"The studio didn't ask them to learn their trade, they just worked them, and when that personality or that gimmick or whatever they had ran dry at the box office, they were dropped and out"

Jackie Cooper's quote provides a crucial viewpoint on the old Hollywood studio system, shedding light on the typically exploitative nature of the entertainment industry during its golden age. Cooper, a child star who experienced the low and high of Hollywood, provides an insider's perspective, highlighting the absence of emphasis on skill advancement and the disposability of actors when their marketability waned.

The phrase "The studio didn't ask them to discover their trade" implies that studios were primarily focused on immediate profitability instead of supporting talent. Stars were typically picked for their existing appeal or distinct characteristics-- their "personality or that trick"-- rather than their acting capabilities or potential for growth. This method recommends that the studios saw stars as commodities, tools to be utilized as long as they produced earnings, rather than artists to be established.

Cooper's reference of being "worked" underscores the demanding schedules and extreme pressures put on actors. The expectation was to constantly churn out performances, often with little regard for individual or professional development. This might have caused brief professions, as the focus was on instant earnings rather than sustainable, long-term profession development.

The phrase "when that personality or that trick or whatever they had ran dry at the box workplace" further highlights the short-term nature of fame in Hollywood. As soon as a star's appeal decreased, their value to the studio vaporized. They were rapidly "dropped and out", reflecting the ruthless service practices of the time, where monetary success was prioritized over private professions.

Overall, Cooper's quote works as a poignant critique of a system that frequently focused on profits over individuals, highlighting the requirement for a more supportive and nurturing environment for skill in the industry. It resonates with continuous conversations about the treatment of stars and the value of mentoring and ability advancement in the arts.