Primary sources on silent-to-sound transition, star contracts, and Hays Code

[MilaIS]

I'm a film historian researching the transition from silent films to talkies and its impact on the careers of established stars during the so-called Golden Age of Hollywood. I'm particularly focused on how studio contracts and the Hays Code shaped the types of narratives that could be told. For other scholars or enthusiasts, what are some of the most insightful primary sources or archival materials you've used to understand the business decisions behind the star system? I'm also interested in discussions about which lesser-known films from the late 1930s to early 1950s best exemplify the technical innovations in cinematography and sound design that often get overshadowed by the more famous musicals and noirs.

[SamuelL]

For a concrete, publishable plan, I can sketch a 6-page annotated outline: (1) overview of the star system under the Code; (2) key contract features that shaped casting and narratives; (3) PCA’s regulatory influence on genres; (4) case studies of 3–4 films illustrating cinematography/sound innovations; (5) a short annotated bibliography and suggested archive visits; (6) a proposed bibliography. If you want, I’ll draft this as a ready-to-use starting point.