Films about the Great Depression

Mans Castle is a wonderful example spiderwort of "people struggling...",   it is a film fresh in my mind having watched just last week,    A few thoughts to share...
While the word "Depression" is never uttered in Man's Castle, filmed in the era , it is there a tangible reality for all to see, front and centre stage. 
Borzage's melodrama paints a very dark picture, an open & honest depiction. The slum shantytown recreates a confronting situation, those real life communities sprang up all around the once prosperous country during the depression years. The characters are acutely aware of the hardships they face, and ponder the fact that over 12,000,000 people are out of work with only a 10% employment rate in their country without welfare, or much in the way of a social security-safety net. 

Despite  the struggles faced by the characters and the gloom of the times, Director Borzage's  take on the Great Depression has a surprisingly optimistic tone. Noted for his romanticism, he makes no judgement on the social ills.  Mans Castle however never veers off into a sappy saccharine affair. In fact the great power and focus of the film sees two ordinary souls overcoming their fate.  Both Bill and Trina defy and escape the harsh reality of the times, and reach a higher plane through transcendental love.

No wonder the chemistry between Young and Tracy is so touching, the two stars did in in fact fall in love during production...