Movies Of The 30s

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

City Lights is a romantic comedy-drama film directed and produced by Charles Chaplin in 1931. The silent film follows the story of The Tramp (Chaplin) as he falls in love with a blind flower-seller who is unaware of his true identity. Through various comic and dramatic moments, The Tramp finds himself in a series of difficult situations in his attempt to help the flower-seller. Along the way, he meets a wealthy man who is also in love with the flower-seller, as well as a jailbird whose life The Tramp saves. In the end, The Tramp finally succeeds in providing the flower-seller with the surgery she needs to regain her sight. Despite his poverty, he finds joy and happiness in his love for the flower-seller. City Lights is widely acclaimed as one of Chaplin's masterpieces, with its combination of pathos, comedy and social commentary.

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 epic American romance film set against the backdrop of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era. The film follows the life of Scarlett O'Hara, the strong-willed daughter of a Georgia plantation owner, from her romantic pursuit of Ashley Wilkes to her marriage to Rhett Butler. The film is a sweeping saga of the hardships of life in the South during the Civil War, and the enduring love between Scarlett and Rhett. The film was nominated for 13 Academy Awards and won 10, including Best Picture, Best Actress for Vivien Leigh, and Best Supporting Actress for Hattie McDaniel.

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

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is a classic 1939 Frank Capra-directed film about a naive and idealistic Jefferson Smith (played by James Stewart) who is appointed to the United States Senate. Smith is expected to vote for a corrupt politician’s special project, but his conscience and sense of justice will not allow it. With the help of his secretary, Saunders (Jean Arthur), and mentor, Senator Paine (Claude Rains), Smith works to expose the corruption and his own innocence. He must also battle against the powerful political machine determined to keep him quiet. Along the way, Smith learns a lot about politics, the power of the press, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

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

All Quiet on the Western Front is a 1930 war drama film directed by Lewis Milestone and based on the novel of the same name by Erich Maria Remarque. The film follows a group of German schoolboys who voluntarily enlist in World War I and the brutal, often dehumanizing effects of warfare on them. The story follows Paul Baumer, a German soldier, and his comrades as they struggle to survive and maintain their sanity in a world of violence, death, and despair. Paul's experiences on the front lines, coupled with his sense of morality, lead him to question the purpose of the war. Through his story, the film depicts the horrors of war and the physical and psychological toll it takes on those who must fight it.

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

My Man Godfrey is a romantic comedy directed by Gregory La Cava and starring William Powell and Carole Lombard. The story follows Godfrey (Powell), a hobo who is hired by a wealthy family as their butler and quickly gets embroiled in their chaotic lives. With his wit, charm and intelligence, Godfrey is able to bring order to the family and earns the admiration of their daughter, Irene (Lombard). Through a series of events, Irene falls in love with Godfrey and, despite their differences in class, the two are able to find true love. The film is a lighthearted and humorous look at the class divide and is a timeless romantic comedy.

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

King Kong is a 1933 classic horror/adventure film directed by Merian C. Cooper and Ernest B. Schoedsack. The film follows the story of an ambitious filmmaker who travels to a mysterious island to capture a giant ape, Kong. Once captured, Kong is brought back to New York City and is put on display. He soon escapes and goes on a rampage throughout the city, kidnapping a young woman who he has taken a liking to. As the police and army try to stop him, Kong climbs the Empire State Building where he is eventually brought down and killed. This classic film has become a classic of the horror/adventure genre and has been remade many times since its release.

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 classic 1938 swashbuckling adventure film directed by Michael Curtiz and William Keighley and starring Errol Flynn as the legendary hero. Set in Medieval England, the film tells the story of Robin Hood and his band of outlaws, who lead a revolt against the oppressive and tyrannical rule of the evil Prince John and the Sheriff of Nottingham. With thrilling action, romance, and high-spirited humor, The Adventures of Robin Hood is widely considered to be the greatest adventure film of all time. Along with Errol Flynn, the film features Olivia de Havilland as Marian, Claude Rains as the corrupt Prince John, Basil Rathbone as the Sheriff of Nottingham, and Alan Hale, Sr. as Little John. As Robin and his merry men rob from the rich and give to the poor, they stay one step ahead of their enemies, eventually overthrowing Prince John and restoring justice to the kingdom.

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

The Thin Man is a 1934 film directed by W.S. Van Dyke and stars William Powell and Myrna Loy. The film follows the adventures of detective Nick Charles and his glamorous wife Nora as they investigate the case of a missing inventor. Along the way, they must contend with a cast of colorful characters, including a jealous ex-lover, a blackmailer, and a suspicious businessman. Through a series of comedic misadventures, Nick and Nora eventually uncover a tangled web of secrets and lies that leads them to the truth behind the inventor's disappearance. The Thin Man stands as an enduring classic of the screwball comedy genre and is widely considered one of the greatest films of all time.

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

Stagecoach is a 1939 western film directed by John Ford. It follows a group of diverse travelers, including a bank robber, a prostitute, and a cavalry officer, as they make their way through dangerous Apache territory on a stagecoach. Along the way, they are forced to confront the threat of the Apaches and their own personal demons, while developing camaraderie amongst themselves. At the same time, they must also grapple with the moral dilemmas posed by the two passengers, the bank robber and the prostitute. Though the odds are against them, the travelers eventually reach their destination, learning a valuable lesson about loyalty and friendship along the way.

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

The Bride of Frankenstein is a classic horror movie directed by James Whale in 1935. It is the sequel to the 1931 classic Frankenstein, and follows the events of the first film. The movie starts with Dr. Frankenstein (Colin Clive) being rescued from his deathly imprisonment by his old mentor, Dr. Pretorius (Ernest Thesiger). Dr. Pretorius wants Dr. Frankenstein to help him create a mate for the Monster (Boris Karloff). The Monster and Dr. Frankenstein eventually agree, and they create a female companion for him. Meanwhile, Dr. Frankenstein's fiancée, Elizabeth (Valerie Hobson), has been taken prisoner by the Monster in order to force Dr. Frankenstein to help create his mate. In the end, Dr. Frankenstein and the Monster find themselves in a final confrontation that ultimately results in the destruction of the Monster and his 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 (1935) is a film adaptation of the Charles Dickens classic novel of the same name. It stars Ronald Colman as Sydney Carton, a down-on-his-luck lawyer in London who sacrifices his own life to save the life of Charles Darnay, a French aristocrat (played by Donald Woods). The story is set in 18th century London and Paris during the tumultuous French Revolution. Darnay is accused of treason and sentenced to the guillotine. Carton has a chance encounter with Darnay and devises a plan to switch places with him and take his place at the chopping block. In the process, he hopes to bring redemption to his own life and a better future for Darnay and his beloved Lucie Manette (Elizabeth Allan). The film features a strong cast, including Edna May Oliver, Blanche Yurka, Basil Rathbone, and Claude Rains. The film was nominated for two Academy Awards and is considered a cinematic classic.

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 based on Mary Shelley’s novel of the same name. The film stars Colin Clive as Dr. Henry Frankenstein, the mad scientist who creates a monster from various body parts and brings it to life with a jolt of electricity. When the creature is released, it initially appears to be gentle, but soon reveals its true monstrous nature when it kills a small child. The enraged villagers then pursue the monster, leading to an intense climax as they confront Dr. Frankenstein in his castle. The film is widely regarded as one of the first great horror films and has had a long-lasting influence on popular culture.

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

Bringing Up Baby is a classic screwball comedy from the 1930s directed by Howard Hawks. The film stars Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn as David and Susan, two mismatched strangers who are thrown together by chance when David encounters Susan's pet leopard, Baby. David is a cautious and uptight paleontologist who has just received a large donation for his museum, while Susan is a free-spirited heiress who is full of life and determined to get what she wants. Despite their differences, Susan takes a liking to David and invites him to her family's estate. Misadventures ensue as the two are pursued by a series of zany characters, including Susan's possessive fiancé, a rival paleontologist, and a drunken judge. Through their chaotic journey, the two develop a burgeoning romantic connection, while learning to appreciate each other's unique qualities. In the end, David and Susan come to realize that they are meant for each other, and the film ends in a classic happy ending.

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

The Lady Vanishes is a 1938 British thriller film directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Set in late 1930s Europe, the film follows young socialite, Iris, who is traveling on a train from England to continental Europe. On the journey she meets an elderly governess, Miss Froy. When Miss Froy suddenly vanishes one morning, Iris decides to investigate her disappearance and quickly discovers a sinister conspiracy among the passengers. With the help of a charming young man, Gilbert, she attempts to uncover the truth about the missing woman and find out who is behind it all. The film follows Iris and Gilbert as they race against the clock to solve the mystery and save Miss Froy.

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

The Awful Truth is a romantic comedy directed by Leo McCarey and released in 1937. It stars Irene Dunne and Cary Grant as Lucy and Jerry Warriner, respectively, a couple whose marriage is on the rocks. After a misunderstanding, they decide to get a divorce, and then embark on a series of misadventures as they each attempt to find new love interests. As they engage in a battle of wits, they eventually come to realize that they still have strong feelings for each other. In the end, they reconcile and reunite.

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

The Blue Angel is a 1930 German romantic drama film directed by Josef von Sternberg and starring Emil Jannings and Marlene Dietrich. Set in Germany during the Weimar Republic, the film tells the story of Professor Immanuel Rath, a respected but uptight teacher at a local school. When he discovers that some of his students have been frequenting the seedy cabaret The Blue Angel, Rath decides to confront the owner, the seductive Lola Lola. Rath is soon captivated by Lola's beauty and charm, and becomes consumed by his growing obsession with her. Despite warnings from his friends and colleagues, Rath abandons his job and social standing to pursue Lola, leading to a tragic ending. The film is a landmark of early sound film and is widely considered to be one of the greatest films of the Weimar period.

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 (Jean Gabin), a Parisian gangster who has escaped to the notorious Casbah neighborhood of Algiers. While there, Pépé falls in love with Gaby (Mireille Balin), an upper-class woman who is visiting the city. As Pépé's stay in the Casbah grows longer, he finds himself in a dangerous situation as both the police and his enemies close in on him. With the help of Gaby, he is able to make an escape, but at a great cost. The film is a classic of French cinema, praised for its use of real locations, complex characterizations, and moody soundtrack.

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

Top Hat is a romantic musical comedy from 1935 directed and produced by Mark Sandrich. The film follows the story of world-famous tap dancer, Jerry Travers (Fred Astaire), as he falls in love with the attractive socialite Dale Tremont (Ginger Rogers). Despite their mutual attraction, Dale is suspicious of Jerry as she believes him to be the same man who recently caused her much distress. Things become complicated when Dale's wealthy ex-fiancé, Horace Hardwick (Edward Everett Horton), arrives in town to try to win Dale back. Throughout the film, Jerry and Dale dance their way around the glamorous settings of London and Venice as they attempt to clear up the misunderstanding between them and overcome the obstacles placed in their way by Horace. With the help of Horace's valet, Bates (Eric Blore), and Jerry's friend, Madge (Helen Broderick), the couple eventually get the chance to be together and share a romantic kiss in a Venetian gondola.

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

Captain Blood is a classic swashbuckling adventure film directed by Michael Curtiz and released in 1935. It stars Errol Flynn as Peter Blood, an Irish doctor sold into slavery in the Caribbean, who escapes and becomes a feared pirate. He falls in love with Arabella Bishop (Olivia de Havilland), and the two of them must outwit the evil Lord Levasseur (Basil Rathbone) and the ruthless Governor of Jamaica, Sir Jeffrey Amherst (Lionel Atwill). Along the way, Blood and his pirate crew must battle British warships, avoid hanging, and ultimately save the Caribbean from Levasseur's malicious plans. With plenty of action, adventure, and romance, Captain Blood is a timeless classic that still entertains audiences today.

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 Disney animated film from 1937. It tells the story of a princess, Snow White, who is forced to flee from her evil stepmother, the Queen. She finds refuge in a cottage inhabited by seven dwarfs, who take her in and protect her from the Queen's wrath. After helping the dwarfs with their chores, Snow White eventually falls asleep, only to be awakened by the kiss of a handsome prince. They live happily ever after, and the Queen is vanquished. The film features iconic characters such as the seven dwarfs, the wicked Queen, and of course, the beautiful Snow White. This film is credited with revolutionizing animation and inspiring other iconic films such as Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, and Beauty and the Beast.

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

Only Angels Have Wings is a 1939 American drama film directed by Howard Hawks and starring Cary Grant, Jean Arthur, and Rita Hayworth. Set in an isolated port town in South America, the story follows a group of daredevil pilots who run a dangerous airmail service. A woman arrives in town and quickly learns of the dangerous and heroic deeds of the pilots. She is torn between her desire for adventure and her love for one of the pilots, and must decide if she will stay and help the men or leave and pursue her own dreams. The film features exciting aerial sequences and a cast of colorful characters, including an alcoholic pilot, a mysterious stranger, and a local bar owner. Throughout the story, the characters must face the reality of love and mortality, as well as their own choices, in a life full of risk and uncertainty.

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

Beau Geste is a 1939 adventure drama directed by William A. Wellman and starring Gary Cooper, Ray Milland, and Robert Preston. The film follows the story of the three Geste brothers and their adventures in the French Foreign Legion. The brothers, seeking to escape a difficult family life, enlist in the Legion and are sent to a desert fort in North Africa. The fort is under siege by Arab warriors and the brothers must fight fiercely together to defend their post. As the battle unfolds, secrets are revealed about the past and the brothers must come to terms with the truth of their heritage. The film is a classic tale of honor, courage, and brotherly love in the face of danger.

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

Young Mr. Lincoln is a 1939 American biographical drama directed by John Ford and starring Henry Fonda as the young lawyer and future president Abraham Lincoln. The film follows Lincoln's early life in rural Illinois, as he takes on his first major case defending two men wrongfully accused of murder. In the court room, Lincoln uses his wit and knowledge of the law to prove his clients' innocence. His success brings him to the attention of the local political establishment, and sets him upon his eventual career in politics. The film is noted for its accurate depiction of Lincoln's life and for its highly acclaimed performances by Fonda and his co-stars.

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