1930s movies – Page 3 – Movie Valhalla

MR. SMITH GOES TO WASHINGTON (1939)

If Frank Capra’s particular brand of idealistic American mythmaking feels dated today, that may be more our problem than his.

This iconic Horror classic has lost some of its power to shock, but still elicits sympathy for its “Monster.”

Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers bringing dancing to maybe its greatest heights. The rest of the movie, who cares?

It’s well over three hours, is super racist, and features a very unlikable heroine. It’s also maybe the single biggest hit of all time.

Perhaps the best known of all screwball comedies, it is a bit too aggressively madcap for me.

Maybe the first feature film dealing with themes of homosexuality, it feels surprisingly fresh today.

Charlie Chaplin’s Tramp helps a flowergirl regain her sight in perhaps his most iconic silent comedy.