1939 Movies
Browse 900 titles in our 1939 Movies Database
- The Wizard of Oz
- Rebecca
- Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
- The Rules of the Game
- Ninotchka
- Only Angels Have Wings
- The Roaring Twenties
- The Women
- Gunga Din
- Destry Rides Again
- Dark Victory
- The Hunchback of Notre Dame
- Son of Frankenstein
- The Hound of the Baskervilles
- Goodbye, Mr. Chips
- Jamaica Inn
- Pride and Prejudice
- Young Mr. Lincoln
- Le Jour Se Leve
- Another Thin Man
- The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
- Drums Along the Mohawk
- The Little Princess
- The Four Feathers
- Beau Geste
- At the Circus
- Love Affair
- The Private Lives of Elizabeth and Essex
- Dodge City
- The Flying Deuces
- Midnight
- Jesse James
- Gulliver's Travels
- Bachelor Mother
- The Story of the Last Chrysanthemum
- Made for Each Other
- The Old Maid
- The Cat and the Canary
- Each Dawn I Die
- Ugly Duckling
- Tarzan Finds a Son!
- In Name Only
- It's a Wonderful World
- Union Pacific
- Babes in Arms
- The Story of Vernon and Irene Castle
- The Oklahoma Kid
- They Made Me a Criminal
- The Return of Doctor X
- Juarez
- U-Boat 29
- Five Came Back
- Beyond Tomorrow
- The Rains Came
- On Borrowed Time
- Tower of London
- Golden Boy
- Confessions of a Nazi Spy
- The Blue Bird
- The Man They Could Not Hang
- Invisible Stripes
- The Man in the Iron Mask
- You Can't Cheat an Honest Man
- Charlie Chan at Treasure Island
- Charlie Chan in Honolulu
- Allegheny Uprising
- Fifth Avenue Girl
- Peace on Earth
- Idiot's Delight
- The Gorilla
- King of the Underworld
- Stanley and Livingstone
- Charlie Chan in Reno
- The Hockey Champ
- You're Missing the Point
- Topper Takes a Trip
- The Sidewalks of London
- Nancy Drew... Reporter
- Mr. Moto's Last Warning
- The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
- City in Darkness
- Beach Picnic
- You Can't Get Away with Murder
- Raffles
- The Real Glory
- The Story of Alexander Graham Bell
- Society Dog Show
- Q Planes
- The Phantom Creeps
- Lucky Partners
- The Saint Strikes Back
- Donald's Cousin Gus
- The Ice Follies of 1939
- Daffy Duck and the Dinosaur
- Frontier Marshal
- La fin du jour
- Ask a Policeman
- Dots
- Buck Rogers
- Susannah of the Mounties
- The Saint in London
- The Mystery of Mr. Wong
- Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase
- Dust Be My Destiny
- Mr. Wong in Chinatown
- Goofy and Wilbur
- Sea Scouts
- Fast and Furious
- Donald's Lucky Day
- Blackmail
- Miracles for Sale
- Nancy Drew... Trouble Shooter
- The Mikado
- Mr. Moto in Danger Island
- The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt
- Blind Alley
- Let's Go with Pancho Villa
- Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp
- Day-Time Wife
- First Love
- The Lion Has Wings
- Honolulu
- The Face at the Window
- The Autograph Hound
- When Tomorrow Comes
- Daughters Courageous
- Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
- Old Glory
- Four Wives
- The Arsenal Stadium Mystery
- Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
- Fast and Loose
- The Pointer
- Maisie
- New Frontier
- The Three Musketeers
- Zenobia
- Let Us Live
- Donald's Penguin
- Officer Duck
- Rose of Washington Square
- Lady of the Tropics
- Oily to Bed, Oily to Rise
- Bulldog Drummond's Secret Police
- Thugs with Dirty Mugs
- The Great Man Votes
- We Want Our Mummy
- Lucky Night
- Three Sappy People
- Never Say Die
- Devil's Island
- Kit Carson
- The Amazing Mr. Williams
- A Ducking They Did Go
- Remember?
- Cesta do hlubin studákovy duse
- Good Girls Go to Paris
- The Practical Pig
- Yes, We Have No Bonanza
- Calling Dr. Kildare
- Angels Wash Their Faces
- Calling All Curs
- Prest-O Change-O
- Fric-Frac
- A Day at the Zoo
- Second Fiddle
- Dancing Co-Ed
- Slightly Honorable
- Bulldog Drummond's Bride
- The Light That Failed
- Hare-um Scare-um
- Nick Carter, Master Detective
- Saved by the Belle
- These Glamour Girls
- Blackwell's Island
- The Secret of Dr. Kildare
- Judge Hardy and Son
- The Film Fan
- They Shall Have Music
- Spook Sport
- Torture Ship
- The Hardys Ride High
- Espionage Agent
- Zorro's Fighting Legion
- Christian
- Torchy Blane in Chinatown
- Hollywood Cavalcade
- Honeymoon in Bali
- The Housekeeper's Daughter
- The Night Riders
- Wyoming Outlaw
- Three Texas Steers
- U pokladny stál...
- Three Smart Girls Grow Up
- Torchy Runs for Mayor
- Torchy Blane.. Playing with Dynamite
- Blondie Takes a Vacation
- Where's That Fire?
- Blondie Brings Up Baby
- Tell No Tales
- Personal Column
- Beauty for the Asking
- Blondie Meets the Boss
- Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence
- Tevya
- We Are Not Alone
- Hell's Kitchen
- Hamateur Night
- Customers Wanted
- Only One Night
- Robin Hood Makes Good
- Aldeia da Roupa Branca
- That's Right - You're Wrong
- Dick Tracy's G-Men
- Naughty But Nice
- Eva tropí hlouposti
- Wings of the Navy
- On Dress Parade
- Balalaika
- Halálos tavasz
- The Girl from Mexico
- Land of Liberty
- Wise Quacks
- The Devil's Daughter
- Pacific Liner
- Within the Law
- Panama Lady
- Stand Up and Fight
- Beating Heart
- Code of the Secret Service
- Captain Fury
- ...One Third of a Nation...
- Twelve Crowded Hours
- They All Come Out
- Some Like It Hot
- Stronger Than Desire
- Bars and Stripes Forever
- Bad Little Angel
- The Will
- Over the Moon
- Lenin in 1918
- The Last Turning
- Four Girls in White
- East Side of Heaven
- Inspector Hornleigh
- Rough Riders' Round-up
- Private Detective
- Gjest Baardsen
- Days of Jesse James
- Prisioneros de la tierra
- Broadway Serenade
- Gorky 2: My Apprenticeship
- Convict's Code
- The Phantom Wagon
- The Lady and the Mob
- Nine Bachelors
- Women in the Wind
- Society Lawyer
- Tractor Drivers
- Trouble Brewing
- King of Chinatown
- Yes, My Darling Daughter
- The Adventures of Jane Arden
- Smashing the Money Ring
- Secret Service of the Air
- 6,000 Enemies
- The Bronze Buckaroo
- In Old Caliente
- The Gracie Allen Murder Case
- Small Fry
- Everything Happens at Night
- Way Down South
- Indianapolis Speedway
- Daredevils of the Red Circle
- Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
- George Takes the Air
- The Golden Key
- Bridal Suite
- Wife, Husband and Friend
- The Fresh Vegetable Mystery
- Tosun Pasa
- It's the Natural Thing to Do
- Thunder Afloat
- Boy Slaves
- Kid Nightingale
- Henry Goes Arizona
- The Arizona Kid
- Tail Spin
- Inspector Hornleigh on Holiday
- Gold Rush Daze
- Penny Paradise
- A Girl Must Live
- Musical Mountaineers
- Let Freedom Ring
- Pied Piper Porky
- Irish Luck
- Full Confession
- Shors
- Sorority House
- Service de Luxe
- Fresh Fish
- On Your Toes
- Zaza
- Porky's Tire Trouble
- Buried Alive
- Homicide Bureau
- Moon Over Harlem
- Believe It or Else
- Daughter of the Tong
- Department Store
- Off the Record
- Circonstances atténuantes
- Oshidori utagassen
- Kalle på Spången
- The Three Bears
- Mandrake, the Magician
- The Body Vanished
- Hello How Am I
- Bad Lands
- Porky's Hotel
- The 400 Million
- Silver on the Sage
- I Met a Murderer
- Midnight Shadow
- The Marshal of Mesa City
- The Kid from Kokomo
- My Friend the Monkey
- The Middleton Family at the New York World's Fair
- Scalp Trouble
- Spare Time
- Sergeant Madden
- Rio
- Law of the Pampas
- Miracle on Main Street
- Man of Conquest
- Man About Town
- Sunset Trail
- Conspiracy
- Renegade Trail
- Back Door to Heaven
- Never Sock a Baby
- Invitation to Happiness
- Screwball Football
- Lying Lips
- The Cisco Kid and the Lady
- Leave Well Enough Alone
- Range War
- Island of Lost Men
- Sued for Libel
- Rhythm on the Reservation
- Stars and Stripes
- Harlem Rides the Range
- New Horizons
- From the Ends of the Earth
- Saga of Death Valley
- The Scared Crows
- Porky's Movie Mystery
- Broken Strings
- Prophet Without Honor
- Southward Ho!
- The Whole Family Works
- Waterfront
- The Flying Irishman
- The Ware Case
- Snowman's Land
- Sweepstakes Winner
- Arizona Legion
- Disputed Passage
- Hitler: Beast of Berlin
- Murder in the Night
- Reno
- The Rookie Cop
- Streets of New York
- Burn 'Em Up O'Connor
- Barricade
- Lawless Valley
- My Son Is Guilty
- South of the Border
- Sons of the Sea
- It Was a Gay Ballnight
- Trouble in Sundown
- Everybody's Hobby
- Inquest
- The Invisible Killer
- The Kid from Texas
- Million Dollar Legs
- Derrière la façade
- Kristopher Kolumbus Jr.
- Two Girls on the Street
- The Sign of Death
- The Cowboy Quarterback
- The House of Fear
- Four Seasons of Children
- In Old Monterey
- Christmas Under Fire
- The Blue Fox
- They Made Her a Spy
- Bel Ami
- The Lone Ranger Rides Again
- Wall Street Cowboy
- The Phantom Strikes
- Cheer Boys Cheer
- Death Rides the Range
- The Sun Never Sets
- The Good Egg
- Coast Guard
- The Great Victor Herbert
- Exile Express
- Timber Stampede
- Fixer Dugan
- No Place to Go
- Constable Studer
- Seven Brothers
- $1000 a Touchdown
- Spies of the Air
- Landstormens lilla Lotta
- Sincerity
- Paradise in Harlem
- O Descobrimento do Brasil
- Hotel for Women
- Paris Honeymoon
- I Stole a Million
- Star Reporter
- Man in a Shell
- Rulers of the Sea
- Frontier Pony Express
- The Return of the Cisco Kid
- Je t'attendrai
- Helmikuun manifesti
- Home on the Prairie
- Colorado Sunset
- Racketeers of the Range
- Wasser für Canitoga
- Jeepers Creepers
- The Leghorn Hat
- The Day the Bookies Wept
- Minin i Pozharskiy
- Mexicali Rose
- Heritage of the Desert
- The Star Maker
- Cafe Society
- The Five Cents of Lavarede
- Three Sons
- Navy Secrets
- The Frozen Limits
- Sioux Me
- Danger Flight
- Meet Dr. Christian
- Sky Patrol
- Rovin' Tumbleweeds
- Animali pazzi
- Fisherman's Wharf
- Across the Plains
- Code of the Cactus
- The Fighting Gringo
- Great Citizen
- Hello Janine!
- Hobo Gadget Band
- Water Rustlers
- Blue Montana Skies
- The Mayor's Dilemma
- Charlie McCarthy, Detective
- What a Life
- Earth
- Vihtori ja Klaara
- Ancient Egypt
- The Under-Pup
- Ernest the Rebel
- The Witness Vanishes
- 20, 000 Men a Year
- The Spellbinder
- Dad for a Day
- Alfalfa's Aunt
- Panama Patrol
- Boefje
- Devushka s kharakterom
- Mystery Plane
- Pack Up Your Troubles
- The World Will Shake
- An Adventure of Salvator Rosa
- S.O.S. Tidal Wave
- The Fighting Renegade
- Heroes in Blue
- While New York Sleeps
- The Mysterious Mr. Davis
- The Light Ahead
- Boys' Reformatory
- Long Shot
- Escape to Paradise
- Straight Shooter
- Pride of the Blue Grass
- Opernball
- De spooktrein
- Sudden Money
- Hotel Imperial
- Cousin Wilbur
- Winter Carnival
- Reform School
- Let's Be Famous
- Fridericus
- The Man Who Dared
- Fighting Mad
- Undercover Agent
- Mountain Rhythm
- Captain Spanky's Show Boat
- Crashing Thru
- Ani to sono imôto
- Joe and Ethel Turp Call on the President
- Wlóczegi
- The Girl from Rio
- Every Madman to His Specialty
- Taming of the West
- Rikas tyttö
- Midnattssolens son
- A Haunting We Will Go
- Don Quintin the Bitter
- Prison Without Bars
- St. Louis Blues
- Mystery of the White Room
- She Married a Cop
- Beware Spooks!
- Frun tillhanda
- Confucius
- Religious Racketeers
- Louise
- Dangerous Masquerade
- On Trial
- Almost a Gentleman
- Pukar
- The Five-Forty
- Six-Gun Rhythm
- The Family Next Door
- Double Deal
- Raphaël le tatoué
- Kitty and the World Conference
- Sabotage
- Oklahoma Frontier
- Anthony the Last
- Das Ekel
- The Oregon Trail
- Boy Trouble
- The Kansas Terrors
- Skanör-Falsterbo
- Cowboys from Texas
- Bad Boy
- Oklahoma Terror
- Mutiny on the Blackhawk
- Vihreä kulta
- Flying Fifty-Five
- The Immortal Heart
- Nightclub Hostess
- Everything's on Ice
- Desperate Trails
- Istrebiteli
- Girls in Distress
- Unmarried
- Entente cordiale
- Her Little Majesty
- Two Thoroughbreds
- Texas Wildcats
- Hotel Sacher
- Lend Me Three Pounds
- Hätävara
- Janitzio
- Ambush
- The First Days
- Imputato, alzatevi!
- Our Leading Citizen
- Missing Evidence
- Feud of the Range
- Riders of the Sage
- Scouts to the Rescue
- The New Teacher
- Lapatossu ja Vinski olympia-kuumeessa
- The Mysterious Miss X
- Trigger Pals
- The Return of the Frog
- Gas Light
- Cantinflas boxeador
- Design for Murder
- Television Spy
- Here I Am a Stranger
- Flaming Lead
- Melodin från Gamla Stan
- Muzhestvo
- There Ain't No Justice
- Dora Nelson
- Dedeckem proti své vuli
- Takki ja liivit pois!
- Shipyard Sally
- Bachelor's Paradise
- Down the Wyoming Trail
- Ja tu rzadze
- Eteenpäin - elämään
- The Magnificent Fraud
- Manoos
- Wolf Call
- Persons in Hiding
- Pasha's Wives
- It Could Happen to You
- Fangs of the Wild
- Love Cavalcade
- The Stranger from Texas
- Avoveteen
- Squadron 992
- Mother Goose in Swingtime
- Outlaws' Paradise
- In Old Montana
- Code of the Fearless
- Aktivistit
- Britain at Bay
- Legion of Lost Flyers
- Príklady táhnou
- Footsteps in the Sand
- The False Step
- Code of the Streets
- The Lady's from Kentucky
- Disbarred
- Carmen fra i rossi
- The Zero Hour
- Riders of the Frontier
- D III 88
- Bewitching Kisses
- Vi två
- Crisis
- Law of the Wolf
- News Is Made at Night
- Accord final
- Such Is Life
- Serenaadi sotatorvella
- Cocoanut
- Ride 'em, Cowgirl
- The Orphan Duck
- Honeysuckle
- Closed Door
- Stunt Pilot
- María de la O
- Call a Messenger
- Cardinal Messias
- Westbound Stage
- Flight at Midnight
- The Outsider
- The Last Warning
- Laugh It Off
- Tomorrow It Will Be Better
- Punahousut
- The Mad Empress
- The Armchair
- Komtessen paa Steenholt
- Oss baroner emellan
- De vergeløse
- Adolf i eld och lågor
- Old Mother Riley Joins Up
- La vida es un tango
- Me and My Girl
- Wedding in Toprin
- The Pal from Texas
- Jumalan tuomio
- De tre måske fire
- El Diablo Rides
- Spain
- Port of Hate
- Sjöcharmörer
- Åh, en så'n grabb
- Los hijos de la noche
- Keep Punching
- Cantinflas jengibre contra dinamita
- Benkei tai Ushiwaka
- Isoviha
- Robert and Bertram
- Affluent People
- Trois de St Cyr
- Overland Mail
- Tsuchi to heitai
- The House of the Ogre
- The Movies March On
- Ohnivé léto
- The House That Jack Built
- Nell's Yells
- Stepan Razin
- La famille Duraton
- Rattling Romeo
- The Arizona Wildcat
- Mot nya tider
- Prinzessin Sissy
- Marriage in Buenos Aires
- Inside Information
- En lille tilfældighed
- Métropolitain
- The Tale About Priest and His Worker Balda
- Kongo-Express
- Nanette
- I dag börjar livet
- Man from Texas
- Tumult in Damascus
- Gubben kommer
- The Masked Lover
- Familie Schimek
- Kennedy the Great
- Divorce in Montevideo
- Friends
- Fitness Wins: 4 and 20 Fit Girls
- Remember When
- Romance of the Redwoods
- Lo vedi come sei... Lo vedi come sei?
- Halveksittu
- Woman at the Wheel
- I dag begynder livet
- Cándida
- Mordsache Holm
- Kadettkamrater
- La piste du sud
- Menschen vom Varieté
- La canción de Aixa
- If War Should Come
- Second Childhood
- Nordhavets mænd
- Nothing But the Truth
- Sighs of Spain
- Ein hoffnungsloser Fall
- Come Up Smiling
- Me and My Pal
- War and Order
- Due milioni per un sorriso
- Chetvyortyy periskop
- Miss Knowall
- Kaksi Vihtoria
- I Am Sebastian Ott
- Peasants
- A Midsummer Day's Work
- Two Gun Troubador
- Genboerne
- The Black Beast
- City of Lost Men
- The Nutty Network
- Night Alone
- Spöke till salu
- The Owl and the Pussycat
- So This Is London
- Dreams on Ice
- Yesterday Is Over Your Shoulder
- Mother Love
- Amangeldy
- The First Robin
- Mountain Ears
- Die Geliebte
- Men Are That Way
- United But Not Mixed
- Terra di fuoco
- Elverhøj
- Jitterbug Knights
- Freed Hands
- The Governor
- El indio
- College Girls
- Emelie Högqvist
- A Call for Arms!
- Juan sin miedo
- The Streets of New York
- The Gorilla Hunt
- Sevani dzknorsnere
- Ambición
- Golden Venus
- Raitu Bidda
- Mr. Lahtinen Takes French Leave
- Valfångare
- Rejoice While You're Young, Fellow Cadets
- The Royal Visit
- Discoveries
- Vande Mataram
- Finale
- Den gamle præst
- Smiling Along
- Ihr erstes Erlebnis
- Fighting Thoroughbreds
- Who Is Guilty?
- Der Fall Deruga
- Maria Ilona
- Der Vorhang fällt
- Children of Divorce
- Panik
- Io, suo padre
- Renate im Quartett
- Parkstrasse 13
- Zwischen Strom und Steppe
- Margarita, Armando y su padre
- King of the Edelweiss
- Feux de joie
- Pikku pelimanni
- The Model and the Star
- Ombyte förnöjer
- Clock Wise
- Une java
- Alma norteña
- V kukolnoy strane
- Forest Fever
- Ich verweigere die Aussage
- Muz z neznáma
- The Case of Charlie Gordon
- Schneewittchen und die sieben Zwerge
- Zborov
- L'étrange nuit de Noël
- Veselá bída
- Vykrik do sibirské noci
- Rajat Jayanti
- Musik für dich
- Immortal Waltz
- Deuxième bureau contre kommandantur
- Umlcené rty
- Café Concordia
- Three on a Honeymoon
- Una luz en mi camino
- Homes for Workers
- We at Solglantan
- Cookery Hints: Oatmeal Porridge
- The Backyard Front
- Casa lontana
- Act Your Age
- Charlie Cuckoo
- Die barmherzige Lüge
- Scheidungsreise
- Zentrale Rio
- In geheimer Mission
- Young Veteran
- This Fowl Business
- Religion and the People
- Krazy's Bear Tale
- Ich bin gleich wieder da
- Neighbours Under Fire
- Fräulein
- Drei Väter um Anna
- Zwölf Minuten nach zwölf
- Roman eines Arztes
- A Gentleman's Gentleman
- Seven Little Australians
- Radio and Television
- Sacred Woods
- Annie Laurie
- Il fornaretto di Venezia
- Festival de la comedia
- El hotel de los chiflados
- Shunjû ittôryû
- Old Iron
- Rakuuna Kalle Kollola
- City of Ships
- Rembrandt
- Play in the Summer Breezes
- Maxim's Porter
- Drunter und drüber
- Sword of Honour
- Calumnia
- Hu Dagmar
- The Honeymoon's Over
- Su adorable majadero
- Il segreto inviolabile
- Дядя Степа
- Love on the Range
- Fire in the Straw
- La vie est magnifique
- Place de la Concorde
- Savage Brigade
- Gunshot
- Serge Panine
- Monsieur Brotonneau
- Immediate Call
- Efterlyst
- Maid to Order
- Un du 22e
- Out of the Drum
- Cirkus
- The People of the Hogbo Farm
- Rosor varje kväll
- Song to the Wind
- Herrat ovat herkkäuskoisia
- Gals and Gallons
- Devata
- The Anatomist
- Ring Madness
- A Night in a Music Hall
- Netaji Palkar
- Feathered Pests
- Desire for Africa
- Die drei Smaragde
- Mann im Schrank
- Vänrikki Stoolin tarinat
- Cooking Hints: Herrings
- Candida
- Stage Door
- S.O.S.
- The Answer
- Golibar
- Hot Ice
- Waste Not, Want Not
- A Bucket Full of Cartoons
- Malay States
- Breezy Little Bears
- South Africa - The Land of Smiles and Sunshine
- En Djurgårdspromenad
- There's Reason in Rhumba
- And Now They Rest
The Best Movies in 1939
Gone with the Wind
Released in 1939, "Gone with the Wind" remains a cornerstone in the domain of cinematic epics. This movie, set during the tumultuous period of the American Civil War and Reconstruction era, presents an in-depth portrayal of Scarlett O'Hara. Scarlett's character, known for her manipulative tendencies, takes viewers on a journey through her complicated relationship with Rhett Butler. Beyond its romantic storyline, the film gets into themes of love, war, and the human instinct for survival. Its historical context provides a canvas for the exploration of these themes, making it a powerful piece of cinematic history.
The Wizard of Oz
"The Wizard of Oz" stands out as a musical adventure cherished by audiences of all ages. The film follows Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto, whose house is picked up by a tornado and deposited in the magical Land of Oz. Dorothy's quest to return home involves securing the help of the Wizard, which leads her to meet three unique friends along the way. The story is more than an adventure; it's a narrative on bravery, friendship, and the concept of home. Its enduring appeal can be attributed to its inventive use of music, color, and special effects, which were groundbreaking at the time of release.
The Rules of the Game
Jean Renoir's "The Rules of the Game" is a film that adeptly navigates the intricacies of French bourgeois society on the brink of World War II. The movie is set in a country estate and uses a hunting party as the backdrop to unravel the complex web of relationships among its wealthy guests and their servants. It's a comedy-drama that scrutinizes the social norms and behaviors of its characters, making a poignant statement on the societal structure of the time. The film's critical view of societal norms, combined with its expertly crafted narrative structure, secures its place as a seminal work in film history.
The Roaring Twenties
Exploring the post-World War I era and the Prohibition period in the United States, "The Roaring Twenties" is a crime drama that provides an insightful look into the lives and moral dilemmas of three men trying to navigate the changing times. The film addresses the implications of the war and Prohibition on American society, highlighting the challenges people faced during the era. Its depiction of friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of the American dream offers a poignant snapshot of a defining period in American history. "The Roaring Twenties" successfully combines historical context with personal narratives, making it a captivating watch.
Stagecoach
Directed by John Ford, "Stagecoach" is a film that transformed the Western genre. The plot centers around a group of passengers traveling through Apache territory, which serves as a foundation for examining themes of social prejudice, redemption, and survival. The movie is renowned for its character development and tension among the group, offering a deeper look into the human condition. Its innovative narrative and technical achievements enhanced the storytelling of Western films, influencing countless directors and the genre itself. "Stagecoach" is a landmark film that showcases the potential of the Western as a serious and compelling genre.
Film & Industry Highlights of 1939
The Context of 1939 in the Film Industry
The film industry in 1939 was characterized by an unprecedented output of films that have stood the test of time. This year, Hollywood released 365 films, a considerable number reflecting the industry's productivity at the time. This era, often referred to as the Golden Age of Hollywood, showcased the film studios' ability to produce films that captured audiences' imaginations.
Notable Films and Their Impact
Among the numerous releases, certain films stood out for their storytelling, visual effects, and cultural impact. "Gone with the Wind" not only won Best Picture at the 12th Academy Awards but also marked an influential moment in history with Hattie McDaniel's win for Best Supporting Actress, making her the first African-American to win an Academy Award. "The Wizard of Oz" is another cornerstone of 1939, enchanting audiences with its innovative use of Technicolor. "Stagecoach" revitalized the Western genre and catapulted John Wayne to stardom. "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" showcased the talents of James Stewart in a politically charged drama that remains relevant. "Wuthering Heights" brought Emily Brontë's classic novel to life, captivating audiences with its tragic romance.
Audience Engagement and Box Office Success
With 80 million cinema tickets sold in the US alone, 1939 films saw phenomenal box office success. The appeal of these films can be attributed to a combination of compelling storytelling, technological advancements in filmmaking, and the magnetic allure of the leading actors of the time, many of whom were introduced to audiences by the studios themselves. "Gone with the Wind" led the box office in North America, followed by "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" and "Jesse James", showcasing a wide range of genres that appealed to a broad audience.
Technological Innovations and Advances
1939 was not just about compelling stories; it was also a year of important technological advancements in filmmaking. The use of Technicolor in "The Wizard of Oz" presented audiences with a resonant world that was previously unimaginable on the silver screen. Such innovations not only enhanced the visual appeal of films but also broadened the scope of storytelling in cinema.
Contributions to the Film Industry Beyond Hollywood
The establishment of the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) in 1939 marked a notable development in the film industry in North America. Originally created as an advisory board, the NFB shifted towards active production to meet the demands of the Second World War. This move underscores the global impact of films and the role they play in shaping cultural and societal narratives beyond entertainment.
Legacy and Historical Significance
The films of 1939 have left an enduring legacy, continuing to influence filmmakers and entertain audiences decades later. Their success and the innovations of the time played a vital role in shaping the future direction of the film industry. Film historians routinely cite 1939 as a pivotal year, not just for its high-quality output but also for how it encapsulated the potential of cinema as a form of art and communication.
Recognition and Awards
The 11th and 12th Academy Awards, recognizing films from 1938 and 1939, highlighted the achievements of this golden year. Spencer Tracy's Best Actor win for "Boys Town," and Walter Brennan's Best Supporting Actor award for "Kentucky" at the 11th Academy Awards were precursors to the recognition the films of 1939 would receive. The 12th Academy Awards further cemented the year's significance, with "Gone with the Wind" taking home the Best Picture award, among others.