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Post by Prime etc. on Jan 16, 2021 17:58:00 GMT
I recently watched a UK made film SCROOGE from 1935--interesting as it was not a Hollywood film--had some silent-era style cinematography, creative use of shadow. And the acting was not stagey at all for an early sound movie, and despite the lead actor having played Scrooge on stage for a long time.
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Post by dirtypillows on Jan 16, 2021 18:00:05 GMT
Nothing. Just a bunch a of dull, dated, pretentious garbage. Well, that appears to be my own observation. I know Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers were very popular in the 30's, and I like dancing, but their style is not really what I enjoy watching.
Of the 30's films I have seen in their entirety and can recall:....
Duck Soup - 33'
King Kong - 33' Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - 37' Gone With The Wind - 39' The Wizard Of Oz - 39'
....I have seen them because they are considered standouts or classics from the era and are often cited. I enjoyed them all, except for Duck Soup which I thought was stupid, and I think I attempted to get through Top Hat but lost interest. I really don't believe this era of cinema is what it has been cracked up to be, apart from a few diamonds amongst the rough.
I'm with you on the Marx Brothers. I cannot stand their brand of humor. I do not get them at all. I've seen one Astaire & Rogers movie. I don't even remember which one. I guess Fred Astaire is an excellent dancer, but whatever... I do like Ginger Rogers in general. She could be a very funny lady. |
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Post by dirtypillows on Jan 16, 2021 18:15:03 GMT
Your current status on these boards is appropriate: Sophomore. At least the others who don't care for the 1930s have actually seen some from that era. I respect that.  Actually, you couldn't be more wrong. Everything the poster stated was factual. Now, on the other hand, what you said about the 30s movies is nothing BUT opinion. And how exactly are 30s movies pretentious? If anything, I'd say they are the opposite. There may be a kind of artifice to those older movies, but there is also an innocence and naivete to them. It is modern movies that are pretentious. Very pretentious. All that faux realism makes my stomach turn. I read that the first 30 minutes of the 2020 "Pieces of a Woman" we get to watch the main character go through extreme labor pains, only to miscarry. The rest of the movie, apparently, is her going around in a daze. This sounds like the epitome of boring and pretentious. I don't mind self-indulgence if I'm getting to see into the vision of an interesting, creative mind. But there is nothing interesting or creative or original about watching a woman struggle through labor pains for 30 minutes. Almost all new movies have some of this kind of arrogance. "Three Billboards Outside..." is a perfect example of pretentious and self-important, perfectly reflected in that freak Frances McDormand's obnoxious Oscar speech. "Because I have something to say! Just say thank you and get off the stage quick because your chain link dress is too awful to bear. Uggghhh... So, sophomore, what 30s movies have you seen, anyway? |
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Post by dirtypillows on Jan 16, 2021 18:38:08 GMT
...which I often hear referred to as was one of the best decades for cinema of the 20th century. I could probably count the films I've seen from this decade on one hand so have no point of reference, yet when I do watch clips of them, they seem largely unappealing, superficial, zany/goofy or over-wrought dramatic wise.
Are they really that great compared to what the 60's, the watershed 70's and even 80's had on offer?
I get what you mean about these movies seeming superficial and overwrought. Movies were still a new medium at that time and movies, in general, reflect what is going on in society and aim for what the public wants. Of course, the 1930s was the Great Depression (especially the 1st half) and so the audience got musicals and screwball comedies. Also, a lot of those movies seem to be inhabited by characters who are very wealthy and live in luxurious comfort. I never much thought about it before, but those Busby Berkeley musicals with their dazzling choreography would be another example of giving something to the audience. And I've never seen one. Also, coming right off the silent movies from the 20s, it was a big transition. Those 20s films they had to act with their faces and with gesturing, so compared to now, this type of acting seems way over the top. But this is also the exact reason why there were real STARS back then. They were larger than life and nothing about them was based in reality. Even if the 30s is not my own favorite decade for movies (that would be the super exciting 70s), I can appreciate the magic and wonder those 30s audiences must have experienced. Have you seen "Sunset Boulevard", Toasty? I would think Norma Desmond captures the soul of that bygone period, the 1920s mostly. What a ghoulishly entertaining film! My favorite time span for great movies would be 1968-1986. And the last 30s movie I saw was "Sadie McKee" and I enjoyed it very much. I know you don't like Joan Crawford, but it was 1934 and Joan's balls hadn't dropped, yet. (She had about 15 years to go for that.) She was actually very sweet and appealing and lovely here. Also, one of the sweetest songs I think I've ever heard was written especially for this movie. "All I Do is Dream of You". It's so sweet and humble and heartfelt that I teared up the first time I heard it. Great topic! |
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Post by dirtypillows on Jan 16, 2021 18:54:05 GMT
I'll take the 30s any day over the 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s Some of my favorites -La Grande Illusion -M -Mr. Deeds Goes To Town -Dodsworth -You Can't Take It With You! -Mr. Smith Goes To Washington -Le Jour Se Leve -The Rules of the Game -Make Way For Tomorrow -Goodbye Mr. Chips -I Am A Fugitive From A Texas Chain Gang -A Man To Remember I like the 80s a lot, but I couldn't agree more about everything since then. The last new movie i saw that I enjoyed was "The Good Liar". Before that, I don't even know. "Call Me By Your Name" was a good movie, but even that has very little replay value for me. |
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Post by dirtypillows on Jan 16, 2021 18:59:32 GMT
I'll take the 30s any day over the 80s, 90s, 00s, 10s, 20s Some of my favorites -La Grande Illusion -M -Mr. Deeds Goes To Town -Dodsworth -You Can't Take It With You! -Mr. Smith Goes To Washington -Le Jour Se Leve -The Rules of the Game -Make Way For Tomorrow -Goodbye Mr. Chips -I Am A Fugitive From A Texas Chain Gang -A Man To Remember "Make Way for Tomorrow" was a good movie. So sad! 😥 |
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Post by sjg on Jan 16, 2021 19:05:30 GMT
I've watched quite a few 30's films over the last 12 months in my quest to check out all the Oscar nominated films. I started at the beginning working my way through the late 20's into the 30's and so far i've seen 189 films in the 30's and more from the 40's.
There are definitely some really good films from that decade but for me a lower percentage than films of today. There were far more musicals back then which aren't for me and most seem to incorporate marriage as a topic in to the story line.
Here is what i enjoyed:
1930
All Quiet on the Western Front
The Criminal Code
The Dawn Patrol
Hell's Angels
1931
The Champ
City Lights
1932
Grand Hotel
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
The Sign of the Cross
1933
Lady for a Day
The Private Life of Henry VIII.
1934
Imitation of Life
Manhattan Melodrama
1935
Bride of Frankenstein
Captain Blood
Les Misérables
The Lives of a Bengal Lancer
Mutiny on the Bounty
Ruggles of Red Gap
1936
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
Dodsworth
Modern Times
My Man Godfrey
1937
Captains Courageous
Dead End
The Good Earth
One Hundred Men and a Girl
The Life of Emile Zola
1938
Of Human Hearts
Block-Heads
Bringing Up Baby
The Citadel
Holiday
Marie Antoinette
Pygmalion
1939
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Of Mice and Men
Drums Along the Mohawk
The Four Feathers
Gone With the Wind
Only Angels Have Wings
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Post by Toasted Cheese on Jan 17, 2021 7:09:04 GMT
...which I often hear referred to as was one of the best decades for cinema of the 20th century. I could probably count the films I've seen from this decade on one hand so have no point of reference, yet when I do watch clips of them, they seem largely unappealing, superficial, zany/goofy or over-wrought dramatic wise.
Are they really that great compared to what the 60's, the watershed 70's and even 80's had on offer?
I get what you mean about these movies seeming superficial and overwrought. Movies were still a new medium at that time and movies, in general, reflect what is going on in society and aim for what the public wants. Of course, the 1930s was the Great Depression (especially the 1st half) and so the audience got musicals and screwball comedies. Also, a lot of those movies seem to be inhabited by characters who are very wealthy and live in luxurious comfort. I never much thought about it before, but those Busby Berkeley musicals with their dazzling choreography would be another example of giving something to the audience. And I've never seen one. Also, coming right off the silent movies from the 20s, it was a big transition. Those 20s films they had to act with their faces and with gesturing, so compared to now, this type of acting seems way over the top. But this is also the exact reason why there were real STARS back then. They were larger than life and nothing about them was based in reality. Even if the 30s is not my own favorite decade for movies (that would be the super exciting 70s), I can appreciate the magic and wonder those 30s audiences must have experienced. Have you seen "Sunset Boulevard", Toasty? I would think Norma Desmond captures the soul of that bygone period, the 1920s mostly. What a ghoulishly entertaining film! My favorite time span for great movies would be 1968-1986. And the last 30s movie I saw was "Sadie McKee" and I enjoyed it very much. I know you don't like Joan Crawford, but it was 1934 and Joan's balls hadn't dropped, yet. (She had about 15 years to go for that.) She was actually very sweet and appealing and lovely here. Also, one of the sweetest songs I think I've ever heard was written especially for this movie. "All I Do is Dream of You". It's so sweet and humble and heartfelt that I teared up the first time I heard it. Great topic!
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Post by Toasted Cheese on Jan 17, 2021 7:16:37 GMT
dirtypillows , what is your point of reference for this era? I know you have more of a familiarity and allure towards older films. I've seen some films from the 30s, but sometimes there is a creakiness that is offputting. And the films (at least the ones made in US) are often stagy. I will watch almost anything with Bette Davis or Joan Crawford and that's about it. Even Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" and "The Lady Vanishes" I can't get into. (I do love "Rebecca") Well, I do have to say that there were some very funny ladies doing screwball comedies in the 30s. Claudette Colbert, Myrna Loy, Iris Adrian... I don't really start to love movies until post WW2. Edit. I do enjoy the Universal monster movies from the early 30s, "The Bride of Frankenstein" being my favorite. Jeez, I seem to be making exceptions all over the place! I guess I don't mind the 30s that much after all! And, in my mind, the 30s did give us the all time classic, loved on a universal level.
Don't care much for GWTW. I think for US movies, the 30s way surpass the 50s movies, which were often overproduced and bland. European films from the 50s, on the other hand, were usually EXCELLENT. At least the ones that I've been able to see.  I knew once refreshed you would recall.
I can understand the appeal for many of the style of film that was released in the 30's, with being such a dark and bleak era. Film-making technology and the advent of sound were all new and that is why perhaps the Busby Berkley musicals were such a big thing as well. In hindsight though, I can see the naivety and embellishment in them as totally from a different era that I don't really care to relate too at all. There were top stars to come out of this era and they also lent their presence into the next few decades which was nice to see, but I can't just bring myself to gravitate towards this era, especially when there are other older films I would rather watch. It appears as Hollywood superficial at its most obnoxious.
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Post by dirtypillows on Jan 17, 2021 9:02:30 GMT
I've seen some films from the 30s, but sometimes there is a creakiness that is offputting. And the films (at least the ones made in US) are often stagy. I will watch almost anything with Bette Davis or Joan Crawford and that's about it. Even Hitchcock's "The 39 Steps" and "The Lady Vanishes" I can't get into. (I do love "Rebecca") Well, I do have to say that there were some very funny ladies doing screwball comedies in the 30s. Claudette Colbert, Myrna Loy, Iris Adrian... I don't really start to love movies until post WW2. Edit. I do enjoy the Universal monster movies from the early 30s, "The Bride of Frankenstein" being my favorite. Jeez, I seem to be making exceptions all over the place! I guess I don't mind the 30s that much after all! And, in my mind, the 30s did give us the all time classic, loved on a universal level.
Don't care much for GWTW. I think for US movies, the 30s way surpass the 50s movies, which were often overproduced and bland. European films from the 50s, on the other hand, were usually EXCELLENT. At least the ones that I've been able to see. I knew once refreshed you would recall.
I can understand the appeal for many of the style of film that was released in the 30's, with being such a dark and bleak era. Film-making technology and the advent of sound were all new and that is why perhaps the Busby Berkley musicals were such a big thing as well. In hindsight though, I can see the naivety and embellishment in them as totally from a different era that I don't really care to relate too at all. There were top stars to come out of this era and they also lent their presence into the next few decades which was nice to see, but I can't just bring myself to gravitate towards this era, especially when there are other older films I would rather watch. It appears as Hollywood superficial at its most obnoxious. I was just checking out what movies are on tonight and BOOM "Footlight Parade" is playing in 3 hours! My first Busby Berkeley movie! Just curious. What other 'older' movies would you rather watch? You mean movies from the 40s or 50s? |
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Post by Toasted Cheese on Jan 17, 2021 9:06:24 GMT
I knew once refreshed you would recall.
I can understand the appeal for many of the style of film that was released in the 30's, with being such a dark and bleak era. Film-making technology and the advent of sound were all new and that is why perhaps the Busby Berkley musicals were such a big thing as well. In hindsight though, I can see the naivety and embellishment in them as totally from a different era that I don't really care to relate too at all. There were top stars to come out of this era and they also lent their presence into the next few decades which was nice to see, but I can't just bring myself to gravitate towards this era, especially when there are other older films I would rather watch. It appears as Hollywood superficial at its most obnoxious. I was just checking out what movies are on tonight and BOOM "Footlight Parade" is playing in 3 hours! My first Busby Berkeley movie! Do it Mr. Dirty. Perhaps this discussion has been provident. It is from 1933, which has also been considered the best year of the 30's decade for film.
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Post by dirtypillows on Jan 17, 2021 9:08:19 GMT
I was just checking out what movies are on tonight and BOOM "Footlight Parade" is playing in 3 hours! My first Busby Berkeley movie! Do it Mr. Dirty. Perhaps this discussion has been provident. It is from 1933, which has also been considered the best year of the 30's decade for film. Oh, I'm taping it. I bet it will be a lot of fun! Are you a fan of "The Wizard of Oz"? |
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Post by Toasted Cheese on Jan 17, 2021 9:14:19 GMT
Do it Mr. Dirty. Perhaps this discussion has been provident. It is from 1933, which has also been considered the best year of the 30's decade for film. Oh, I'm taping it. I bet it will be a lot of fun! Are you a fan of "The Wizard of Oz"? Just watched the trailer for in on IMDB. Looks like a spectacular and James Cagney looks very appealing to watch, although it can't escape its origins.
I am not overly fond of Wizard, though I have seen a few times. I really do love GWTW though.
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Post by dirtypillows on Jan 17, 2021 9:26:33 GMT
Oh, I'm taping it. I bet it will be a lot of fun! Are you a fan of "The Wizard of Oz"? Just watched the trailer for in on IMDB. Looks like a spectacular and James Cagney looks very appealing to watch, although it can't escape its origins.
I am not overly fond of Wizard, though I have seen a few times. I really do love GWTW though.
Yeah, we switch off on those two. I just can't help but to fall under the spell of TWOO magic. And the authentic innocence of Judy Garland is deeply moving. |
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Post by dirtypillows on Jan 17, 2021 9:41:25 GMT
I get what you mean about these movies seeming superficial and overwrought. Movies were still a new medium at that time and movies, in general, reflect what is going on in society and aim for what the public wants. Of course, the 1930s was the Great Depression (especially the 1st half) and so the audience got musicals and screwball comedies. Also, a lot of those movies seem to be inhabited by characters who are very wealthy and live in luxurious comfort. I never much thought about it before, but those Busby Berkeley musicals with their dazzling choreography would be another example of giving something to the audience. And I've never seen one. Also, coming right off the silent movies from the 20s, it was a big transition. Those 20s films they had to act with their faces and with gesturing, so compared to now, this type of acting seems way over the top. But this is also the exact reason why there were real STARS back then. They were larger than life and nothing about them was based in reality. Even if the 30s is not my own favorite decade for movies (that would be the super exciting 70s), I can appreciate the magic and wonder those 30s audiences must have experienced. Have you seen "Sunset Boulevard", Toasty? I would think Norma Desmond captures the soul of that bygone period, the 1920s mostly. What a ghoulishly entertaining film! My favorite time span for great movies would be 1968-1986. And the last 30s movie I saw was "Sadie McKee" and I enjoyed it very much. I know you don't like Joan Crawford, but it was 1934 and Joan's balls hadn't dropped, yet. (She had about 15 years to go for that.) She was actually very sweet and appealing and lovely here. Also, one of the sweetest songs I think I've ever heard was written especially for this movie. "All I Do is Dream of You". It's so sweet and humble and heartfelt that I teared up the first time I heard it. Great topic! That was fun to go back read the comments and differing POVs of two excellent films from 1950. |
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Post by Toasted Cheese on Jan 17, 2021 10:58:44 GMT
Just watched the trailer for in on IMDB. Looks like a spectacular and James Cagney looks very appealing to watch, although it can't escape its origins.
I am not overly fond of Wizard, though I have seen a few times. I really do love GWTW though.
Yeah, we switch off on those two. I just can't help but to fall under the spell of TWOO magic. And the authentic innocence of Judy Garland is deeply moving. I can see it’s charms, but I don’t really get the sense of wonderment from it. I really don’t know much about Garland’s films and have only seen a few. Neither her or Minnelli really do much for me.
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Post by dirtypillows on Jan 17, 2021 11:08:57 GMT
Yeah, we switch off on those two. I just can't help but to fall under the spell of TWOO magic. And the authentic innocence of Judy Garland is deeply moving. I can see it’s charms, but I don’t really get the sense of wonderment from it. I really don’t know much about Garland’s films and have only seen a few. Neither her or Minnelli really do much for me. I am not really a big fan of Miss Garland. But there could not have been anybody more perfect for the role of the wistful and wondering Dorothy Gale. |
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Post by Toasted Cheese on Jan 17, 2021 12:58:32 GMT
I can see it’s charms, but I don’t really get the sense of wonderment from it. I really don’t know much about Garland’s films and have only seen a few. Neither her or Minnelli really do much for me. I am not really a big fan of Miss Garland. But there could not have been anybody more perfect for the role of the wistful and wondering Dorothy Gale. She has been immortalised through that role and at the risk of sounding trite, she was born to play Dorothy. That would actually make a good thread topic, roles that actors were born to play.
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Post by stefancrosscoe on Jan 17, 2021 13:16:13 GMT
What makes the 30's so special? I have probably seen far too few films to say much about that, but of those that I really enjoyed, and was surprised at how well made/acted/written and where the pace and style feels not that old and nowwhere as "outdated" as some might say:
Little Ceasar (1931) - 8/10
Freaks (1932) - 7,5/10
Bride of Frankenstein (1935) - 7,5/10
Scarface (1932) - 7,5/10
Dracula (1931) - 7/10
The Lady Vanishes (1938) - 7/10
Bringing Up Baby (1938) - 6,5/10
A Christmas Carol (1938) - 6/10
As of the 21 titles from the 1930s, that is listed as viewed on my Letterboxd profile, the one mentioned above is surely those I enjoyed the most and I guess the early gangster films of that time might just be my kind of entertainment, as I loved Little Ceasar, and also were very impressed at how good Scarface turned out to be. I still have a few James Cagney titles left, and might just give The Public Enemy (1931) a go, very soon.
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Post by mortsahlfan on Jan 17, 2021 14:10:58 GMT
I can see it’s charms, but I don’t really get the sense of wonderment from it. I really don’t know much about Garland’s films and have only seen a few. Neither her or Minnelli really do much for me. I am not really a big fan of Miss Garland. But there could not have been anybody more perfect for the role of the wistful and wondering Dorothy Gale. I wasn't a fan of Judy Garland, until I saw "A Child Is Waiting" (directed by John Cassavetes, also starring Burt Lancaster)... It's a 10/10 movie, a favorite, but it seemed like the role was made for Judy - vulnerability, compassion, inner-turmoil, etc.
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