The Negative Influence Of Film In The Great Depression

Film in the Great Depression When the stock market began to fall apart in the autumn of 1929, it triggered a domino effect that exposed many weaknesses in the American economy. “Between 1930 and 1933, over 9,000 American banks either went bankrupt or closed their doors to avoid bankruptcy. Partly as a result of these banking closures, the nation’s money supply shrank by perhaps a third or more between 1930 and 1933, which caused a decline in purchasing power and thus deflation. Manufactures and merchants began reducing prices, cutting back on production, and laying off workers. “(Brinkley Page 554-555) Without a job or as a result of underemployment, millions of American’s were hit hard in the pocket book. Therefore, the Great Depression initially led to a

Despite the movie industry considering itself depression-proof, movie attendance and film revenues fell by 40 percent by 1933. However, because of innovations in film, like sound and color, most Americans had resumed their movie going habits by the mid 1930s. In spite of the economic changes, many Americans continued to value the same ideals they had in the past: family, the success ethic, self-initiative. These norms were largely depicted in American film of the Great Depression. Although some serious films began to question American society, most films celebrated the idea of a traditional wholesome American character, especially that of the average citizen. Many indulgent and lavish films made during the Depression were used as a way to escape the hardships of everyday life. “During the Great Depression, Hollywood performed a valuable psychological and ideological role, providing reassurance and hope to a demoralized nation. Even at the Depression’s most dire moments, 60 to 80 million Americans attended the movies each week, and, in the face of doubt and despair, films