Screen Snapshots Series 19, No. 1 (1939)

The four Westmore brothers work their make-up magic on a variety of Hollywood stars.

Movie Overview
"Screen Snapshots Series 19, No. 1" is a short movie, part of a series that was produced by Columbia Pictures which released on 15th December 1939. The film is preserved in history as a vital part of American cinema, loaded with behind-the-scenes video footages, offering an insider's peek into the glamorous world of Hollywood and its well-known personalities.

Format and Content
This movie follows a documentary style, providing real-life glances and honest shots of various popular personalities of the time duration. The Screen Snapshots series incorporated many non-fiction shorts of approximately 9 minutes period, depicting the off-screen way of lives of Hollywood artists, showing them participating in bests, taking pleasure in outdoor activities, or on set during recording.

Stars Profiles
"Screen Snapshots Series 19, No. 1" focuses on a range of Hollywood luminaries, showcasing their off-camera personalities and providing insights into the human side of these bigger than life stars. The short film features stars like Marlene Dietrich, Gary Cooper, Bing Crosby, Andy Devine, and Monty Woolley. Additionally, the film introduces the stars in their daily lives, clarifying their pastimes, passions, and hidden qualities that add depth to their silver-screen images.

Narrative Style
The unique function of "Screen Snapshots Series 19, No. 1" and other films in the series is their narrative design. With no underlying storyline, plot, or script, the movie rather presents fast snapshots of a variety of celebrities at the time. The sequence of the clips is determined by the narrator's commentary, which provides context and details for each scene. This ingenious documentary style throws light on the minutiae of stars' lives that normally escapes the public eye.

The 'Screen Snapshots' Series
Conceived by cinematographer and producer Ralph Staub, the 'Screen Snapshots' series began in the 1920s and lasted over three years, spanning the development and progression of Hollywood cinema. Over the years, lots of ambitious film historians have actually turned to these movies for insights into individual sides of leading movie stars and their off-camera interactions. As one of the very first cinematic efforts to celebrate the Hollywood star culture, it holds a considerable pedestal in the history of American cinema.

Historic Importance
"Screen Snapshots Series 19, No. 1" is more than a mere filmic production. Each breeze radiates with the vibrant personality of Hollywood stars, their charm and private styles. The film also catches the ambiance of 1930s Hollywood, its values, fashion, and trends. It offers a historical viewpoint, making it a significant piece of filmic paperwork of the era.

In conclusion, "Screen Snapshots Series 19, No. 1" exhibits the notion of cinema as a 'mirror to society'. It is more than a montage of celebrity pictures. It is rather a reflection of an era, a way of life, a culture that was Hollywood in the 1930s, showcasing the detailed behind-the-scenes dynamics of Tinsel town and its most glamorous residents.

Top Cast

  • Jean Arthur (small)
    Jean Arthur
  • Fay Bainter (small)
    Fay Bainter
  • Janet Beecher (small)
    Janet Beecher
  • Gloria Dickson (small)
    Gloria Dickson
  • Melvyn Douglas (small)
    Melvyn Douglas
  • Cary Grant (small)
    Cary Grant
  • Rosemary Lane (small)
    Rosemary Lane
  • Penny Singleton (small)
    Penny Singleton
  • Akim Tamiroff (small)
    Akim Tamiroff
  • Bud Westmore
  • Ern Westmore