1936 Movies
Browse 926 titles in our 1936 Movies Database
- Modern Times
- The Grand Illusion
- My Man Godfrey
- Mutiny on the Bounty
- Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
- The Petrified Forest
- Swing Time
- Fury
- After the Thin Man
- Captains Courageous
- Dodsworth
- Secret Agent
- The Great Ziegfeld
- Libeled Lady
- Pépé le Moko
- Dracula's Daughter
- San Francisco
- The Devil-Doll
- Sylvia Scarlett
- The Only Son
- Popeye the Sailor Meets Sindbad the Sailor
- Wife vs. Secretary
- The Crime of Monsieur Lange
- Show Boat
- The Lower Depths
- Tarzan Escapes
- Bullets or Ballots
- Our Relations
- The Walking Dead
- The Invisible Ray
- These Three
- Sisters of the Gion
- Theodora Goes Wild
- Desire
- Thru the Mirror
- Mary of Scotland
- Flash Gordon
- Osaka Elegy
- The Story of a Cheat
- Little Lord Fauntleroy
- Satan Met a Lady
- The Plainsman
- Come and Get It
- Disorder in the Court
- The Bohemian Girl
- Crime and Punishment
- Romeo and Juliet
- The Ex-Mrs. Bradford
- The Ghost Goes West
- I Love to Singa
- Cain and Mabel
- Anthony Adverse
- Rembrandt
- Fire Over England
- Born to Dance
- Revolt of the Zombies
- Charlie Chan at the Circus
- Charlie Chan's Secret
- Three Little Wolves
- Suzy
- The Garden of Allah
- The Country Cousin
- César
- The Last of Mrs. Cheyney
- The Last of the Mohicans
- Charlie Chan at the Race Track
- The Man Who Could Work Miracles
- Poor Little Rich Girl
- Three Smart Girls
- Toby Tortoise Returns
- Stowaway
- The Demon Barber of Fleet Street
- Elmer Elephant
- They Were Five
- Rose-Marie
- Intermezzo
- Love on the Run
- The Gorgeous Hussy
- The Trail of the Lonesome Pine
- The General Died at Dawn
- Mickey's Rival
- Mr. Thank You
- The Princess Comes Across
- Gold Diggers of 1937
- The Man Who Lived Again
- Three Blind Mouseketeers
- Big Brown Eyes
- By the Bluest of Seas
- Winds of the Wasteland
- The Golden Arrow
- Great Guy
- Riffraff
- Alpine Climbers
- Phantom Ship
- Moving Day
- Craig's Wife
- Rose Hobart
- Everybody's Woman
- Donald and Pluto
- Dimples
- Marihuana
- Three Godfathers
- Small Town Girl
- Mayerling
- Street Angel
- A Woman Rebels
- The Green Pastures
- Hearts Divided
- Love Before Breakfast
- Ah Wilderness!
- Souls at Sea
- The Texas Rangers
- Adventure in Manhattan
- Mickey's Polo Team
- Pennies from Heaven
- Pigskin Parade
- Klondike Annie
- Ants in the Pantry
- The Case of the Black Cat
- Ceiling Zero
- Go West Young Man
- Christmas Comes But Once a Year
- Rainbow Dance
- Poppy
- Somewhere in Dreamland
- Isle of Fury
- The Plow That Broke the Plains
- Wedding Present
- The Circus
- Mickey's Circus
- Two Against the World
- The Bride Walks Out
- Café Metropole
- Movie Maniacs
- His Brother's Wife
- False Alarms
- Bezhin lug
- Mickey's Grand Opera
- China Clipper
- Banjo on My Knee
- Next Time We Love
- A Pain in the Pullman
- The Case of the Velvet Claws
- More Than a Secretary
- The Plough and the Stars
- A Night of Terror
- Half Shot Shooters
- Speed
- Undersea Kingdom
- Whoops, I'm an Indian!
- The Garden Murder Case
- Mickey's Elephant
- The CooCoo Nut Grove
- The Road to Glory
- Orphans' Picnic
- The Devil Is a Sissy
- The Unguarded Hour
- Mother Pluto
- Let's Make a Dream
- Every Sunday
- Slippery Silks
- King of the Pecos
- The Rogues' Tavern
- Page Miss Glory
- Private Number
- Murder on a Bridle Path
- The House of Secrets
- Petticoat Fever
- Anything Goes
- And So They Were Married
- Three Men on a Horse
- Priest of Darkness
- Catching Trouble
- Cosmic Journey
- Earthworm Tractors
- Winterset
- Strike Me Pink
- Ladies in Love
- The Cobweb Hotel
- The Mandarin Mystery
- Snowed Under
- Piccadilly Jim
- The Lonely Trail
- Little Swee'pea
- Colleen
- General Spanky
- Absolute Quiet
- The Woman of the Port
- Doomed Cargo
- Ace Drummond
- The White Angel
- The Lawless Nineties
- Murder with Pictures
- Man of the Moment
- To Spring
- The Plot Thickens
- The Big Broadcast of 1937
- Dancing Pirate
- Girls' Dormitory
- Bluebeard
- Crown v. Stevens
- My Father Was Right
- Ramona
- Stage Struck
- Rhythm on the Range
- Chatterbox
- I'm in the Army Now
- The Dark Hour
- Trapped by Television
- Robin Hood of El Dorado
- A Message to Garcia
- Where There's a Will
- The Crimes of Stephen Hawke
- Grand Slam Opera
- It's Love Again
- Under the Red Robe
- No Limit
- Daniel Boone
- The New Testament
- Capt. Grant's Family
- Fährmann Maria
- Betty Boop and the Little King
- Life Is Ours
- Smartest Girl in Town
- The Moon's Our Home
- A Clean Shaven Man
- The Goose That Laid the Golden Egg
- One Rainy Afternoon
- Be Human
- Milk and Money
- The Preview Murder Mystery
- The Gay Desperado
- Two in the Dark
- The Criminal Within
- Bottles
- Brotherly Love
- The Big Show
- Crime Unlimited
- Shadow of Chinatown
- The Murder of Dr. Harrigan
- Sant Tukaram
- Meet Nero Wolfe
- Hopalong Cassidy Returns
- The Fourth Dimension
- Bingo Crosbyana
- Mummy's Boys
- The Spinach Roadster
- Plane Dippy
- The Old Corral
- Paddy O'Day
- Jenny
- Walking on Air
- Wanted! Jane Turner
- Here Comes Carter
- Sons o' Guns
- The Voice of Bugle Ann
- Murder by an Aristocrat
- Postal Inspector
- Porky the Rain-Maker
- La tendre ennemie
- The Golem: The Legend of Prague
- Betty Boop and Little Jimmy
- The Bride Comes Home
- The Law in Her Hands
- Oh, Susanna!
- Play Safe
- Custer's Last Stand
- Red River Valley
- The Longest Night
- Times Square Playboy
- The Final Chord
- The Bold Caballero
- Crack-Up
- Neptune Nonsense
- Sinner Take All
- Ghost Patrol
- Not Now
- Glückskinder
- Valiant Is the Word for Carrie
- The King Steps Out
- Das Hofkonzert
- Hearts in Bondage
- Tough Guy
- Nine Days a Queen
- Boom Boom
- Sworn Enemy
- King of Burlesque
- Make Way for a Lady
- The Birth of the Robot
- Der Kaiser von Kalifornien
- Mad Holiday
- Sitting on the Moon
- Don't Look Now
- Rhodes
- A Face in the Fog
- Night Waitress
- Aces and Eights
- Greedy Humpty Dumpty
- Bunker Bean
- Muss 'em Up
- Ride, Ranger, Ride
- Three on the Trail
- Toy Town Hall
- Happy You and Merry Me
- Gambling with Souls
- Trail Dust
- Midshipman Easy
- The President's Mystery
- More Pep
- Don't Turn 'em Loose
- Yellow Dust
- Call of the Prairie
- The Last Journey
- The Sea Spoilers
- Human Cargo
- A Song a Day
- I'd Love to Take Orders from You
- The Jungle Princess
- I'll Name the Murderer
- Yours for the Asking
- Love on a Bet
- Pay As You Exit
- College Holiday
- Hawaiian Birds
- Divot Diggers
- Death in the Air
- Heart of the West
- Polo Joe
- Exclusive Story
- Hats Off
- Road Gang
- Kelly the Second
- The Lady in Scarlet
- We Did It
- Grampy's Indoor Outing
- The Trouble with Money
- 13 Hours by Air
- The Witness Chair
- You're Not Built That Way
- Porky's Pet
- Out on the Big Ranch
- Song of the Gringo
- The Man Who Lived Twice
- Yellowstone
- Go-Get-'Em, Haines
- Three Live Ghosts
- Public Enemy's Wife
- Moonlight Murder
- Little Nobody
- Substitute Wife
- Special Investigator
- Mr. Cohen Takes a Walk
- The Big Noise
- Training Pigeons
- Shadow of Chinatown
- Desert Gold
- We Are from Kronstadt
- Prison Shadows
- Sweet Dream
- Song of the Saddle
- The Singing Kid
- Westward Whoa
- The Fleeing Dead
- Below the Deadline
- Conflict
- The Three Mesquiteers
- Country Gentlemen
- Captain Calamity
- Champagne Charlie
- To Mary - with Love
- Le mot de Cambronne
- Shanghaied Shipmates
- King of Hockey
- It Couldn't Have Happened (But It Did)
- Youth of the World
- High Tension
- Hokum
- Freshman Love
- Sing, Baby, Sing
- ¿Quién me quiere a mí?
- It Had to Happen
- 36 Hours to Kill
- Rebellion
- Boulder Dam
- On the Sunny Side
- Broken Blossoms
- Brides Are Like That
- Guns of the Pecos
- M'Liss
- Three of a Kind
- The Big Game
- Darkest Africa
- Drift Fence
- I Wanna Play House
- Sutter's Gold
- The Lady Consents
- Seven Brave Men
- Club de femmes
- The Invader
- The Singing Cowboy
- Porky's Moving Day
- Fair of the Dove
- At Your Service Madame
- Jánosik
- Fast Bullets
- The Case Against Mrs. Ames
- Ticket to Paradise
- The Spy in White
- Vratar
- California Mail
- Ghost-Town Gold
- Ali Baba
- The Captain's Kid
- Hollywood Boulevard
- Jadzia
- Making Friends
- Dick Whittington's Cat
- Ada, Don't Do That!
- Laburnum Grove
- The Last Outlaw
- Trailin' West
- Women Are Trouble
- We Went to College
- Capricious Young Man
- Love Begins at 20
- Hot Money
- The Avenging Hand
- Jailbreak
- Yellow Cargo
- The Amazing Exploits of the Clutching Hand
- I Married a Doctor
- Man Hunt
- The Pinch Singer
- Robinson Crusoe of Clipper Island
- Down the Stretch
- The Robber Symphony
- Turn of the Tide
- Panic on the Air
- Cavalry
- Cavalcade of the West
- A Man Betrayed
- Mr. Flow
- New Shoes
- Mister Cinderella
- A Waif's Welcome
- Comin' 'Round the Mountain
- The Crooked Trail
- Skull and Crown
- Special Agent K-7
- Mieheke
- Everything Is Thunder
- Treachery Rides the Range
- They Met in a Taxi
- The Cowboy Star
- Desert Phantom
- The Arizona Raiders
- The Road I Travel with You
- Morning's Tree-Lined Street
- Checkmate
- Légy jó mindhalálig
- Beware of Ladies
- Samson
- Wer zuletzt küßt...
- August Weekend
- I Stand Condemned
- The Phantom Rider
- Cavalleria
- Tredowata
- Roarin' Lead
- Rip Roarin' Buckaroo
- Career Woman
- We're in the Legion Now
- The Vigilantes Are Coming
- 65, 66, and Me
- Forbidden Music
- Bulldog Edition
- Rogue of the Range
- Phantom Patrol
- Black Gold
- Guns and Guitars
- Easy Money
- Lawless Land
- The Country Doctor
- Dancing Feet
- Two in a Crowd
- Lullaby
- King of the Damned
- Half Rate Honeymoon
- Silly Billies
- With a Smile
- The Bridge of Sighs
- Panserbasse
- Lightnin' Bill Carson
- Ambush Valley
- Under Western Eyes
- Let's Sing Again
- Stampede
- Lumpaci the Vagabond
- Born to Fight
- Bedzie lepiej
- Ghost Town
- Border Caballero
- The Widow from Monte Carlo
- Santa Fe Bound
- The Novelty Shop
- Red Lights Ahead
- Crashing Through Danger
- Burg Theatre
- My American Wife
- Jack of All Trades
- Too Many Parents
- Caryl of the Mountains
- Happy-Go-Lucky
- The Accusing Finger
- The Leathernecks Have Landed
- Grand Jury
- Cheer Up!
- Last of the Warrens
- Alibi for Murder
- Stormy Trails
- The Black Coin
- The Cattle Thief
- Lucky Terror
- Along Came Love
- Ellis Island
- A Million to One
- The Beloved Vagabond
- The Amateur Gentleman
- Old and New Shanghai
- Without Orders
- My Marriage
- Roarin' Guns
- Oboroyo no onna
- Idaho Kid
- Hell Unltd
- Avenging Waters
- Lady of Secrets
- The Girl on the Front Page
- 15 Maiden Lane
- Man of the House
- Dunaparti randevú
- The Man Behind the Mask
- Anne-Marie
- The Border Patrolman
- The Phantom of the Range
- Tian lun
- Der Bettelstudent
- White Fang
- Two in Revolt
- Brilliant Marriage
- VMV 6
- The Magnificent Brute
- Under Your Spell
- Un mauvais garçon
- The Return of Sophie Lang
- The Kid Ranger
- Roamin' Wild
- Navy Born
- Peg of Old Drury
- Savoy-Hotel 217
- Monsieur Personne
- Kungen kommer
- Dodek na froncie
- Till We Meet Again
- And Sudden Death
- Ring Around the Moon
- Catherine the Last
- Blazing Justice
- Life on the Hortobagy
- What Becomes of the Children?
- Empty Saddles
- Rainbow on the River
- Alô Alô Carnaval
- Roaming Lady
- Lash of the Penitentes
- Le roman d'un jeune homme pauvre
- Changing of the Guard
- The Captain's Table
- The Crime Patrol
- You May Be Next!
- Taming the Wild
- The Drag-Net
- Down to the Sea
- Ten Laps to Go
- Az aranyember
- Florida Special
- Frankie and Johnnie
- Brand of the Outlaws
- South of the Highway
- Tango
- Follow Your Heart
- Pohjalaisia
- Neighborhood House
- Law and Lead
- Vengeance of Rannah
- The House of the Spaniard
- Legion of Terror
- Compartiment de dames seules
- Die Erbschaft
- Arizona Mahoney
- Wives Never Know
- Onnenpotku
- Durch die Wüste
- Outlaws of the Range
- West of Nevada
- The Speed Reporter
- Pan Twardowski
- All American Chump
- Headin' for the Rio Grande
- Wenn wir alle Engel wären
- Tri muzi ve snehu
- Crash Donovan
- Her Last Affaire
- Anna
- It Pays to Advertise!
- Gun Grit
- Fury Below
- Wildcat Trooper
- The Gun Ranger
- Undercover Man
- Missing Girls
- Three Women
- Bombi Bitt och jag
- Fatal Lady
- Rubber
- Calling All Tars
- The Dancer and the Worker
- Love or a Kingdom
- The Law Rides
- The Macabre Trunk
- Soak the Rich
- Dzhulbars
- I'd Give My Life
- Lady Luck
- But It's Nothing Serious
- Café Moszkva
- Palm Springs
- Troubled Waters
- Ich war Jack Mortimer
- The Sea Fiend
- Condottieri
- East Meets West
- Men of the Plains
- I Conquer the Sea!
- The Reckless Way
- Doughnuts and Society
- Carne de fieras
- Morderen uten ansikt
- Topaze
- Adventure in Paris
- 27 rue de la Paix
- Hair-Trigger Casey
- Dishonour Bright
- Kaikenlaisia vieraita
- The Devil on Horseback
- Harry Reser and His Eskimos
- Pot Luck
- Glee Worms
- Wild Brian Kent
- Queen of Hearts
- Early to Bed
- The Lion's Den
- Custer's Last Stand
- When Knights Were Bold
- The Adventures of Frank Merriwell
- Les jumeaux de Brighton
- The House of a Thousand Candles
- Foreign Affaires
- Enchanted Forest
- Shake, Mr. Shakespeare
- Spöket på Bragehus
- Racing Blood
- The Tomboy
- L'esclave blanc
- Le vagabond bien-aimé
- Das Gäßchen zum Paradies
- Dubrovsky
- Devushka speshit na svidanie
- Give Us This Night
- Prometey
- Feud of the West
- Traumulus
- Silks and Saddles
- Alla tiders Karlsson
- Shipmates o' Mine
- Tundra
- The Riding Avenger
- At Sea Ashore
- The Prisoner of Corbal
- Someone at the Door
- La peur
- Twice Branded
- Play Up the Band
- The Divine Jetta
- Puppet Show
- Valley of the Lawless
- Giftes - nej tak!
- Battle Royal
- Släkten är värst
- Odnazhdy letom
- The Traitor
- Two Minutes to Play
- The Cardinal
- Easy to Take
- Music Hath Charms
- Militiaman Bruggler
- El gato montés
- Wildcat Saunders
- Let's Make a Million
- Unter heißem Himmel
- Desert Justice
- Marihuana
- Le roman d'un spahi
- Wolves of the Sea
- Forty Little Mothers
- I Give My Life
- Sporting Love
- Port Arthur
- Celos
- Everyman's Law
- An Orphan Boy of Vienna
- The Call
- Pinto Rustlers
- Son of Mongolia
- Birds in Love
- The Treasure of Pancho Villa
- Ya lyublyu
- The Glory Trail
- Donogoo Tonka
- A Woman of No Importance
- Silhouetten
- Janssons frestelse
- We Live in Two Worlds
- Jaws of the Jungle
- Don Bosco
- House Broken
- All for Veronica
- Miss Frontier Mail
- The Gentleman from Louisiana
- Conscientious Objector Adolf
- The Girl Irene
- Song of the Trail
- Help Me to Live
- Once in a Million
- Millionærdrengen
- The Show Goes On
- Wo die Lerche singt
- Das Schloß in Flandern
- Sjette trækning
- The Student's Romance
- Bröllopsresan
- Raggen - det är jag det
- Snushanerne
- Sol over Danmark
- Serenade
- Lentelied
- Gypsy Melody
- Pepper
- Harvest
- Call to Arms
- Eskapade
- Mahabbat oyunu
- Almaz
- Straight from the Shoulder
- Familjens hemlighet
- The Big Noise
- Absorbing Junior
- A Star Fell from Heaven
- A Hoax
- Gypsies
- The Great Temptation
- Schatten der Vergangenheit
- La damigella di Bard
- The Return of Jimmy Valentine
- One Good Turn
- Han, hon och pengarna
- The Call of the Jungle
- Blumen aus Nizza
- Prem Kahani
- Punch and Beauty
- Love at Sea
- Stackars miljonärer
- Blinde Passagiere
- Captain Bill
- Hélène
- Schloß Vogelöd
- Women's Paradise
- The Hunter of Fall
- Au service du tsar
- Johan Ulfstjerna
- The Fairy Dolly
- Die Leuchter des Kaisers
- The Cabbie's Song
- Romance Rides the Range
- Don Quijote del altillo
- J'ai gagné un million
- Der Weg nach Shanghai
- The Fox Hunt
- Turkey Dinner
- Tired Theodore
- Grandad Rudd
- Fröken blir piga
- Struggle for the House of Heikkila
- Boccaccio
- Soft Lights and Sweet Music
- Kater Lampe
- Les deux gosses
- Stjenka Rasin
- Rinconcito madrileño
- Unter Ausschluß der Öffentlichkeit
- To Live
- Heritage
- Pink Lemonade
- Maria, die Magd
- Peaceful Relations
- Kuriyama daizen
- Free Rent
- Hereford Pedigree Cattle
- Any Old Port
- Gifts in Rhythm
- The Hope of His Side
- Trooping the Colour
- The Bashful Casanova
- Die unmögliche Frau
- Befehl ist Befehl
- Arzt aus Leidenschaft
- Manja Valewska
- Thank You, Madame
- Thou Art My Joy
- Dinner Is Served
- The Flying Doctor
- Um Freiheit und Liebe
- Get Off My Foot
- Excuse My Glove
- Oh, Duchess!
- All at Sea
- Birds of a Feather
- Not So Dusty
- Ä vi gifta?
- Fair Exchange
- 't was een april
- Kvartetten som sprängdes
- Educated Evans
- Under Proof
- Hot News
- Min svärmor - dansösen
- Our Boy
- Royal Eagle
- The River House Mystery
- Wolf's Clothing
- If I Were Rich
- Flickorna på Uppåkra
- Two's Company
- Disk 413
- Between Two Worlds
- Because of Love
- On Top of the World
- Adventure
- Rhythm in the Air
- Viennese Love Song
- Hans im Glück
- Pink Shirts
- Berlin 1936
- Wrath of Jealousy
- Sunshine Ahead
- Men of Yesterday
- Rose
- Nitchevo
- Федька
- Life Begins Today
- Yasubei Horibe
- Skeppsbrutne Max
- 33.333
- The Family That Was a Carousel
- Pal O'Mine
- When the Poppies Bloom Again
- Tee työ ja opi pelaamaan
- Happy Heels
- Pay Box Adventure
- Das Schönheitsfleckchen
- Seikkailu jalkamatkalla
- Sprung ins Glück
- Boy, Oh Boy
- Fresh from the Fleet
- Heiteres und Ernstes um den großen König
- Wir gratulieren
- The Screen Test
- The Workhouse Ward
- Wochenendzauber
- Die fremde Hand
- Unter dem Pantoffel. Ein lustiges Abenteuer
- Till Eulenspiegel: Wie Eulenspiegel sich einmal erbot, zu fliegen
- Tiergärten des Meeres
- Parked in Paree
- Servants All
- Study and Understudy
- Polo
- Olympic Ski Champions
- Road Calls
- The Double Crossky
- The Smoke Menace
- Life in Hunza
- International Revue
- Olympia-Programm - Eröffnungsfeier
- Der Streithammel
- The Good Old Plumbertime
- The Gap
- River Folk
- Nursery Island
- Longing
- Venice of the North
- The Battle of Cable Street
- Gardens of the Orient
- Kamalam
- Let's Ask the Ladies
- It's Hot in Africa
- Aldeia de Nalike
- Law and Lead (Remaster)
- The Good Old Plumbertime
- British Movietone News
- British Movietone News 1936-12-07
- Feueralarm
- Einer von Vielen
- Bandits of Mawddwy
- British Paramount News No. 588
- Bird Sanctuary
The Best Movies in 1936
Modern Times
"Modern Times," a film by Charlie Chaplin, stands out for presenting the Little Tramp character in a struggle to keep pace with the industrialized world. Released during the Great Depression, it paints a vivid picture of the economic and employment challenges of the era. Chaplin not only stars in his creation but also directs, adding layers of depth to the character's journey through comedic yet poignant scenes. This blend of comedy, drama, and romance invites viewers into a reflection on societal progress and its costs.
My Man Godfrey
Gregory La Cava's "My Man Godfrey" brings an intriguing story to the forefront of 1936 cinema. This film tells the tale of a socialite who finds a man named Godfrey living at a dump and decides to hire him as the family's butler. However, Godfrey is not who he appears to be. The plot weaves through themes of identity, class, and love in a narrative that is as engaging as it is unpredictable. With its sharp script and standout performances, especially by William Powell as Godfrey, the film challenges viewers to look beyond first impressions.
Mr. Deeds Goes to Town
Directed by Frank Capra, "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" explores the life of Longfellow Deeds, a man from a small town who suddenly inherits a fortune. Thrust into a world where his every move is scrutinized, Deeds battles societal cynicism and corruption. This comedy-drama-romance cleverly critiques the values of society while presenting a heartfelt story of remaining true to one's self amidst chaos. Gary Cooper's portrayal of Deeds is both sincere and memorable, making this film a standout of 1936.
San Francisco
Set against the backdrop of the 1906 earthquake, "San Francisco" directed by W.S. Van Dyke, narrates the dynamic yet tumultuous life in the city. The story focuses on a saloonkeeper and a Nob Hill impresario competing for the affections of a beautiful singer, professionally and personally. The film's strong dramatic and musical elements, coupled with the historical context of San Francisco's most tragic moment, provide a unique movie-going experience. Clark Gable and Jeanette MacDonald deliver compelling performances, bringing depth to the romantic and competitive tensions in the story.
Swing Time
"Swing Time" brings the effervescence of musical romance to 1936 with the dynamic duo of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Directed by George Stevens, this film follows a gambler, played by Astaire, who ventures to New York City to win a sum for his fiancée's father. However, his encounter with a dance instructor, portrayed by Rogers, ignites an unexpected romance. The intricate dance numbers and charming chemistry between Astaire and Rogers make "Swing Time" a delightful viewing experience, showcasing the ambition of love against all odds.
Film & Industry Highlights of 1936
The 8th Academy Awards: A Turning Point
The 8th Academy Awards ceremony, held on March 5, 1936, at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, marked a memorable moment in film history. Hosted by Frank Capra, this occasion stands out for being the first time the awards were officially referred to as "Oscars." This year also marked the end of the practice of allowing write-in votes, a method previously open for determining winners. "Mutiny on the Bounty" emerged as the Best Picture winner, while "The Informer" achieved a notable success, securing four awards, the highest tally of the evening. Additionally, "A Midsummer Night's Dream" earned the distinction of being the only film to win an Oscar via write-in vote for Best Cinematography.
Top-Grossing Films and Notable Releases
The terrain of North American cinema in 1936 was dominated by several high-achieving films. "The Great Ziegfeld" not only topped the box office, grossing $3,089,000 but also later secured the Best Picture award at the 9th Academy Awards, honoring films released in 1936. Other noteworthy releases that captured audiences included "San Francisco," "The Plainsman," "After the Thin Man," and "Charlie Chaplin's "Modern Times," each contributing to a mixed and successful year for the film industry.
Technical and Artistic Innovations
1936 also witnessed the introduction and sole awarding of the Best Dance Direction category at the Academy Awards, a unique acknowledgment that lasted for only three years. This period highlighted an openness to recognizing various forms of artistic expression within the film industry, although the category was short-lived.
Influence of Global Events on Cinema
The year was especially shaped by international political events, with the film industry being no exception. The Spanish Civil War and the rise of the Popular Front in France were pivotal, pushing filmmakers to incorporate political themes and narratives into their work. A 2008 film festival showcased an array of newsreels, documentaries, and feature films from 1936, demonstrating the film industry's response and reflection on the prevailing political tensions and ideologies of the time.
Documentary and Genre Films
The list of American films of 1936 presents a broad array of genres, indicating a rich period of creative exploration and production. From historical epics to musicals and dramatic narratives, the year offered something for every viewer. The success of films like "The Great Ziegfeld" at the Academy Awards underlines the industry's embrace of various filmic expressions and storytelling techniques.
Legacy and Influence
The film and industry highlights of 1936 offer a fascinating snapshot of a transitional period in cinema history. From the technical advancements and genre expansions to the explicit interactions between cinema and global politics, the year paved the way for future developments in the industry. The discontinuation of write-in votes and the introduction of short-lived categories at the Academy Awards indicate an ongoing process of defining and refining the recognition and celebration of cinematic achievements.