Battles Won and Lost

This chapter begins with a concise history of Warner Bros.—its inception, its combative founders, and the key role that music played in the studio’s releases. Steiner’s first work at Warners, The Charge of the Light Brigade, would be another milestone—a grand action-adventure score foreshadowing contemporary film music. Despite a tight deadline, and high expectations from producer Hal Wallis, Steiner triumphed, which made his return to Selznick all the more crushing. David’s increasing micromanagement extended to music; and Max was devastated when the producer who had called himself Steiner’s “biggest fan” eviscerated his score for A Star Is Born, Selznick’s latest film. A proud (if often insecure) individual, Steiner resigned his post at Selznick but stressed to the producer his desire to remain friends. His motives were not solely personal. Max knew that Selznick was about to film the most successful novel of the decade: Gone with the Wind.