Best Movies Of The 30s

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

City Lights is a 1931 romantic comedy directed and written by Charlie Chaplin. The film stars Chaplin as "The Little Tramp," a gentle and kind-hearted man who is struggling to survive in the modern world. He falls in love with a beautiful blind flower girl, played by Virginia Cherrill, but is unable to tell her of his love. The film follows the Tramp as he meets and befriends a wealthy drunken man and attempts to raise money to help the flower girl restore her sight. Along the way, the Tramp faces a variety of comical situations and encounters with the law, as well as a few heart-warming moments. In the end, Chaplin's character finds some success in his efforts to help the flower girl, and the two finally share an intimate moment that brings a tear to the eyes of the audience. The Little Tramp's mission has been accomplished, and he can finally rest knowing that the flower girl can see again.

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 historical romance film directed by Victor Fleming, George Cukor, and Sam Wood and produced by David O. Selznick. It is based on Margaret Mitchell's 1936 novel of the same name. The film follows the life of Scarlett O'Hara (Vivien Leigh), the strong-willed daughter of a Georgia plantation owner, from the American Civil War through Reconstruction. The story is told through the eyes of Scarlett, who is determined to survive the war and maintain the plantation and lifestyle of her family despite the hardships brought on by the conflict. Scarlett's relationship with the dashing Rhett Butler (Clark Gable) is among the film's highlights, as she struggles with her feelings for him and the consequences of their relationship. The film also features an impressive supporting cast that includes Olivia de Havilland, Leslie Howard, Hattie McDaniel, and Butterfly McQueen. Gone with the Wind was an instant box-office success and remains one of the most popular films of all time. It won eight Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress for Leigh.

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

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington tells the story of Jefferson Smith (Jimmy Stewart), an idealistic, small-town scout leader who is appointed to fill a vacant seat in the U.S. Senate. He quickly learns the ropes of Washington politics, but finds himself at odds with his fellow senators, who are more interested in political expediency than in doing what's right. In desperation, Smith stages a filibuster in an effort to expose a corrupt political machine in his home state. Despite overwhelming odds, Smith manages to keep talking until he finally wins the support of the public and brings the villains to justice. The film is a timeless classic that celebrates the power of one person to make a difference in the face of corruption.

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

All Quiet on the Western Front is a 1930 American war film directed by Lewis Milestone and based on the 1929 novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. The film stars Louis Wolheim, Lew Ayres, John Wray, Arnold Lucy and Ben Alexander. It is considered one of the greatest war films of all time. The story is set during World War I and follows a group of German schoolboys, who are conscripted and sent to the Western Front to fight for their country. Through the brutal realities of war, they are forced to confront their own mortality and experience a disillusionment with the idea of heroic combat and patriotic duty. They come to understand the full horror and inhumanity of war, and how the enemy is not always the enemy. Ultimately, they must make the moral choice between survival and patriotism.

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

My Man Godfrey is a 1936 screwball comedy directed by Gregory La Cava. The film follows the story of a down-on-her-luck socialite, Irene Bullock (Carole Lombard), who sets out on a scavenger hunt with her dysfunctional family to find a "forgotten man" to serve as their butler. She arrives at a homeless shelter and discovers Godfrey Parke (William Powell). Despite his initial reluctance, Godfrey is hired on and proves to be an invaluable asset to the family, teaching them valuable lessons and restoring order to the chaotic household. Along the way, Godfrey and Irene begin to fall for each other. In the end, Godfrey and Irene are united in love and the family is finally able to come together in harmony.

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

King Kong is an iconic classic monster movie directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. Set in the 1930s, the movie follows a team of filmmakers, led by filmmaker Carl Denham, who voyage to an uncharted island to make a movie. When they arrive, they find that the island is inhabited by enormous creatures, including a giant gorilla called Kong. The team soon discovers that Kong has been worshipped by the island natives, who offer sacrifices to him in the hopes of preventing him from destroying their village. When Kong is captured and brought to New York City, he goes on a rampage, destroying everything in his path as he tries to escape. Despite the chaos, Denham and the team must do whatever it takes to save Kong from the wrath of an angry public, and restore him to his natural home. With its groundbreaking special effects, thrilling set pieces, and an unforgettable score, King Kong is one of the most influential monster movies of all time.

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, and starring Errol Flynn, Olivia de Havilland, Basil Rathbone, and Claude Rains. Set in 12th-century England, the story follows Robin Hood and his band of outlaws as they fight against the oppressive rule of the tyrannical King John. After being declared an outlaw, Robin and his Merry Men go on a mission to outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham and foil the king's plans to seize the throne. Along the way, they encounter Maid Marian, a beautiful noblewoman who helps them on their quest. With the help of his loyal followers, Robin leads the people of England in a fight for justice and freedom.

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

The Thin Man is a classic 1934 screwball comedy/mystery film directed by W. S. Van Dyke and based on the novel of the same name by Dashiell Hammett. Starring William Powell and Myrna Loy, the film follows former detective Nick Charles and his wife Nora who become entangled in a web of intrigue, murder and suspense when they are recruited to solve a missing persons case in New York City. Along the way, they meet several eccentric characters and encounter several twists and turns before eventually uncovering the identity of the mysterious “thin man.” This classic film features witty dialogue, clever humor, and a thrilling story that makes it a classic of its era.

From John Ford, starring John Wayne, Claire Trevor, Andy Devine, John Carradine
Rated Passed

Stagecoach is a 1939 American Western directed by John Ford and starring John Wayne in his breakthrough role. Set in 1870s Arizona, the film follows a group of disparate travelers on a stagecoach journey from Tonto, Arizona to Lordsburg, New Mexico, where they must take a much-needed break from the ongoing Apache raids. Along for the ride is a stagecoach driver, a pregnant woman, a banker, a whiskey salesman, an outlaw, a Southern gentleman, and a cavalry officer. As the stagecoach travels across the desert, the travelers must contend with all sorts of obstacles and adversaries, including an Apache attack and an escalating feud between two of the passengers. Ultimately, they must rely on each other to survive the treacherous journey and reach their destination.

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 starring Boris Karloff as the Monster and Elsa Lanchester as the titular Bride. A sequel to the 1931 classic Frankenstein, the story follows the Monster as he is convinced by Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger) to create a mate for himself. When the Monster discovers his own loneliness and sorrow, he agrees to help the mad scientist. However, when the Bride is created, she rejects the Monster and is horrified by him. In the end, the Monster has a change of heart and destroys the laboratory, sacrificing himself in the process in order to save his beloved Bride.

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

A Tale of Two Cities is a 1935 American historical drama film directed by Jack Conway and Robert Z. Leonard. It is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' 1859 novel of the same name and stars Ronald Colman as Sydney Carton, Donald Woods as Charles Darnay, and Elizabeth Allen as Lucie Manette. The film follows the story of Sydney Carton, a dissipated British barrister who, through self-sacrifice, redeems his ill-spent life and saves the lives of Charles Darnay, the French aristocrat he loves, and his family. The climax of the film is Sydney's self-sacrificing death in the opening of the revolution. The film is noted for its lavish production design, which recreates the French Revolution and its aftermath. Despite being critically praised, the film was a commercial failure at the box office.

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

Frankenstein is an iconic 1931 horror film directed by James Whale and based on Mary Shelley's 1818 novel of the same name. It stars Colin Clive as the scientist Henry Frankenstein and Boris Karloff as his monster. The film follows Frankenstein's efforts to create a living being from parts of corpses. Despite the warnings of his assistant, Frankenstein succeeds in creating life, but soon realizes that his creation is a hideous monster. Frankenstein is horrified and the creature escapes, resulting in a series of tragic events that lead to a violent climax. The film is a pioneering work in the horror genre and has become one of the most iconic monster movies of all time.

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

Bringing Up Baby is a screwball comedy directed by Howard Hawks in 1938. Starring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn, it follows David Huxley, a paleontologist who is about to receive a grant for his research and marry his fiancée. When he meets Susan Vance, a wealthy socialite, she throws his life into chaos. With the help of her pet leopard Baby, Susan and David embark on a wild adventure full of misunderstandings and misadventures. Along the way, David finds himself drawn to Susan and his orderly life quickly falls apart, leaving him to navigate a world of zany characters and chaotic situations. In the end, David and Susan find love and David realizes that life is meant to be lived a bit more adventurously.

From Alfred Hitchcock, starring Margaret Lockwood, Michael Redgrave, Paul Lukas, May Whitty
Rated Not Rated

The Lady Vanishes is a classic 1938 British mystery-thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. After a brief conversation with an elderly woman on a train, a young woman named Iris realizes that the woman has mysteriously disappeared. With the help of a young Englishman, she sets out to investigate the woman's disappearance, only to discover a complex web of intrigue and espionage. Along the way, they encounter a variety of strange characters and discover that the elderly woman may be a British spy. Despite numerous attempts to halt their investigation, Iris and the Englishman eventually uncover the truth and save the day.

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

The Awful Truth is a classic screwball comedy directed by Leo McCarey and starring Cary Grant, Irene Dunne, and Ralph Bellamy. The film follows the story of Jerry and Lucy Warriner, a couple who had been married for 5 years, but are now in the process of getting divorced. After Jerry discovers that Lucy is engaged to another man, he decides to sabotage the relationship. What follows is a series of hilarious misadventures and schemes as Jerry attempts to win back Lucy's affections, culminating in an unforgettable courtroom scene. Along the way, Jerry and Lucy learn that despite the Awful Truth, true love can withstand any challenge.

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

The Blue Angel is a 1930 German tragicomedic drama film directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Emil Jannings and Marlene Dietrich. It is based on Heinrich Mann's novel Professor Unrat. The story follows the rise and fall of Professor Immanuel Rath, a respectable college professor at the local university in Weimar Germany. Rath discovers his students frequenting a seedy cabaret club called The Blue Angel, run by the seductive nightclub singer Lola Lola. Rath soon becomes obsessed with Lola, and eventually abandons his status as a respected academic to pursue her. Lola eventually convinces him to marry her, but she soon tires of him and he finds himself working as a clown in her club. In a final act of desperation, Rath commits suicide. The film is remembered as one of von Sternberg's best works and it was one of the first films to be nominated for an Academy Award. It is also considered one of the earliest and most influential films of the German Expressionist movement.

From Julien Duvivier, starring Jean Gabin, Gabriel Gabrio, Saturnin Fabre, Fernand Charpin
Rated Not Rated

Pépé le Moko is a 1937 French film directed by Julien Duvivier. The film follows the story of Pépé, a notorious criminal who hides out in the Casbah of Algiers. Despite the police's attempts to capture him, Pépé remains one step ahead of the law. However, his life of crime takes a turn when he meets Gaby, a beautiful Parisian tourist. Pépé falls in love with Gaby and begins to contemplate a different life, one that could take him away from the Casbah and provide him with a chance for redemption. With his newfound love, Pépé must decide between his life of crime and a new future.

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

Top Hat is a classic 1935 romantic comedy film directed by Mark Sandrich and starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. The story follows the adventures of a Broadway star, Jerry Travers (Astaire), and a society girl, Dale Tremont (Rogers), as they unwittingly keep crossing paths while on a romantic trip to London. After a series of miscommunications and misunderstandings, they eventually realize they are in love and get married, with the help of Jerry's friend and Dale's ex-fiancé. Along the way, they dance to some of the most iconic songs of the era, including "Cheek to Cheek" and "Top Hat, White Tie, and Tails". The movie is a timeless classic, with its charming and infectious musical numbers, witty dialogue, and endearing performances from Astaire and Rogers.

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 the story of Peter Blood (Flynn), an Irish physician and former slave who is sentenced to death for treason after tending to rebel wounded during the Monmouth Rebellion. He is sold into slavery and sent to the Caribbean island of Jamaica, where he eventually takes command of a ship and a crew of escaped slaves, striking back at the British authorities and earning the name "Captain Blood". With the help of Arabella (De Havilland), the niece of the governor of Jamaica, Blood is able to make his way back to England, where he is granted a pardon. The film is widely considered to be one of the defining swashbuckling films of the 1930s.

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 1937 American animated musical fantasy film produced by Walt Disney Productions and released by RKO Radio Pictures. It is based on the 1812 German fairy tale by the Brothers Grimm and is the very first full-length animated feature film produced. The film tells the story of Snow White, a beautiful young princess who is forced to flee from the wicked queen, her stepmother, who is jealous of Snow White's beauty. She finds refuge in a cottage of seven dwarfs who take her in and become her friends. With the help of her new dwarven friends and a magical little woodland creature called a forest-dweller, Snow White must outwit the Queen and survive her wicked schemes. The film features the iconic songs "Heigh-Ho" and "Someday My Prince Will Come" and received three nominations at the 11th Academy Awards in 1939, including Best Music, Original Song. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is still cherished as a classic tale of friendship, loyalty, courage, and the power of true love.

From Howard Hawks, starring Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, Rita Hayworth, Richard Barthelmess
Rated Passed

Only Angels Have Wings is a 1939 American action-adventure film directed by Howard Hawks. Set in a fictional South American port town, the film follows the exploits of a group of pilots working for a small air freight company. Led by their fearless leader, Geoff Carter, the pilots risk their lives delivering cargo and passengers through hazardous mountain passes. As the crew struggles to stay afloat, romance blossoms between Geoff and a visiting showgirl, Bonnie Lee. However, the arrival of a rival pilot, Bat MacPherson, threatens the fragile harmony of the group and puts the entire operation in jeopardy. With its thrilling action sequences and strong character development, Only Angels Have Wings is considered one of the best films of its time.

From William A. Wellman, starring Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, Robert Preston, Brian Donlevy
Rated Passed

Beau Geste is a 1939 American adventure drama film directed by William A. Wellman and starring Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, Robert Preston, Brian Donlevy, and Susan Hayward. Based on the 1924 novel of the same name by P. C. Wren, the film tells the story of three brothers who join the French Foreign Legion to escape a dark past. In France in the early 1900s, the Geste brothers, Beau, John and Digby, are orphaned and raised by their strict aunt Lady Patricia Brandon. Lady Patricia notices that one of her valuable sapphire necklaces is missing and suspects the brothers of stealing it. In order to protect the brothers from being arrested, Lady Patricia arranges for them to join the French Foreign Legion. The brothers join the legion and are assigned to a fort in the Sahara desert. During their time in the desert, they face personal struggles, as well as a battle against an Arab tribal leader who is determined to take over the fort. In the end, the brothers prevail and all three are honored for their heroic actions.

From John Ford, starring Henry Fonda, Alice Brady, Marjorie Weaver, Arleen Whelan
Rated Passed

John Ford's 1939 classic, Young Mr. Lincoln, follows the life of Abraham Lincoln (Henry Fonda) on his journey to becoming one of the most influential presidents in American history. The film begins with a young Abe Lincoln in Illinois, struggling to make a living as an attorney. After taking on a case defending two young men accused of murder, Lincoln embarks on a journey of self-discovery as he learns about the power of the law, morality and justice. Along the way, he meets plenty of interesting characters who help to shape his worldview, such as his law partner, John Stuart (Donald Meek), and his love interest, Ann Rutledge (Pauline Moore). Through it all, Abe remains determined to solve the crime and prove his clients' innocence, while also carving out his own place in history. Young Mr. Lincoln is a beautifully crafted, thought-provoking journey that ultimately makes a case for the power of justice and law.

From George Cukor, starring Freddie Bartholomew, Frank Lawton, Edna May Oliver, Elizabeth Allan
Rated Passed

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