Some of you know that I successfully defended my dissertation this COVID spring and finally finished my Ph.D. in History.  This eight-year journey ended with a Zoom defense and a surprise socially distant celebration on my driveway immediately following the words, "Congratulations Dr. Johnson!"  (I was waiting to hear that!)

As I submit the final draft of my dissertation for my degree conferral, I am reminded that not a lot of people are going to read it!  That's ok.  Maybe someday, I will publish it and throngs of readers will purchase it!  In the meantime, what cannot wait for publication is the total tonnage of gratitude and love that I feel for so many people who helped me along the way.  So here is the Acknowledgements section from my dissertation.  I am posting this here with all the love in the world for the amazing humans who supported me on this journey.  Thank you.  

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Acknowledgements

It is certainly true that writing this dissertation was a humbling experience; a marathon of patience, endurance, and nerve.  I am indebted to the many people who listened to me, guided me, and sometimes carried me along the way.  First and foremost, my dissertation committee led by Dr. James Morrison. Professor Morrison’s insights, assurances, and suggestions filled me with confidence to complete this journey.  His scholarship and guidance were invaluable and his appreciation of my random film humor kept me sane on many an occasion.  Dr. JoAnna Poblete’s caring intuitions have guided me and supported me throughout this dissertation and my years at Claremont Graduate University.  Finally, Dr. Janet Farrell Brodie has been my trusted advisor for many years.  In that time, she has challenged me to become a better historian and writer.   I am truly grateful.  

The staff at the UCLA Film and Television Archive were happy to support my research and patient with my questions.  I am especially grateful to Dr. Maya Montanez-Smukler for setting up piles of documents and Hearst records for my research.  

At CGU, I am indebted to Veronica Marrujo for her support navigating the daunting maze of higher education bureaucracy and forms.  I am grateful to fellow CGU alumni Christopher Martin and Jeffrey Griffith for sharing their experiences throughout the dissertation journey and for reading chapters of my work.  

Many patient colleagues, friends, and family read earlier drafts of this work.  Most importantly, they listened to my questions, fears, and doubts while researching and writing.  To John Varga, I extend my eternal gratitude for his mentorship and professional guidance.  I would not have survived without the scholarly and emotional support of Erik Altenbernd, James Arthur Holt, Peter Johnson, Heather Kent, Sherrill Pennington, Brent Riffel, Darrell Shipley, Laura Sloan, Michel Stallings, Michelle Vasquez, Jennifer Whitcomb, Paul Wickline, and Robert Wonser.  

The inspiration of my father Philip’s love of films and literature is everywhere present in my writing, my identity, and my heart.  

Finally and most importantly, my family, Marianne, Will, Megan, and of course, Jeremy.  Your love and care kept me going through all these words.  Jeremy, my husband and chief comic relief for the last twenty-five years, read every single word of this project and caught my tears on more than one occasion.  Yours is the shoulder I will always rest on.  Thank you.