1930's Movies

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

City Lights is a romantic comedy film written, directed, produced, and starring Charles Chaplin. The movie follows a poor, unnamed tramp (played by Chaplin) as he falls in love with a blind flower girl. The tramp befriends a wealthy man who, unbeknownst to him, is the same man the flower girl loves. The tramp tries to help the flower girl with money, but always fails. Eventually, he finds a way to restore her sight, and their love is eventually fulfilled. City Lights is a timeless classic, touching on themes of friendship, love and sacrifice, and showcasing Chaplin's brilliance as a filmmaker and actor.

From Directors: Victor Fleming, George Cukor, Sam Wood, starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Thomas Mitchell, Barbara O'Neil
Rated Passed

Gone with the Wind is a 1939 American epic historical romance film adapted from Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel of the same name. The film tells the story of Scarlett O'Hara, the strong-willed daughter of an Irish-American plantation owner in Georgia as she struggles to maintain her family's legacy and navigate her relationships with the enigmatic Ashley Wilkes and the roguish Rhett Butler during the American Civil War and Reconstruction period. The film stars Vivien Leigh as Scarlett, Clark Gable as Rhett, Leslie Howard as Ashley, and Olivia de Havilland as Melanie Hamilton. The film is a sweeping epic that chronicles the end of the Old South, the devastation of the American Civil War, the Reconstruction period, and the social and economic changes that affected the South. It was the highest-grossing film of all time when adjusted for inflation, and won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The film is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of all time.

From Jean Renoir, starring Jean Gabin, Dita Parlo, Pierre Fresnay, Erich von Stroheim
Rated Not Rated

The Grand Illusion is a 1937 French war film directed by Jean Renoir. The film tells the story of two French World War I prisoners of war, Lieutenant Maréchal and Captain de Boeldieu, who are taken to a German prisoner-of-war camp. The two men form a bond of friendship with their fellow prisoners, including the aristocratic Rosenthal, and share in the joy of a brief moment of freedom. They eventually escape and make their way to freedom, only to be faced with the harsh realities of life on the run. Along the way, they confront the grand illusion of the war, which is that in the end, the human spirit is greater than any artificial political boundaries. The film ends with a poignant reminder of the futility of war.

From Frank Capra, starring James Stewart, Jean Arthur, Claude Rains, Edward Arnold
Rated Passed

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is an American political drama directed by Frank Capra. The film stars James Stewart as Jefferson Smith, a naive and idealistic young man who is appointed to the U.S. Senate. After arriving in Washington, Smith is faced with a corrupt political system that he must work to overcome. With the help of his friend, a newspaper reporter and fellow senator, Smith must fight for his principles in the face of powerful adversaries. In the end, Smith's courage and integrity win out, and he is able to bring about a much-needed reform in American politics.

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

All Quiet on the Western Front is a 1930 drama film directed by Lewis Milestone and based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. The story follows a group of German soldiers during World War I, focusing on their experiences in the trenches, their relationships, and the psychological effects of the war on them. The film follows the story of Paul Bäumer, a young German soldier fighting in the Western Front, and his comrades as they struggle to survive in the brutal conditions of trench warfare. Through the story of Paul and his friends, the film explores the physical and psychological toll of war and its effects on the soldiers. The film is a powerful indictment of the horrors of war and its lasting impact on those who fight in it.

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

King Kong is a 1933 American monster adventure film directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. The film follows a group of filmmakers and adventurers as they travel to an uncharted island where they encounter a giant ape, who they call Kong. Kong is taken back to New York City, where he is put on display and ultimately escapes, leading to a destructive rampage through the city. The film features groundbreaking special effects and contains elements of adventure, horror, and romance. Despite its age, King Kong is still considered one of the greatest films of all time, and has had a profound influence on the film industry.

From Directors: Michael Curtiz, William Keighley, starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains
Rated PG

The Adventures of Robin Hood is a 1938 American swashbuckler film directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley. The film stars Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, Claude Rains and Claude Allister, and tells the story of Robin Hood, a Saxon who fights against Norman authority in 12th century England. When King Richard is captured during the Crusades, his brother John assumes the throne and taxes the citizens of England to finance his war effort. Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men, including Little John and Will Scarlet, fight to liberate the oppressed and reclaim what is rightfully theirs. Along the way, Robin also falls in love with Maid Marian, and the two must battle Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham in order to restore King Richard, save the people of England, and find their happily ever after.

From Jean Renoir, starring Marcel Dalio, Nora Gregor, Paulette Dubost, Mila Parély
Rated Not Rated

The Rules of the Game is a 1939 French film by acclaimed director Jean Renoir. Set in an upper-class French society in the weeks before the outbreak of World War II, the film follows the lives of several characters who are connected to the aristocratic de la Chesnaye family. Through a series of interconnected stories, the film examines the relationships between the members of the family, the servants, and their guests, as they each grapple with their own personal issues. With its intricately woven narrative, sharp wit, and masterful use of camera movement, The Rules of the Game is widely considered to be one of the greatest films ever made.

From Fritz Lang, starring Rudolf Klein-Rogge, Otto Wernicke, Thomy Bourdelle, Gustav Diessl
Rated Not Rated

The Testament of Dr. Mabuse is a 1933 crime thriller film directed by Fritz Lang. The film follows the story of Inspector Lohmann, who discovers a mysterious document written by the notorious criminal mastermind, Dr. Mabuse. The document outlines Mabuse's plans for a vast criminal enterprise and his ambitions to take over the world. Lohmann is tasked with uncovering Mabuse's plot and thwarting his attempt at world domination. Along the way, he is aided by a mysterious figure known as Dr. Baum, who may or may not be connected to Mabuse. Together, they face a variety of obstacles and villains, as they attempt to bring Mabuse to justice. The Testament of Dr. Mabuse is a suspenseful and thrilling film that captures Lang's mastery for creating tension and dread.

From William Wyler, starring Walter Huston, Ruth Chatterton, Paul Lukas, Mary Astor
Rated Passed

Dodsworth is a 1936 American drama movie directed by William Wyler and based off the 1929 novel by Sinclair Lewis. The movie stars Walter Huston as the title character, Samuel Dodsworth, a Midwesterner who decides to retire and embark on a grand European tour with his wife Fran. As the couple travels, their marriage is tested as Fran enjoys the attention of other men and Dodsworth faces his own midlife crisis. He eventually moves to England and refocuses his life by starting a new business. The movie was a critical and commercial success and was nominated for seven Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.

From Howard Hawks, starring Katharine Hepburn, Cary Grant, Charles Ruggles, Walter Catlett
Rated Passed

Bringing Up Baby is a classic screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks and starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn. The story follows David Huxley, a paleontologist who is about to marry a wealthy woman, when he meets the eccentric Susan Vance. Susan is determined to take David on an adventure, and when she accidentally sets loose a baby leopard, chaos ensues. In the midst of their wild escapades, David and Susan find themselves falling in love, and must decide whether to stay with their arranged marriages or risk everything to be together.

From Ernst Lubitsch, starring Greta Garbo, Melvyn Douglas, Ina Claire, Bela Lugosi
Rated Not Rated

Ninotchka is a 1939 romantic comedy film directed by Ernst Lubitsch. Starring Greta Garbo, it tells the story of a rigid Soviet official who travels to Paris to sell jewelry confiscated from the aristocracy during the Russian Revolution. Despite her initial disdain for the frivolities of capitalism, she soon falls in love with her charming companion, Count Leon d’Algout. With the help of her friends, she learns to appreciate the beauty of life outside the rigid Soviet Union. Through a series of humorous and romantic events, Ninotchka learns to embrace the joy of life and ultimately finds love and happiness.

From Frank Capra, starring Gary Cooper, Jean Arthur, George Bancroft, Lionel Stander
Rated Not Rated

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town is a 1936 romantic comedy directed by Frank Capra. Longfellow Deeds (Gary Cooper) is a small-town poet living in Mandrake Falls, Vermont. When he learns that he has inherited $20 million from a long-lost relative, he leaves for New York City to claim his inheritance. In New York, Deeds is confronted with corruption and greed in the form of his unscrupulous lawyer, John Cedar (Raymond Walburn). He also meets a cynical reporter, Babe Bennett (Jean Arthur), who is charmed by his innocence and simplicity. Together, they fight to protect Deeds' inheritance and fend off the attacks of the unscrupulous businessmen who are out to take advantage of him. In the end, Deeds proves that money can't buy happiness and sticks to his small-town values.

From William Dieterle, starring Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Hara, Cedric Hardwicke, Thomas Mitchell
Rated Passed

The Hunchback of Notre Dame (1939) is a classic romantic drama directed by William Dieterle and starring Charles Laughton, Maureen O'Hara, and Thomas Mitchell. The film follows the story of Quasimodo, a deformed bellringer of Notre Dame Cathedral, who falls in love with the beautiful gypsy girl Esmeralda. He befriends the mysterious vagabond Captain Phoebus, who helps him in his quest to rescue Esmeralda from the machinations of the wicked archdeacon Frollo. Despite his hunchback, Quasimodo ultimately finds that despite his physical appearance, he is capable of true love and heroism. The film provides a message of acceptance and compassion, and is considered to be one of the greatest film adaptations of the classic Victor Hugo novel.

From Marc Allégret, starring Raimu, Pierre Fresnay, Fernand Charpin, Orane Demazis
Rated Not Rated

Fanny is a classic French film release from 1932, directed by Marc Allégret. The film is based on Marcel Pagnol's novel, Marius, and follows the story of Marius (Charles Vanel), a young sailor who falls in love with Fanny (Orane Demazis). When Marius leaves for sea, Fanny finds out that she is pregnant with his child and must make the difficult decision to either raise the child on her own or accept the marriage proposal from the older, more stable Panisse (Raimu). Despite her initial reluctance, Fanny eventually accepts Panisse’s offer and the two move in together, raising the child as their own. The film follows the tumultuous emotions of the three main characters as they grapple with their complex relationships. Ultimately, the film is a timeless tale of love and family that is sure to move and inspire viewers.

From Frank Capra, starring Jean Arthur, James Stewart, Lionel Barrymore, Edward Arnold
Rated Passed

You Can't Take It with You is a 1938 romantic comedy directed by Frank Capra and starring Jean Arthur, Lionel Barrymore, and James Stewart. The film follows the eccentric Sycamore family, who live in an old house in New York City. The family's patriarch Martin Sycamore runs a fireworks factory in the basement of the house and his daughter Alice is in love with Tony Kirby, the son of a wealthy banker. Tony's father disapproves of the Sycamore family, as they represent everything he is not. To prove his love for Alice, Tony must convince his father to accept the Sycamores. The film is a comedic look at the clash of two completely different worlds, and a reminder that money cannot buy happiness.

From Directors: Jack Conway, Robert Z. Leonard, starring Ronald Colman, Elizabeth Allan, Edna May Oliver, Reginald Owen
Rated Passed

A Tale of Two Cities (1935) is a romantic drama set during the French Revolution. Charles Darnay (Ronald Colman) is a French aristocrat who is accused of treason and sentenced to death. He is rescued at the last moment by his devoted friend, Sydney Carton (Edward Arnold). Carton is a disheveled alcoholic who has been in love with Darnay’s wife, Lucie Manette (Elizabeth Allen), since they first met. Despite his love for Lucie, Carton is determined to help Darnay escape to England. Meanwhile, Lucie and Darnay remain in France and become involved in the revolution. When the revolutionaries come for Darnay, Carton steps forward and takes his place. Lucie is horrified, but Carton knows that he has done the right thing. The film ends with Carton’s ultimate sacrifice and Darnay and Lucie’s reunion.

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

Frankenstein is a 1931 horror classic directed by James Whale and adapted from Mary Shelley's 1818 novel of the same name. It tells the story of Dr. Henry Frankenstein, a scientist who attempts to create life from a corpse. After succeeding, his creation (called the Monster) begins to wreak havoc in the small town which leads to a series of tragic events. The Monster eventually meets his maker, leading to a tense and emotionally gripping climax. At its core, the film is a morality tale about the consequences of playing God and the power of human compassion. With its iconic makeup and set design, breathtaking cinematography, and a powerful performance by Boris Karloff, Frankenstein remains one of the most influential films of its time.

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

The Bride of Frankenstein is a 1935 horror film directed by James Whale and produced by Universal Pictures. The film is a sequel to the 1931 hit Frankenstein and follows the story of the Monster (Boris Karloff) and his creator, Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive). After his first attempt at creating life failed, Dr. Frankenstein is encouraged by his mentor, Dr. Pretorius, to build a mate for the Monster. Despite his initial hesitation, Dr. Frankenstein accepts the challenge and sets out to build The Bride (Elsa Lanchester), a beautiful and dangerous creature who will be the Monster's companion. The Bride's creation is met with hostility and fear by the townsfolk, and she ultimately rejects the Monster's advances. In the end, Dr. Frankenstein, the Monster, Pretorius, and the Bride are all destroyed in a massive fire, a fitting end to a movie filled with horror and suspense.

From Directors: Anthony Asquith, Leslie Howard, starring Leslie Howard, Wendy Hiller, Wilfrid Lawson, Marie Lohr

Pygmalion is a 1938 romantic comedy about a brilliant professor of phonetics, Henry Higgins (Leslie Howard), who makes a bet with his friend Colonel Pickering (Wilfrid Lawson) that he can transform a Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle (Wendy Hiller), into a sophisticated lady by teaching her the proper speech, manners, and dress. Eliza is initially resistant to Higgins' methods, but gradually learns to appreciate his efforts and hard work in order to gain a more refined manner. Meanwhile, Eliza begins to develop feelings for Higgins, which leads to a clash of emotions between the two. In the end, Eliza is able to win Higgins' heart and the two live happily ever after.

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

Top Hat is a 1935 American romantic musical comedy film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and featuring Edward Everett Horton and Eric Blore. The film follows Jerry Travers, a tap dancer who travels to London to meet Dale Tremont, a dancer he has fallen for after seeing her perform in a show. After complications arise, including a case of mistaken identity, Jerry is finally able to win Dale's heart and they get married. The film features several iconic song and dance numbers, including "Cheek to Cheek", "Isn't This a Lovely Day" and "Top Hat, White Tie and Tails". The film was a critical and commercial success, and is considered one of the greatest musicals of all time.

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, featuring Emil Jannings and Marlene Dietrich. Set in Germany during the Weimar Republic, the story follows Professor Immanuel Rath, a stuffy middle-aged high school teacher whose obsession with a cabaret singer, Lola Lola, leads him to ruin and degradation. After Rath becomes infatuated with Lola and abandons his post to follow her, he is eventually reduced to a clown in her act. The film is considered a classic of German Expressionist cinema and is widely regarded as Dietrich's breakthrough role.

From Richard Boleslawski, starring Fredric March, Charles Laughton, Cedric Hardwicke, Rochelle Hudson
Rated Approved

Les Misérables is a 1935 film adaptation of Victor Hugo's classic novel of the same name. Directed by Richard Boleslawski and starring Fredric March, Charles Laughton and Cedric Hardwicke, the film follows Jean Valjean (March), a poor French peasant who is released from jail after serving 19 years for stealing a loaf of bread. He is pursued by the relentless and cruel police inspector Javert (Laughton), who is determined to bring Jean Valjean back to jail. After a chance encounter with the Bishop of Digne (Hardwicke), Valjean begins a new life of honesty and redemption and soon finds himself involved in a fight to save a dying girl, Fantine (Rochelle Hudson). Fantine's plight brings Valjean into contact with a group of revolutionaries known as the Friends of the ABC, led by the idealistic Marius Pontmercy (John Beal). Valjean agrees to help the Friends of the ABC, and risks his own freedom to protect Marius and the revolutionaries from Javert's wrath. The film follows Valjean's story of redemption and justice as he confronts Javert, and embarks on a journey of redemption, love, and self-

From Michael Curtiz, starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Lionel Atwill, Basil Rathbone
Rated Passed

Captain Blood is a 1935 swashbuckling adventure film directed by Michael Curtiz and starring Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland. The film follows Dr. Peter Blood (Flynn), an Irish doctor unjustly convicted of treason and sentenced to slavery in the Caribbean. After escaping, Blood and his fellow slaves become notorious pirates, and while on the high seas, they encounter a governor's daughter (de Havilland) and her companion. The film follows their adventures as they sail the Caribbean and battle the Spanish navy in search of a legendary treasure. Along the way, they must survive fierce storms, confront their enemies, and battle against the odds. Ultimately, they triumph over their adversaries and find redemption in the form of true love.

From George Cukor, starring Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, Mary Boland
Rated Not Rated

The Women is a 1939 American comedy directed by George Cukor. It stars Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford, Rosalind Russell, Mary Boland, Paulette Goddard, and Joan Fontaine. The story follows wealthy New York socialite Mary Haines (Shearer) who discovers her husband is having an affair. With the help of her friends, she decides to take a stand against her husband and his mistress, the scheming Crystal Allen (Crawford). In the process, she learns to appreciate the importance of female friendships and sisterhood. Along the way, she is encouraged and supported by her pals Sylvia Fowler (Russell), Nancy Blake (Boland), Edith Potter (Goddard), and Miriam Aarons (Fontaine). Through the course of their comedic adventures, the women discover that a woman does not need a man in her life to be happy and fulfilled.