24, 25 2013
Event Time:times vary for appointment contact Gaelyn Whitley Keith

French tv producers for TF1, the n°1 and main French TV channel
Tv show, 50 minutes inside, is broadcasted each Saturday at 6.40 pm, just before the National news, and watched every week by 5 million people.
Filiming 2-21-2013

Eye on LA, ABC7
Hollywood Special
Event Date:January 19, 2013
Event Time: 6:30 PM PST

The Power Your Life" with Dr. Jo Anne
Event Date: April 18, 2012
Event Time: 9:00PM PST
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/jo-anne-white

Michigan Talk Radio WJIM 1240AM
Event Date: Monday February 27, 2012
Event Time: 5:45 AM PST

ABC Eye on LA with TINA MALAVE
Filming Date: October 24, 2011

1460am/101.1fm KION with David Marzetti
Event Date: Saturday October 22th, 2011
Event Time: 9 AM PST

Cyberstationlive.com On The Street with Wayne Metrano and Fred George
Event Date: Tuesday October 18th, 2011
Event Time: 5 PM PST

AM 1450 KBMW The Double D’s in the Morning
Hosts: Bill Dablow and Jamie Dickerman
Event Date: Tuesday September 20th, 2011
Event Time: 8:24am CST

WTCM NewsTalk 580 with Norm Jones
Michigan, covering over 20 counties spanning from Lansing to Canada
Event Date: Wednesday September 14th, 2011
Event Time: 10:35am EST

850 KOA AM with Rick Barber
Denver, Colorado
Event Date: Thursday August 19, 2011
Event Time: 1:00 AM PST

July Wine and Sign with author Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Event Date: Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Event Time: TBD
Event Location: California Welcome Center
2085 Vine Street (in the Town Center) of El Dorado Hills

Ripley Entertainment Inc
Tim O'Brien
Event Date: July 11, 2011
www.ripleyoddcast.com

106.9 The X FM London Ontario with Bill Paul
London Ontario, Canada
Event Date: Monday June 28, 2011
Event Time: 2:00 PST

89.1 WBSD FM with Matt Nie
Burlington, Wisconsin
Event Date: Monday June 27, 2011
Event Time: 10:00 AM PST

1330 WNTA with Doug McDuff
Rockford IL
Event Date: Monday June 20, 2011
Event Time: 8:00 AM CST
www.WNTA.com

WCHE 1520 with Brynn Mc Kenryr
West Chester, PA
Event Date: Friday June 17, 2011
Event Time: 8:20 AM EST

850 KOA AM with Rick Barber
Denver, Colorado
Event Date: Friday June 17, 2011
Event Time: 1:00 AM PST

1150 KKNW with Gary Mants
Bothell, Washington
Event Date: Saturday May 21, 2011
Event Time: 10:00 AM PST
www.1150KKNW.com

Newstalk AM630 CHED
Edmonton, AB, Canada
Event Date: Wednesday April 27, 2011
Event Time: 7:45 AM MT

Lewis At Large
www.lewisatlarge.coms
Lawrence, Kansas
Event Date: Monday, April 25
Event Time: 6:00 PM PST

Newstalk 1310 KFKA Colorado
CBS Radio News
Event Date: Monday, April 25
Event Time: 7:40-7:50 AM PST

Book Signing with author Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Event Date: Saturday, April 23, 2011
Event Time: 1-3 pm
Event Location: It's A Grind
189 Blue Ravine Road
Folsom, CA

Book Signing with author Gaelyn Whitley Keith
Event Date: Saturday, April 9, 2011
Event Time: 1-3 pm
Event Location: Peet's Coffee
1290 E. Bidwell Street Suite 110
Folsom, CA

Mancow Muller Show
Event Date: Thursday March 24 at 6am central time
Event Time: 6 A.M central time

WCHE 1520-AM - The Michael Raffaele Show
Event Date: March 23, 2011
Event Time: 10:20 AM PST

WMBS-CBS - The Jack Evans Show
Event Date: March 8th, 2011
Event Time: 5:15 PM till 6 PM EST

AM 560 KLZ with Angel Tuccy
Experience Pros Radio Show
Event Date: March 8th, 2011
Event Time: 10:10 am MST

WJIM AM 1240, WJRW 1340 AM with Patrick Michael Shiels
Event Date: Saturday February 28, 2011
Event Time:3:40 AM PST

Van Nuys 1911-2011 100 Years 'The Heart of the Valley'
Event Date: Saturday February 26, 2011
Event Time:12:30 - 2:00 PM PST
Place: Van Nuys Orange Line
(Aetna & Van Nuys Blvd)

The Awards Media Center
Thursday, Feb 24 and Friday Feb 25 from 11am – 3pm
Location: 2nd floor of Hollywood & Highland,
directly above the Awards Walk / red carpet area invitation only

KMPS/CBS Seattle 94.1 with Bo Hudson
Event Date: Friday February 18, 2011
Event Time:1:00 PST

WELE 1380 AM with Bobbie Thomas
Event Date: Friday February 7, 2011
Event Time:2:10 EST

KSEN 1150 AM with Jerry Puffer
Event Date: Friday February 4, 2011
Event Time:3:30 PST

1420 WACK with Dr. Rus Jeffrey
Event Date: Friday February 4, 2011
Event Time: 8:30 EST

"JOE FRANKLIN SHOW"
BLOOMBERG RADIO
WBBR 1130 AM
SATURDAY JAN.29TH AT 3:37 AM , 1:37 PM , 7:37 PM
SUNDAY 1:37 AM AND REPEATED AT THE RUN OF THE STATION

Lee and Brian Show
www.wnjc1360am.com
Event Date: Saturday January 29, 2011
Event Time: 2-3 PM EST Washington Township, New Jersey

BRAINSTORMIN¹ with Billy the Brain radio
KKZZ AM 1400 - Positive Talk Radio
Event Date: Monday January 26, 2011
Event Time: 10 AM PST

Workday Cafe Show with Lou Blasi and Bruce Arnold
WCCM 1110 AM
Event Date: Monday January 24, 2011
Event Time: 1:25 PM EST

Morning show with Tom Barnard
Event Date: Monday January 24, 2011
Event Time: 6:40 AM PST
www.92kqrs.com

Fox 40 News with Jaime Garza
Event Date: Wednesday January 19, 2011
Event Time: 10 PM PST

WTSN 1270 AM Open Mike with Mike Pomp
Event Date: Monday January 17, 2011
Event Time: 11-12 PM WST

Event Date: Wednesday January 12, 2011
Event Time: 8:30-9:00 EST
WAXE 1370 AM with Rhett Palmer
TheFloridaShow.com

Event Date: Saturday January 7, 2011
Event Time: 9:30-10:00 central time
KWRE with Mike Thomas

Event Date: Thursday January 5, 2011
Event Time: 1 AM PST
850 KOA-AM Denver, Colorado with Rick Barber

Event Date: Saturday January 1, 2011
Event Time: 1-2 PM
Joe Franklin Show
Bloomberg Radio's "Lifestyles"

Event Date: Thursday, December 28
Event Time:5-6 pM
Dresser After Dark Radio Show with Michael Dresser
www.dresserafterdark.com/

Event Date: Thursday, December 23
Event Time: 9-10 AM
Around the World Radio
www.aroundtheworldradio.com

Event Date: Sunday, December 5
Event Time: 1:00-3:00p.m.
Store Address:
Borders
2030 Douglas Blvd. Suite 9
Roseville, CA 95661
(916) 784-1088


Event Date: Saturday, October 23
Event Time: 1:00p.m.
Store Address:
Book Lovers
5800 Madison Ave Ste. W
Sacramento, CA 95841
Phone: 916-332-3133


Event Date: Sunday, October 10
Event Time: 1:00-3:00p.m.
Store Address:
Borders
2765 E Bidwell St
Folsom, CA 95630
Phone: 916-984-5900


Event Date: October 5, 2010
Event Time: 5 p.m.
KFBK Radio with Kitty O'Neal
AM 1530


June 9, 2009
Orangevale Library at 6:30 PM
8820 Greenback Lane #L
Orangevale, California 95662
(916) 264-2700

April 26, 2008
Grand Opening of Hobart Johnstone Whitley Museum Exhibit and Book Signing
San Fernando Valley College
Fireside Room

March 15 , 2008
Placerville Main Library at 1 PM
345 Fair Lane Placerville, California 95667
(530) 621-5540

February 6, 2008
Sacramento Central Library Archives Room
828 I Street
Sacramento, California 95814
Phone: 916-264-2920
News and Reviews

Saturday December 15, 2007 from 2-3:30 PM Book Signing
Borders at the Roseville Galleria Mall (Next to Grate and Barrel
1173 Galleria Blvd, Suite P114
Roseville, CA 95678
Phone: 916.788.1580

December 19, 2007
Eskaton Village Book Signing
3939 Walnut Avenue
Carmichael, California

About The Author

Gaelyn Whitley Keith was raised in Manhattan Beach, California, a stone's throw from Hollywood. Gaelyn went to college at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo in the early 1970’s and spent the years after college traveling around the country and the world, writing short stories and working for South Bay Magazine. She has been awarded top honors in national writing competitions.

Gaelyn discovered her longing to be a writer when she was a child listening to her mother’s imaginative true stories about Hollywood. In adolescence, encouraged by English teachers who described her as a “born writer,” she began writing her own stories, as well as keeping prolific journals that chronicled her experiences, both internal and external, a practice she has continued throughout her life.

Today Gaelyn lives beside a lake, with her husband Randy. She writes in a book-lined upstairs study where she can look out at the lake and wildlife. She is writing a script for a mini series!