The Studio System

Classical Hollywood film studios had a very specific organization.  In these successful studios, all steps of the film process (production, distribution, exhibition, and stars) could be found in one place.  During this time, the most influential part of the studio system was found in the stars.  Studios would contractually bind actors and then loan the talent out to other producers.  In the eyes of the audience, the stars were the biggest representation of the studio and were also the main reason that people would pay to see certain films.  

Stars during this time typically did not cross genres.  Instead, the actor became associated with a certain genre and talent.  This was especially true in the case of Humphrey Bogart.  The famed actor developed a certain role, character and look which began to carry over into each of his movies.  With this, Warner Brothers began producing a high volume of gangster and detective films, in which Bogart was often the main feature.  With the start of WWII, most studios moved to war themed films, but even in the changing genre, Bogart's widely known traits remained.  

The star system used in classical Hollywood studios greatly affected the future of films.  Without the talent, most people would not find interest in seeing a particular movie.  Actors became the main selling point for films and was essentially the reason that studios were able to profit.