Summary
Highlights
The introduction of "The Jazz Singer" in 1927 marked the beginning of sound films, transforming the movie industry into a booming business. Even during the Great Depression in the 1930s, 80 million movie tickets were sold weekly, showcasing its importance to the American public.
The 1930s saw the rise of many iconic stars like Errol Flynn, James Cagney, and Edward G. Robinson, the latter two famous for gangster roles. Young talents such as Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, and Shirley Temple also captivated audiences. However, Clark Gable was the biggest star, making 39 films and becoming most recognized for his role as Rhett Butler in "Gone with the Wind."
1939 is considered a legendary year in cinematic history. Besides the monumental success of "Gone with the Wind," which held the record for highest-grossing film for 26 years and remains the most successful when adjusted for inflation, other classics released that year include "Wuthering Heights," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," "Stagecoach," and "The Wizard of Oz."
Movie theaters in the 1930s were grand and elegant, featuring chandeliers and plush seating. Each screening began with a newsreel, previews, and cartoons starring beloved characters like Bugs Bunny and Mickey Mouse, or live-action shorts with the Three Stooges or Little Rascals. Matinees, aimed at children, offered cheap entertainment with serials that left viewers eager for the next installment.
Movies provided crucial relief from the hardships of the Great Depression. For a small fee, typically 25 cents in the evening, people could enter a luxurious theater and temporarily escape their worries, finding much-needed entertainment and a distraction from the struggles of daily life.