Male Domination of the
Hollywood Screen

On every Hollywood front, and for nearly every major screen talent, the 1960s proved to be far more agreeable to male actors. In particular, the years from 1967 through 1969 marked the appearance of several male talents who would remain prominent Hollywood screen figures for the next two decades. Throughout the 1960s, veteran star actors became increasingly prominent as producers, and, in a number of instances, shifted their talent and careers to film directing. Even when they did not take on those roles, major stars were gaining influence over the artistic choices made on specific projects in which they were involved. Interestingly, that form of artistic power was enjoyed as well by at least a few actresses by the mid 1960s.

Male screen-acting style was modified generally during the decade, but the real changes were found in the...