Musicals and Comedies of the Great Depression
July 4 - August 9
2009 has been a record year for Hollywood, and it is little surprise. When the economy is in a slump, folks usually flock to the movies. Let’s explore where that trend began by enjoying some great films of the Great Depression in our Classic Matinee Series.
Films Include:
It Happened One Night July 4, 11:30am; July 5, 11:30am
Frank Capra, 1934
IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT follows a news reporter and a runaway heiress who fall in love while traveling cross country on a bus. This screwball comedy was the first to take home all five major Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor—Clark Gable, Best Actress—Claudette Colbert, and Best Adapted Screenplay.
42nd Street July 11, 11:30am; July 12, 11:30am
Llyod Bacon, 1932
The leading lady is suddenly unavailable and the understudy chorus line girl is thrust into the limelight. Last minute preparations for opening night with the new star turn the entire production on its ear before the big premiere. Many memorable tunes including: “Forty-Second Street” and “Shuffle Off To Buffalo.”
Easy Living July 18, 11:30am; July 19, 11:30am
Mitchell Leisen, 1937
Jean Arthur stars as a humble office clerk who becomes the toast of New York City after her accidental meeting with a Wall Street banker (Edward Arnold) launches rumors of an affair. This delightful screwball comedy was adapted by Preston Sturges from a story by Vera Caspary.
Golddiggers of 1933 July 25, 11:30am; July 26, 11:30am
Mervyn LeRoy, 1933
A classic 1930s musical, GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 offers some of Busby Berkeley’s most spectacular choreography. The opening scene features Ginger Rogers singing “We’re in the Money” dressed only in silver dollars—a dream come true in depression-era America.
My Man Godfrey August 1, 11:30am; August 2, 11:30am
Gregory La Cava, 1936
On a scavenger hunt for a society ball, haughty Cornelia Bullock discovers Godfrey, a dishevelled bum lurking around the city dump. She’s looking for a “forgotten man” and Godfrey fits the bill perfectly. The hunt sets off an unusual chain of events that bring Godfrey into the Bullock household as a permanent fixture.
Footlight Parade August 8, 11:30am; August 9, 11:30am
Lloyd Bacon, 1933
A stage producer discovers that talking pictures have killed the demand for musical shows, so he re-channels his talents into creating live musical numbers for movie theaters to present between features. Featured hits include “By a Waterfall,” “Shanghai Lil,” and “Honeymoon Hotel.”