Exploring the Impact of MGM's 1937 Screenwriter Contracts on Hollywood's Golden Age

In 1937, F. Scott Fitzgerald signed a contract as a screenwriter with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM), marking a significant shift in his career that required him to relocate to Hollywood. This opportunity provided Fitzgerald with his highest annual income to date, amounting to $29,757.87, which is equivalent to approximately $630,702 in today's currency. However, despite this financial success, Fitzgerald faced personal challenges that impacted his earnings. A substantial portion of his income was allocated to cover the psychiatric treatment of his wife, Zelda, as well as the educational expenses for their daughter, Scottie. During the subsequent two years, Fitzgerald resided in a modest room at the Garden of Allah bungalow on Sunset Boulevard. In an attempt to combat his struggles with alcohol, he replaced drinking with large quantities of Coca-Cola and indulged in sweets. This period in Hollywood was both a professional opportunity and a personal trial for Fitzgerald, as he navigated the complexities of his family life while trying to establish himself in the film industry. #mooflife #mof #MomentOfLife #F.ScottFitzgerald #Mgm #Hollywood #Screenwriter #1937