Abstract

California Grotesque

This article presents information about the book "The Day of the Locust," by Nathanael West. This book attempts to do a great deal more than just pillory the foibles had flimflammery of the movie industry. While its setting is Hollywood, Mr. West has sketched an acidulous melange of Southern California grotesques, including the usual figures of the disillusioned artist and the self-centered ham actress and the mother of the would-be child star. Around the character of Tod Hackett, a young painter attached to one of the big studios, Mr. West has grouped such a galaxy of spongers, misfits and eccentrics as will give a sensitive reader the crawling horrors. The story ends on a particularly nightmarish note when Tod is injured by the star-worshipping, irresponsible mob outside a world premiére.