An intellectual oasis in a sea of mediocrity, Paul Merton's Birth of Hollywood recently came to an end. This 3 part series, which aired here in the UK on consecutive Friday nights, proved essential viewing for two main reasons. Firstly, it showcased an era of filmmaking all but forgotten in the drive to feature the new, the up-to-date, the "hip". Secondly, the loving care Mr. Merton feels for his subject was evident throughout, creating a tangible bond between himself, his material, and his audience- united in their affection for the past.
