Many movies about the great depression have continued to have major significance on college students. These movies have been extremely useful in helping to overcome the economic downturn that occurred during this period for many university courses.
In terms of significance, there are many great depression movies that compare with more analyticalessays on great depression and other respective crises. This article will examine the greatest films from the Great Depression, focusing on their educational and entertainment value.
The Best Great Depression Movies
Imitation of Life – 1934.
In this movie, a white widow with a young daughter took in a homeless black woman and her daughter in exchange for a housekeeping job. The two women teamed up to start a pancake business, yet their partnership was not equal. The relationship between the women and their daughters faced issues of class and race which strained them and the happiness they once shared. The movie offers a catastrophic view into a wrong perception of self-worth, family relationship, and racism.
Make Way for Tomorrow -1937.
This movie features the aftermath of a great depression in the 1930s, where many people lost their belongings and fortunes. Victor Moore (Barkley) and Bella Bondi (Lucy) were a couple whose five children didn’t want to shelter them after losing their home. For the first time in many years, this couple had to go separate ways to solve their accommodation issue. It even got worse when none of them felt welcomed in their accommodated places.
Our Daily Bread -1940.
Our daily bread is a movie about a couple trying to find their way out of the poverty that the Great Depression brought upon them. They relocated to another country and started a farming commune focused on bread. They were experiencing a drought in the aftermath of the Great Depression, so it was not the best time to try farming. With the help of some friends who, like them, suffered from the economic issue, they set up a society to help save their new enterprise.
Stella Dallas -1937.
In this movie, Barbara Stanwyck, the main character, used marriage to help herself out of poverty, but she must watch out for her past. She could not fit into the high society and failed to fool its members. After separating from her husband, she’s determined to ensure her daughter continues living the good life. This brought about a challenging predicament that she must face. The movie, directed by King Vidor, got Barbara Stanwyck a Best Actress Academy Award Nomination.
Of Mice and Men -1992.
This movie featured Gary Sinise (George), an itinerant worker who reflects on his traveling experience with John Malkovich (Lennie), a giant childlike man. During the Great Depression, the two men traveled through California searching for work. They both found ranch jobs, and Lennie was infatuated with the owner’s daughter-in-law. However, Lennie and George were allowed to be part owners of the ranch. Lennie’s infatuation for the beautiful woman (Sherilyn Fenn) stands in the way of their dreams.
Pennies from Heaven -1936.
Pennies from heaven is about a wrongly imprisoned singer who promised his condemned inmate to help his victim’s family when he gets out. He became a street singer, thereby delaying his dream to become a Venice gondolier to help the elderly man and his young daughter. His life became complicated when he came across a beautiful welfare staff. The lady had a negative opinion about the young girl’s welfare and started the process of putting her in an orphanage. This film was nominated in 1937 for best original song for the Academy Award.
They Shoot Horses Don’t They 1969.
During the Great Depression, Gig Young (Emcee Rocky), who was very manipulative, set up a dance marathon offering $1500 as the cash price. The contestants were Red Button, a sailor. Jane Fonda, who failed at acting. Bonnie Bedelia, a pregnant girl, and Susan York, a delusive blonde. However, the competition lingered, days turned into weeks, and people either failed or dropped out. On the other hand, Rocky, who would give anything for the limelight, started a series of exhausting derbies.
Kit Kittredge: An American Girl 2008.
Kit Kittredge is about Abigail Breslin, a young girl growing up in Cincinnati during the era of depression. She could sense trouble and had a special skill for picking strays. Ohio City experienced a crime spree, and all evidence pointed at Will, a friend of Kit from the Hobo community. Kit and her friends Stirling and Ruthie are on a mission to bring out the real culprits. They soon discover a plot that goes beyond Cincinnati.
Conclusion
The lessons the great economic depression taught have continued to shape economic policies globally in modern times. This article has considered some of the best files produced around the theme, and you can check them out for educative or entertainment purposes.