1930 Movies

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Virginia Cherrill, Florence Lee, Harry Myers
Rated G

"City Lights" is a classic silent comedy film directed by Charles Chaplin in 1931. It tells the story of a tramp (played by Chaplin) who falls in love with a blind flower girl and is determined to help her regain her sight. His attempts to raise money to pay for the operation lead him into a series of comic misadventures, including being mistaken for a millionaire and then being arrested for being in debt. With a little luck and some help from a kind-hearted millionaire, the tramp is able to save the day and make the woman's dreams come true.

From Charles Chaplin, starring Charles Chaplin, Paulette Goddard, Henry Bergman, Tiny Sandford
Rated G

Modern Times is a comedy classic starring Charles Chaplin as “The Little Tramp”, a factory worker struggling to survive in the modern, industrialized world. The film follows him as he attempts to keep his job in a never-ending cycle of assembly lines, overtime, and layoffs, while trying to make sense of the world around him. Throughout the film, The Little Tramp is pushed to his physical and mental limit, only to be saved by the beautiful and kind daughter of a wealthy factory owner. Through their adventures, the two come to understand the power of love and kindness in a world filled with chaos and uncertainty. Along the way, Chaplin provides comic relief and social commentary on the dangers of the growing industrial age.

From Lewis Milestone, starring Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, John Wray, Arnold Lucy
Rated Passed

All Quiet on the Western Front is a 1930 American anti-war film directed by Lewis Milestone and based on the book of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. It follows the story of a group of young German men who enlist in the army during World War I and the tragedy they experience in the trenches. The film follows the protagonist Paul Baumer, as he grapples with the horror of war and the moral dilemma of killing. The film is considered a classic of anti-war cinema and is often credited as one of the most realistic depictions of World War I in a film. It was nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award and won awards for Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Cinematography. The film is an iconic symbol of the tragedy of war and is often hailed as one of the greatest war films ever made.

From Frank Capra, starring Clark Gable, Claudette Colbert, Walter Connolly, Roscoe Karns
Rated Passed

It Happened One Night is a 1934 romantic comedy directed by Frank Capra. The film tells the story of spoiled heiress Ellie Andrews (Claudette Colbert), who runs away from her father and attempts to make her way to her true love in New York. With the help of a reporter named Peter Warne (Clark Gable), she is able to make it to New York, while at the same time, falling in love with him. Along the way, they get into some hilarious situations, including a legendary hitchhiking scene. The film went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture, becoming the first film to accomplish such a feat. It is now considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Gregory La Cava, starring William Powell, Carole Lombard, Alice Brady, Gail Patrick
Rated Approved

My Man Godfrey is a screwball comedy directed by Gregory La Cava, starring William Powell and Carole Lombard. The story centers around the wealthy Bullock family, who hire Godfrey (William Powell), a homeless man, to be their butler. Godfrey quickly proves himself to be a competent and loyal employee, but the family soon begins to wonder about his mysterious past. Despite the family's wealth, Godfrey soon begins to teach them the meaning of true happiness, and the importance of helping those less fortunate. Along the way, Godfrey and Irene (Carole Lombard), the daughter of the family, fall in love. In the end, Godfrey's past is revealed, and he and Irene are able to live happily ever after.

From Directors: Merian C. Cooper, Ernest B. Schoedsack, starring Fay Wray, Robert Armstrong, Bruce Cabot, Frank Reicher
Rated Passed

King Kong is a classic 1933 adventure fantasy film directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. The film follows a filmmaker and his crew on an expedition to a mysterious Skull Island, where they find an enormous ape called Kong. They capture Kong and bring him back to New York, where his rampage causes panic and destruction. Despite the efforts of the military to stop him, Kong eventually meets his demise atop the Empire State Building. Along the way, the crew discovers the island's secrets and encounters various creatures, as well as the island's native inhabitants, who worship Kong as a god. The film is considered a landmark achievement in special effects and is one of the most beloved films of all time.

From W.S. Van Dyke, starring William Powell, Myrna Loy, Maureen O'Sullivan, Nat Pendleton
Rated TV-PG

The Thin Man is an American pre-code crime comedy based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. The film stars William Powell and Myrna Loy as Nick and Nora Charles, a married couple who are amateur sleuths. Nick is a retired private detective who is drawn into the case of a missing inventor and his missing wife. With the help of their wire-haired terrier, Asta, Nick and Nora solve the case with style and humor. Along the way, the couple enjoy a series of romantic escapades and amusing encounters with society's upper crust. The film is a delightful mix of comedy and mystery that has become a classic.

From James Whale, starring Colin Clive, Mae Clarke, Boris Karloff, John Boles
Rated Passed

Frankenstein is a 1931 horror film directed by James Whale, based on the novel of the same name by Mary Shelley. It tells the story of Dr. Henry Frankenstein, a scientist who creates a grotesque creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. Dr. Frankenstein's creation, the Monster, is brought to life by a bolt of lightning, but is rejected by society. Dr. Frankenstein and his assistant Fritz are then forced to flee from the city, pursued by the Monster. Along the way, the Monster learns how to speak and interact with the world around him, although he continues to be shunned and rejected by humans. In the end, Dr. Frankenstein and the Monster have a final showdown in a windmill, where the Monster ultimately dies.

From Tod Browning, starring Wallace Ford, Leila Hyams, Olga Baclanova, Roscoe Ates
Rated Not Rated

Freaks is a 1932 horror film directed by Tod Browning, based upon the short story Spurs by Tod Robbins. The film follows a group of carnival sideshow performers, referred to as “freaks”, who are exploited by a beautiful trapeze artist and her strongman partner. The freaks take revenge on the duo by transforming them into the very thing they mocked. The film has become a cult classic due to its dark themes, memorable characters, and the strange and unique visuals. The film was controversial upon its initial release and has been banned in many countries for its depictions of disability and exploitation.

From Leo McCarey, starring Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, Zeppo Marx
Rated Not Rated

Duck Soup is a 1933 Marx Brothers comedy directed by Leo McCarey. The plot follows the antics of newly crowned President Rufus T. Firefly (Groucho Marx) as he attempts to bring order to the tiny nation of Freedonia. His plans are complicated by the interference of the wealthy Mrs. Teasdale (Margaret Dumont) and her ambassador Trentino (Louis Calhern). The resulting conflict between Freedonia and its rival nation, Sylvania, brings the Marx Brothers into a series of hilarious predicaments. Featuring an array of classic gags, sight gags, and musical numbers, Duck Soup is widely considered one of the greatest comedies of all time.

From James Whale, starring Boris Karloff, Elsa Lanchester, Colin Clive, Valerie Hobson
Rated Not Rated

The Bride of Frankenstein is the sequel to the 1931 horror classic Frankenstein. It is directed by James Whale and stars Boris Karloff as the Monster and Elsa Lanchester as the Bride. The film begins with an expedition to the ruined Castle Frankenstein and the recovery of Dr. Frankenstein's papers. His assistant Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger) convinces Frankenstein (Colin Clive) to revive the Monster, but to create a mate for him. After a dramatic sequence where the Monster is reject by the villagers, Frankenstein agrees to help Dr. Pretorius in his plans. They create a mate for the Monster, and she comes to life with a startlingly eerie cry of "It's alive!" The Monster is initially delighted with his Bride, but is rejected by her. After a climatic confrontation, the Monster, his Bride, and Frankenstein all perish in a great fire.

From Josef von Sternberg, starring Emil Jannings, Marlene Dietrich, Kurt Gerron, Rosa Valetti
Rated Passed

The Blue Angel is a 1930 German film directed by Josef von Sternberg. It stars Emil Jannings as Professor Immanuel Rath and Marlene Dietrich as the cabaret singer Lola Lola. The film follows Immanuel Rath, a professor at a German University, who is a respected man of great moral authority. When his students become too rowdy, he decides to investigate the nightclubs they frequent. There he meets the beautiful cabaret singer Lola Lola and is instantly entranced by her. She eventually seduces him, leading him to abandon his job and follow her on a tour of Germany. Rath's life rapidly deteriorates as he becomes dependent on Lola and he loses his respectability. In the end, Rath is forced to take a job as a clown in the cabaret where Lola works, becoming an object of ridicule. Despite this, he still loves Lola, and his love for her is ultimately his downfall. The Blue Angel is a tragic tale of love and morality, exploring themes of humiliation, seduction, and the corrupting power of desire. It is widely regarded as one of the most important films of the early sound era.

From Directors: Howard Hawks, Richard Rosson, starring Paul Muni, Ann Dvorak, Karen Morley, Osgood Perkins
Rated PG

Scarface (1932) is a classic gangster film directed by Howard Hawks and Richard Rosson. The film stars Paul Muni as Antonio "Tony" Camonte, a small-time gangster trying to make it big in the Chicago underworld. Tony soon learns the ropes of crime from his boss Johnny Lovo, and rises to the top of the criminal food chain. Tony's ambition and ruthlessness eventually lead him to become the kingpin of the city's crime syndicate, with his gang of thugs controlling the streets. Along the way, Tony faces the law, rival gangs, and his own inner demons. In the end, Tony's hubris brings about his own undoing and he is brought to justice. The film is a classic of the gangster genre, and its influence can still be seen in modern day gangster films.

From Mark Sandrich, starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Edward Everett Horton, Erik Rhodes
Rated Not Rated

Starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, Top Hat is a musical romantic comedy set in London in the 1930s. The film follows Jerry Travers (Astaire), an American dancer who travels to England to perform in a show. While there, he meets and falls in love with Dale Tremont (Rogers), a beautiful but feisty dancing teacher who is engaged to a stuffy Englishman, Horace Hardwick (Edward Everett Horton). After a series of mistaken identities and hilarious misunderstandings, Jerry and Dale finally reunite and dance the night away. With lavish dance numbers and a catchy score, Top Hat is a timeless classic of the golden age of Hollywood.

From Leo McCarey, starring Irene Dunne, Cary Grant, Ralph Bellamy, Alexander D'Arcy
Rated Passed

The Awful Truth is a 1937 romantic comedy starring Irene Dunne and Cary Grant. The movie follows the story of Lucy and Jerry, a couple who divorce after five years of marriage, only to realize they are still in love. Despite the separation, they each try to make the other jealous by going on dates with other people. Eventually they realize they still care for each other and reconcile at the end. The movie is noted for its clever dialogue, witty comedy, and its positive portrayal of divorce. It was a commercial and critical success and won an Academy Award for Best Director.

From Directors: William Cottrell, David Hand, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, Perce Pearce, Ben Sharpsteen, starring Adriana Caselotti, Harry Stockwell, Lucille La Verne, Roy Atwell
Rated Approved

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is a classic animated musical fantasy film from 1937, directed by William Cottrell, David Hand, Wilfred Jackson, Larry Morey, Perce Pearce, and Ben Sharpsteen. It tells the story of Snow White, an innocent princess who is exiled to the forest by her wicked stepmother, the Queen. Stranded in the forest, Snow White befriends seven dwarves and eventually takes refuge in their cottage. In order to reclaim her throne, Snow White must defeat the Queen’s dark magic. With the help of her woodland friends, the dwarves, and her own courage and determination, Snow White is ultimately able to overcome the Queen’s evil plan and live happily ever after.

From Norman Z. McLeod, starring Groucho Marx, Chico Marx, Harpo Marx, The Marx Brothers
Rated Passed

Horse Feathers is a classic pre-Code comedy film starring the Marx Brothers. Set in the fictional Huxley College, the story follows Professor Wagstaff, president of the school, who is determined to win a football game against rival Darwin College in order to preserve the school's honor. To ensure a victory, Wagstaff hires two con men, Baravelli and Pinky, to join the college team. However, Wagstaff's plan backfires when the con men turn out to be terrible at football, and instead focus on wooing two coeds, Connie and Alice, who are both in love with the star of the college team, Frank. The comedy of the film follows the Marx Brothers' trademark style of physical humor, witty dialogue, and irreverent references to popular culture. The film also features a number of memorable musical numbers, including the classic rendition of "Everyone Says I Love You." Despite being made during the pre-Code era, the film is considered by many to be one of the Marx Brothers' best works, and remains a classic of the comedy genre.

From John M. Stahl, starring Claudette Colbert, Warren William, Rochelle Hudson, Ned Sparks
Rated Approved

Imitation of Life is a 1934 American melodrama film directed by John M. Stahl and starring Claudette Colbert, Warren William, and Louise Beavers. It tells the story of a black woman, Bea Pullman, and her daughter Delilah, whose friendship and business partnership with a white woman, Lora Meredith, impacts the lives of everyone involved. After the death of her husband, Bea Pullman struggles to support her daughter, Delilah, and her mother-in-law, Mammy. The trio move to a white neighborhood in New York City and set up a pancake business which quickly succeeds. Lora Meredith becomes their friend and moves in with them. While Lora pursues her dreams of becoming a Broadway star, Bea and Mammy build a successful business on the back of the pancakes. Meanwhile, Delilah struggles to fit in with her white peers and is rejected by both sides of the racial divide. She eventually decides to pass as white, and her mother is forced to accept her decision. The film culminates in a heartbreaking scene as Delilah is reunited with her dying mother, who has been searching for her for years. Imitation of Life is an emotionally charged story about family

From George Stevens, starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Victor Moore, Helen Broderick
Rated Passed

Swing Time is a romantic musical comedy film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers and directed by George Stevens. The film follows two dancers, Lucky (Astaire) and Penny (Rogers), as they compete in a dance competition, fall in love, and overcome obstacles in their way. Through out the film, they are seen dancing together in a variety of styles, including the swing and the waltz. As Lucky and Penny try to win the competition, they are confronted with a variety of obstacles, such as Penny's ex-dancing partner who is determined to win the competition with her, and Lucky's former partner who is set on sabotaging their chances. In the end, after a series of setbacks, Lucky and Penny persevere and end up winning the competition as well as each other.

From Victor Heerman, starring Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, Chico Marx, The Marx Brothers
Rated G

From Directors: Tod Browning, Karl Freund, starring Bela Lugosi, Helen Chandler, David Manners, Dwight Frye
Rated Passed

From Norman Z. McLeod, starring Groucho Marx, Harpo Marx, The Marx Brothers, Chico Marx
Rated Not Rated

From Mark Sandrich, starring Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Alice Brady, Edward Everett Horton
Rated Approved

From Josef von Sternberg, starring Marlene Dietrich, Clive Brook, Anna May Wong, Warner Oland
Rated Approved

From Directors: William A. Wellman, Jack Conway, Victor Fleming, starring Janet Gaynor, Fredric March, Adolphe Menjou, May Robson
Rated Passed