GOLDEN AGE HOLLYWOOD

Golden Age Hollywood

Golden Age Hollywood

Introduction

The late thirties and early forties saw first the threat and then the realization of World War II. Hollywood, and the heads of the major studios that set within its confines, saw this time as an opportunity to produce movies that would bond Americans together during this difficult and fearful era. It aided in the war efforts by creating and releasing not only patriotic films, starring such actors as Van Johnson, Betty Grable, and Alan Ladd, but also documentaries, shorts, news-reels, and extravagant fund-raisers for relief aid and the sale of war bonds.

Some of the most popular films released at this time in cinema history were “Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress,” in 1944, and “Sergeant York,” in 1941. The latter can be considered fairly typical of many of the war-time releases in Hollywood. A young man, somewhat shy and reserved, not accustomed to traveling more than a few miles from the farm-home much less to hostile nations, is called for duty. By film's end, the quiet country boy has become a hero. Having fought adversities and cheated death, he has played a major role in claiming victory over the enemy. Almost all of these war pictures followed the above plotline, mandated by the studios; the feel-good endings and patriotic fervor left audiences happy, and ready for more---the hope of every producer and studio head in Hollywood.

Biggest Stars In 1940s Hollywood

Before, during, and after WWII, many names in Hollywood were made famous through the almost overwhelming number of films released. Some became popular at the start of the war, while others found their place at its heels, but all became well-known and loved by many before the golden age had played out its time.

A list of some of the actors who shot to stardom during this era of movie magic:

Ingrid Bergman, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Judy Garland, James Cagney, Elizabeth Taylor, Jennifer Jones, and former President Ronald Reagan, who starred in his most popular film, “Kings Row,” in 1942. All of these names are known even today, more than sixty years since the beginning of the golden era.

FILM NOIR

Many films created during the 1940s are today classified as 'film noir,' which literally means “black film.” These films were very somber in mood, mostly pessimistic in plot, and all but shouted “shadow.” The major players ...