Escapism vs. Realism in 1930's Films

The Great Depression was a dark time for our country as well as for the rest of the world. Unemployment was at an all-time high and happiness was at an all-time low. It is a time that will hopefully never happen again.

During this time, movie theatres were flooded with a plethora of over-the-top musicals, screwball comedies, and romantic tales filmed in exotic locations…I mean exotic-looking Hollywood backlots. For about a quarter, the average joe could be taken away from the woes of the world and into a completely different world full of mystery and romance.

Films provided a cheap escape from the problems that plagued the nation. This is one of the reasons I love classic films so much. For just a few hours, I’m transported to different time when men still opened doors for ladies and cigarettes looked classy instead of deadly and unattractive (FYI: I’m against smoking, but they make it look so darn glamorous!) The escapism that classic films provide is one of the reasons I avoid so many newer films which seem to only depress.

Here is just of sampling of some of the best escapist films of the 1930’s

It Happened One Night (1934)
The Fred and Ginger Musicals
Gone With the Wind (1939)
42nd St. (1933)
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Red Dust (1932)

I could honestly go on and on about the wonderful escapist films made in the 1930’s, but I’d also like to point out that some movies decided to tackle the Depression head on. Although there are much fewer of these somewhat realist films in existence, I think they help us remember that the 1930’s weren’t all sunshine and roses like the movies lead us to believe. They show what the Depression was like, but also provide hope. A hope that life will get better, somewhere over the rainbow.
Our Daily Bread (1934)
A group of down-on-their-luck people work together on a farm and create a thriving independent society.

Wild Boys of the Road (1933)
Feeling that they are burdens to their struggling families, two boys ride the rails in search of work. Along the way, they meet up with other poor youths and fight to make a dime.

The film that I believe combines elements of escapism and realism pretty well is Gold Diggers of 1933. The musical numbers choreographed by Busby Berkeley provide a fantastical spectacle to the eye while numbers like “Remember My Forgotten Man”, tug at the heartstrings. It shows all the stages that people went through during the Depression: trying to escape from and ignore problems, facing reality and learning how to deal, and hoping for a better future.

Escapism: Pettin’ in the Park


Realism: Remember My Forgotten Man


Hope: We’re In the Money

Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a clip of this wonderful musical number, but you’ve probably seen it or at least heard of it.

Getting Married in the Movies

About three weeks ago, I went to my older brother’s wedding. It was a beautiful wedding despite the fact that it was outside and all the guests were freezing. Nevertheless, I had a pretty good time hanging out with my family. My brother’s wedding leaves me as the only unmarried person in my family; my sister was married just last summer. It makes feel kind of left out, but that doesn’t mean I’ll be getting married anytime soon!

My sister and I at the wedding. Can you tell we're 5 years apart?

While I was there, I started thinking about some of my favorite wedding movies/scenes. Movie weddings always seem so much more romantic and glamorous than real life weddings. According to my poll, it seems the majority of you think The Philadelphia story is the best of the wedding movies. Royal Wedding didn’t stand a chance.

Father of the Bride (1950)

Hmm…funny how the serial bride Elizabeth Taylor is in one of the most well-known wedding movies of all time.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

I’ve heard of double weddings, but seven at once? Now, that’s what I call memorable!

The Graduate (1967)

I absolutely love the wedding scene at the end. It gives a whole new meaning to the term runaway bride.

The Philadelphia Story (1940)

You guys voted it as the best wedding movie for a reason. Which one would you marry? Cary Grant, Jimmy Stewart, or John Howard? Tough choice.

Carefree (1938)

Nobody can walk down the isle with a black eye like Ginger can. Absolutely fantastic.

The Catered Affair (1956)

Planning a wedding can be a nightmare especially when the bills start rolling in. This nice little drama shows what can happen.

The Afterlife: Hollywood Style

Anybody that has experienced Dead Week in college knows that it’s a busy time. Technically, it’s not supposed to be called Dead Week anymore due to the rather depressing origin of the phrase. Anyways, in celebration of this rather crazy week, I have compiled a list of films that show Golden Age Hollywood’s portrayal of the afterlife.

Topper (1937)

I don’t know about the rest of you, but I wouldn’t mind dealing with the antics of the ghosts of Cary Grant and Constance Bennett. Absolutely hilarious! The sequels Topper Takes a Trip (1938) and Topper Returns (1941) are decent, but not as good as the original.

Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941)
If I was taken up to heaven before I was supposed to, I would definitely not find it comedic. However, if the person that accidentally takes me up is Edward Everett Horton, I’d be able to forgive him for his little mistake.

The Ghost and Mrs. Muir (1947)
Being haunted by the ghost of a rugged sea captain? Pretty awesome. Falling in love with that ghost? Kind of complicated.

Heaven Can Wait (1943)
Why do people in the movies always have to die before they learn to appreciate what they had? Don Ameche is married to Gene Tierney in the movie, the most beautiful movie star ever!

Between Two Worlds (1944)
This little gem focuses on a group of people (including John Garfield, Paul Henreid, and Eleanor Parker) who die during an air raid and end up on a ship that will lead some to Heaven and some to Hell.

I Married a Witch (1942)
You’d think that after being around for almost 300 years, a witch would learn the proper way to use a love potion!

Carousel (1956)
One of the darker Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, but its absolutely fantastic. What would you do if you had one day on Earth?

A Guy Named Joe (1943)
Encouraging a romance between your best friend and your ex-girlfriend after you die? Not awkward at all.