Hollywood films have been America's most important contribution to the world's culture, and this was never truer than during the 1930s.  This was arguably the most important decade of the twentieth century, and it marked the golden age of American movie-making with films responding to the challenges of the Great Depression and the outbreak of World War II. Movies were the most popular form of entertainment at this time, and they are a primary source for understanding the hopes, fears, and ideals of the movie-going public.  They also were influential in shaping public discourse and governmental policies.

LECTURES:

1.  King Kong explores the impact of the economic collapse of 1929 and suggests how Americans should respond politically to the greatest economic disaster in their country's history (104 min.)  

2.  The Grapes of Wrath highlights the social and economic devastation of the Great Depression and is a superb cinematic version of the most important American novel of the1930s (130 min.)

3. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington is Jimmy Stewart's most important film, and it exhibits a skepticism toward Washington politics while championing the voice of the common man (129 min.)  

4. Sergeant York features Gary Cooper and concerns the stance that the United States should take toward the war in Europe (133 min.)                

Live In-Person with Video Catch-up. Available 2-3 business days after the live lecture.