Going Hollywood: The '30s (1984)

Going Hollywood: The '30s Poster

Robert Preston hosts this documentary that shows what people of the 1930s were watching as they were battling the Depression as well as eventually getting ready for another World War.

Introduction
"Going Hollywood: The '30s" is a 1984 documentary film that carries audiences back to the Golden Age of Hollywood, concentrating on the movie industry throughout the 1930s. This movie offers a thorough take a look at the age's shimmering appeal and the production of timeless cinematic masterpieces. It dives into the lives of renowned stars, the evolution of film genres, and the technical improvements that shaped Hollywood into a dream factory.

Overview of the Era
The 1930s were a time of enormous social and financial turmoil with the Great Depression casting a shadow over much of the world. Against this backdrop, Hollywood emerged as a beacon of hope and escapism for the masses. The film checks out how Hollywood in the '30s became a cultural powerhouse, producing entertainment that permitted audiences to for a short while forget their difficulties. It was a duration of luxury on screen that contrasted dramatically with the plain truth of the age.

Hollywood's Star System
A substantial element of this documentary is its expedition of the 'galaxy' which was at its zenith throughout the 1930s. The film explores the lives and careers of silver screen legends such as Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Joan Crawford, and Greta Garbo, to name a few. It discusses how their personalities were thoroughly crafted by the studios to be bigger than life, typically blurring the line in between the actor's public image and their personal self. "Going Hollywood: The '30s" likewise clarifies the demanding and often questionable relationships in between the studio bosses and their contracted skills.

Genre Innovation and Technological Advancements
The documentary highlights the wide array of genres that flourished during the 1930s including musicals, gangster movies, screwball funnies, and epic dramas. It discusses the development and experimentation that filmmakers of the period welcomed, utilizing the brand-new medium of noise to enhance storytelling. Furthermore, the film covers the technical development in cinematography, set style, and special effects, which helped creators bring to life stunning visuals and capture audiences' imaginations.

Sociopolitical Influence
The movie likewise emphasizes the sociopolitical power of cinema during the 1930s. Topics such as the application of the Hays Code and how it imposed strict moral standards on the movie market are covered. Additionally, the documentary considers how motion pictures not only supplied escapism but likewise discreetly reflected and addressed modern social issues, showing Hollywood's capability to affect and shape public opinion.

Legacy and Nostalgia
Towards the end of the documentary, it reviews the enduring effect of 1930s Hollywood on the modern film market. It discuss the fond memories for the glamour and grace of the bygone age, which continues to captivate audiences and filmmakers alike. The movie highlights how the imaginative outputs of this years set a structure for narrative and visual storytelling that has actually stood the test of time.

Conclusion
In essence, "Going Hollywood: The '30s" is a tribute to an unforgettable chapter of cinematic history. Through interviews, archival video, and a wealth of behind-the-scenes insights, the documentary catches the essence of an age where Hollywood became associated with dreams, crafted legends, and engraved itself into the cultural mind. While this appearance back at the thirties is soaked in nostalgia, it also discreetly critiques the system and the social norms of the time, providing a balanced portrayal of the years's film market. The documentary serves as a valuable resource for movie enthusiasts and historians alike who seek to comprehend the roots of contemporary cinema.

Top Cast

  • Robert Preston (small)
    Robert Preston
    Self - Host
  • Gracie Allen (small)
    Gracie Allen
    (archive footage)
  • George Arliss (small)
    George Arliss
    (archive footage)
  • Jean Arthur (small)
    Jean Arthur
    (archive footage)
  • Fred Astaire (small)
    Fred Astaire
    (archive footage)
  • Mischa Auer (small)
    Mischa Auer
    (archive footage)
  • George Bancroft (small)
    George Bancroft
    (archive footage)
  • John Barrymore (small)
    John Barrymore
    (archive footage)
  • Matthew Beard (small)
    Matthew Beard
    (archive footage)
  • Wallace Beery (small)
    Wallace Beery
    (archive footage)
  • Constance Bennett (small)
    Constance Bennett
    (archive footage)