Summary of the work - Sykalo Eugen 2023

Short summary - The Last Tycoon by F. Scott Fitzgerald

"The Last Tycoon" by F. Scott Fitzgerald is a masterpiece of American literature that narrates the story of Monroe Stahr, a Hollywood producer, during the 1930s. It is a posthumously published novel that Fitzgerald left unfinished at the time of his death in 1940. The novel depicts the glamor and excess of Hollywood during the Great Depression, the struggles of the movie industry, and the rise of the political power of the wealthy elite.

The novel is divided into nine chapters, each of which reveals a different aspect of Stahr's life. In the first chapter, we are introduced to Stahr, the "last tycoon," who is a passionate, ambitious, and hardworking man. He is the head of production at a major Hollywood studio and is responsible for making the studio a success. The novel follows Stahr as he deals with the daily challenges of running a movie studio while trying to cope with the grief of losing his wife, Minna.

In the second chapter, Stahr meets Cecilia Brady, the daughter of a wealthy and powerful business magnate, and falls in love with her. However, their relationship is complicated by the fact that Cecilia is engaged to marry another man. The chapter ends with Stahr and Cecilia's passionate kiss, which marks the beginning of their secret affair.

The third chapter sees Stahr's studio facing a financial crisis. He has to deal with the studio's board of directors, who are more interested in cutting costs than producing quality films. Stahr's vision clashes with the board's, and he has to fight to keep creative control of his movies. Meanwhile, Stahr's relationship with Cecilia becomes more intense, and they plan to run away together.

In the fourth chapter, Stahr suffers a heart attack, and his health deteriorates. He becomes more vulnerable, and his relationship with Cecilia is threatened when her father finds out about their affair. Cecilia's father uses his power and influence to break them apart, and Stahr is devastated.

The fifth chapter takes us back in time to Stahr's childhood, where we learn that he was born to a Jewish father and a Gentile mother. This chapter explains how Stahr's heritage has affected his life and career, and how he has struggled to find his place in the world.

In the sixth chapter, Stahr's studio is threatened by a strike, and he has to negotiate with the workers to avoid a shutdown. He also has to deal with his nemesis, an ambitious young producer named Brimmer, who wants to take over Stahr's position. Stahr's health continues to deteriorate, and he becomes dependent on drugs to keep him going.

The seventh chapter sees Stahr traveling to New York to meet with a potential investor, who turns out to be Cecilia's father. Stahr and Cecilia have a brief reunion, but her father's influence is too strong, and she leaves Stahr for good. Stahr returns to Hollywood, where he has to deal with a major fire at his studio, which destroys much of his work.

The eighth chapter sees Stahr trying to rebuild his studio and his life. He hires a new assistant, Kathleen, who becomes his confidante and helps him cope with his loss. However, Stahr's health continues to decline, and he knows that he may not have much time left.

The final chapter is unfinished, but it suggests that Stahr's health deteriorates further, and he has to confront his mortality. The novel ends with Stahr realizing that he has lost everything, but he still has his memories and his dreams.

In conclusion, "The Last Tycoon" is a powerful novel that explores the themes of love, ambition, power, and mortality. It is a poignant and beautifully written story that captures the essence of Hollywood during the Great Depression. Fitzgerald's portrayal of Stahr is masterful, and the novel is a testament to his genius as a writer.