Thomas Schatz's volume in the "History of the American Cinema" series looks as Hollywood in the 1940s, a challenging decade in which the film industry faced threats from antitrust investigations and the emerging technology of television. Overshadowing all, though, was the war, which both undermined markets and provided unprecedented opportunities for American filmmakers. Schatz examines all of this in an account that addresses studio operations, production trends, and the industry's response to the shifting political winds of the decade. It is a fascinating look at tumultuous times, one that can be read for enjoyment or used as a reference work. ( )