The Latham Loop (Harold Gilbert Trilogy)

Harold Gilbert comes to Los Angeles in 1912 to try and make it as a comic in the nascent California film industry; Max Randolph is a delivery boy and extra who dreams of making great dramatic pictures like D.W. Griffith. Together they launch a film company that Harold's comedic talent propels to success. But while Harold wants to keep making good pictures better, Max only cares about consolidating power, especially over his prime moneymaker, Harold Gilbert.

When naïve young Ella Davies joins the company, Max's callous treatment of the girl and his growing lust for control compel Harold to strike out on his own. But Max has one final power play up his sleeve-involving a mysterious girl from his past and a hotel room in San Francisco...

The Latham Loop takes the reader through the back lots and boardinghouses, vaudeville theaters and amusement piers of early Los Angeles as Harold pursues his dream of success in the movie industry.