Love, patriotism, moviemaking and the influence of popular culture on religion during WWII.

Spirituality in Hollywood when the stars were bright. An idealistic farm girl from Oregon follows her boyfriend to Los Angeles and copes with challenges of both family and career when he goes to war. A young man from Ohio loses his first love while rising from gas pump attendant to movie director at the Fox studio through his relationships with actresses, in particular star Bette Davis. His work includes a comical biopic of theologian Jonathan Edwards and adaptations of classics—Wieland, Modern Chivalry and Rappaccini's Daughter. His adventures take him to a brothel of imitation stars and to an orgy hosted by horror actor Lionel Atwill. Hollywood parties reflect the decadence of Europe while American lives converge to an inspirational ending. Stars in uniform appear at a huge reception to honor troops as the nation rallies after the sneak attack on Pearl Harbor and the horrific battle of Tarawa, evoking a spirit of personal sacrifice, a time when Americans felt more united as a nation than at any time since. First in a trilogy about Hollywood social history, to include Follywood (2004) and Hollyworld (2005).