1938 Movies
Browse 899 titles in our 1938 Movies Database
- Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs
- The Lady Vanishes
- The Adventures of Robin Hood
- Stagecoach
- You Can't Take It with You
- Angels with Dirty Faces
- Wuthering Heights
- Holiday
- Jezebel
- Alexander Nevsky
- Port of Shadows
- Pygmalion
- Reefer Madness
- A Christmas Carol
- La Bête Humaine
- Boys Town
- Room Service
- Olympia Part One: Festival of the Nations
- Bluebeard's Eighth Wife
- Block-Heads
- Olympia Part Two: Festival of Beauty
- Carefree
- Vivacious Lady
- Ferdinand the Bull
- Mickey's Trailer
- The Dawn Patrol
- Brave Little Tailor
- Marie Antoinette
- Hotel du Nord
- Algiers
- The Hurricane
- The Amazing Dr. Clitterhouse
- The Mad Miss Manton
- In Old Chicago
- The Baker's Wife
- The Citadel
- Swiss Miss
- Alexander's Ragtime Band
- Merrily We Live
- Porky in Wackyland
- The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
- Four Daughters
- The Sisters
- Three Comrades
- Love Finds Andy Hardy
- The Edge of the World
- The Terror of Tiny Town
- Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
- Oh, Mr. Porter!
- Boat Builders
- Too Hot to Handle
- The Shopworn Angel
- You and Me
- Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo
- The Young in Heart
- The Divorce of Lady X
- Mannequin
- Night Mail
- Crime School
- La Marseillaise
- A Yank at Oxford
- Of Human Hearts
- Donald's Golf Game
- Four's a Crowd
- The Shining Hour
- Donald's Nephews
- The Great Waltz
- Mr. Wong, Detective
- Nancy Drew: Detective
- A Woman's Face
- Child Bride
- Good Scouts
- The Big Broadcast of 1938
- Flash Gordon's Trip to Mars
- The Saint in New York
- If I Were King
- Having Wonderful Time
- Sex Madness
- The Rage of Paris
- There's Always a Woman
- Boys' School
- Little Miss Broadway
- Donald's Better Self
- Violent Is the Word for Curly
- The Drum
- Joy of Living
- Suez
- Mysterious Mr. Moto
- Daffy Duck in Hollywood
- Four Men and a Prayer
- Listen, Darling
- Blondie
- Polar Trappers
- Have You Got Any Castles?
- The Masseurs and a Woman
- Mr. Moto's Gamble
- Boy Meets Girl
- Racket Busters
- Hollywood Hotel
- Mr. Moto Takes a Chance
- Wynken, Blynken & Nod
- Heartbeat
- The Buccaneer
- Volga - Volga
- Gorky 1: The Childhood of Maxim Gorky
- Self Control
- An Optical Poem
- Bulldog Drummond's Revenge
- Trade Winds
- Katnip Kollege
- Hard to Get
- Young Dr. Kildare
- Sweethearts
- The Baroness and the Butler
- Just Around the Corner
- Daffy Duck & Egghead
- Kentucky
- There Goes My Heart
- Man-Proof
- The River
- Mad About Music
- I Accuse
- Everybody Sing
- Bulldog Drummond in Africa
- Farmyard Symphony
- Fast Company
- Bulldog Drummond's Peril
- Blockade
- Mother Goose Goes Hollywood
- Mystery House
- Paradise for Three
- Always Goodbye
- The Whalers
- Rocket Ship
- The Daffy Doc
- Gold Is Where You Find It
- The Fox Hunt
- Fools for Scandal
- Spawn of the North
- Healthy, Wealthy and Dumb
- Swing Your Lady
- The Affairs of Annabel
- Merbabies
- College Swing
- Tassels in the Air
- Men Are Such Fools
- Mickey's Parrot
- Sinners in Paradise
- Termites of 1938
- Brother Rat
- Three Missing Links
- Bank Holiday
- Wee Wee Monsieur
- Mutts to You
- Overland Stage Raiders
- Convict 99
- Flat Foot Stooges
- Wives Under Suspicion
- Porky's Hare Hunt
- International Crime
- The Goldwyn Follies
- Arrest Bulldog Drummond
- Three Loves Has Nancy
- Arsène Lupin Returns
- Second Honeymoon
- Blondes at Work
- I Am the Law
- Gold Diggers in Paris
- Santa Fe Stampede
- Porky & Daffy
- My Bill
- Judge Hardy's Children
- Give Me a Sailor
- Jungle Jitters
- Dramatic School
- A Man to Remember
- Assassin of Youth
- White Banners
- Maid's Night Out
- The Girl of the Golden West
- The Crowd Roars
- The Invisible Menace
- Lord Jeff
- Red River Range
- Girls on Probation
- Adventure in Sahara
- Torchy Blane in Panama
- Dick Tracy Returns
- Letter of Introduction
- Secrets of an Actress
- Comet Over Broadway
- Dollar
- I Met My Love Again
- Out West with the Hardys
- Next Time I Marry
- Skola základ zivota
- Going Places
- Under Western Stars
- The Duke Is Tops
- Porky's Poppa
- Quadrille
- Porky's Party
- When Were You Born?
- Three Blind Mice
- Pals of the Saddle
- Torchy Gets Her Man
- Nurse Edith Cavell
- That Certain Age
- The Toy Wife
- Out of the Inkwell
- Rich Man, Poor Girl
- The Patient in Room 18
- Thanks for the Memory
- The Texans
- The Renegade Ranger
- Duchácek to zarídí
- The Strange Monsieur Victor
- The Beachcomber
- Mother Carey's Chickens
- Annabel Takes a Tour
- Kidnapped
- A Date to Skate
- Hatred
- Crashing Hollywood
- Cowboy from Brooklyn
- Garden of the Moon
- Hunky and Spunky
- Prison Break
- The Devil's Party
- Blond Cheat
- Billy the Kid Returns
- The Curtain Rises
- The Isle of Pingo Pongo
- Accidents Will Happen
- Stolen Death
- Spring Madness
- Yellow Jack
- Submarine Patrol
- Valley of the Giants
- The Girl Downstairs
- He Couldn't Say No
- Mars Attacks the World
- The Captain's Christmas
- Old Bones of the River
- Love Is a Headache
- The Novel of Werther
- Start Cheering
- Woman Against Woman
- Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror
- The Mountain Calls
- The Law West of Tombstone
- All's Fair at the Fair
- Hold That Kiss
- Go Chase Yourself
- I'll Give a Million
- There's That Woman Again
- Stablemates
- The Beloved Brat
- Inside Nazi Germany
- Condemned Women
- The Lone Ranger
- The Alibi
- The Man with 100 Faces
- The Black Doll
- Professor Beware
- Let's Go Up the Champs-Élysées
- Hey! Hey! U.S.A!
- Climbing High
- Dangerous to Know
- By Pike
- The Song of the Scarlet Flower
- Girls' School
- The Broken Jug
- The Frontiersmen
- Broadway Musketeers
- Bulldozing the Bull
- Danger on the Air
- Little Tough Guy
- Law of the Underworld
- The Secret of Treasure Island
- Women Are Like That
- Count Me Out
- The Sneezing Weasel
- Sailing Along
- Birthright
- Double Danger
- Heart of Arizona
- Gang Bullets
- The New Adventures of Tarzan
- Porky's Five & Ten
- Big Chief Ugh-Amugh-Ugh
- My Lucky Star
- Big Fella
- Love, Honor and Behave
- Porky's Naughty Nephew
- Hold That Co-ed
- The Challenge
- 13 Stühle
- Coral Reefs
- Bar 20 Justice
- Men with Wings
- Sunset Murder Case
- Happy Landing
- Partners of the Plains
- Hide and Shriek
- In Old Mexico
- Sky Giant
- Island in the Sky
- Blind Alibi
- Keep Fit
- Águila o sol
- Rawhide
- Saleslady
- Sergeant Murphy
- Night Spot
- Pawel i Gawel
- Pride of the West
- The Four Companions
- Porky's Phoney Express
- The First Hundred Years
- Medved
- Heart of the North
- Convicted
- South Riding
- The Old Barn Dance
- The Duke of West Point
- Cassidy of Bar 20
- Charlie Chaplin Carnival
- Tsuruhachi and Tsurujiro
- Penrod's Double Trouble
- Hollywood Stadium Mystery
- The Lady in the Morgue
- Man from Music Mountain
- Shadows Over Shanghai
- Smashing the Rackets
- Gangs of New York
- Swing!
- Love on the Wing
- Tarnished Angel
- The Spider's Web
- Special Inspector
- Juvenile Court
- Breaking the Ice
- Two-Gun Man from Harlem
- Held for Ransom
- Spirit of Youth
- Rollin' Plains
- Prison Train
- Sirocco
- Johnny Smith and Poker-Huntas
- The Lady Objects
- Straight Place and Show
- This Marriage Business
- Call of the Yukon
- Dangerous Secrets
- Penrod and His Twin Brother
- Magda
- The Man with the Gun
- I See Ice!
- Josette
- Midnight Intruder
- Port of Seven Seas
- Border G-Man
- Over the Wall
- Who Killed Gail Preston?
- Women of Niskavuori
- Sally Swing
- Artists and Models Abroad
- The New Moscow
- Six-Shootin' Sheriff
- The Chaser
- Alf's Button Afloat
- Come on, Rangers!
- Romance on the Run
- Gun Law
- Her Jungle Love
- Mr. Boggs Steps Out
- Carrefour
- The Daredevil Drivers
- Zapomniana melodia
- Painted Desert
- Came the Brawn
- Five of a Kind
- Peck's Bad Boy with the Circus
- Sally, Irene and Mary
- Campus Cinderella
- Das indische Grabmal
- Gangway
- Little Miss Thoroughbred
- The Titan: Story of Michelangelo
- The Gladiator
- This Man Is News
- The Tiger of Eschnapur
- Radio City Revels
- Shine on Harvest Moon
- Tulitikkuja lainaamassa
- Call the Mesquiteers
- The Fighting Devil Dogs
- The Shanghai Drama
- King of the Newsboys
- Morena Clara
- The Awful Tooth
- Kentucky Moonshine
- Crime Ring
- The Merry Wives
- Paroled - To Die
- Wide Open Faces
- Phantom Ranger
- King of Alcatraz
- God's Step Children
- Thrills and Chills
- Storm
- Kaibyô nazo no shamisen
- Army Girl
- Storm Over Bengal
- Red Barry
- Queen of Destiny
- Covered Tracks
- It Happened in Gibraltar
- Five Millions Seek an Heir
- So You Don't Know Korff Yet?
- Everybody's Doing It
- Born to Be Wild
- Children Must Laugh
- The Lone Wolf in Paris
- Tropic Holiday
- Tanz auf dem Vulkan
- Time Out for Murder
- Carmen (la de Triana)
- The Mysterious Rider
- Barefoot Boy
- Composition Class
- Tsar to Lenin
- Gold Mine in the Sky
- Port of Missing Girls
- Gangster's Boy
- She Returned at Dawn
- Nobleza baturra
- Who Goes Next?
- The Missing Guest
- The Feud Maker
- Frontier Scout
- Prairie Moon
- Sysmäläinen
- Un de la légion
- Cipher Bureau
- Tex Rides with the Boy Scouts
- Here's Flash Casey
- Western Jamboree
- Doctor Rhythm
- Treasure Island
- Pudgy the Watchman
- The Purple Vigilantes
- Another Romance of Celluloid
- Prison Nurse
- Soldier's Bride
- Prison Farm
- Robert Koch: The Battle Against Death
- Women Who Work
- Maga lesz a férjem
- Mr. Chump
- Six-Gun Trail
- The Lady Is a Bit Cracked
- The Lion Man
- The Rat
- Cocoanut Grove
- Hawaii Calls
- Strange Boarders
- The Hen-Pecked Husband
- Lightning Carson Rides Again
- The Puritan
- International Settlement
- Swing It, Sailor!
- Flaming Frontiers
- Romance of the Limberlost
- Hawk of the Wilderness
- Rhythm of the Saddle
- Slander House
- The Spy Ring
- Café de Paris
- Mr. Doodle Kicks Off
- Rebellious Daughters
- Strachy
- Air Devils
- Fugitives for a Night
- Mother Love
- Under the Big Top
- Frontier Town
- Outlaws of Sonora
- Knight of the Plains
- Say It in French
- Ultimatum
- Katia
- Gateway
- Career
- Flirting with Fate
- Five Scouts
- Young Fugitives
- A Night in May
- Rykmentin murheenkryyni
- Bolette's Bridal Shower
- Whirlwind Horseman
- Battle of Broadway
- The Tears of an Onion
- Bolshaya zhizn
- Walking Down Broadway
- The Stranger from Arizona
- Ettore Fieramosca
- Tip-Off Girls
- Female Fugitive
- The Arkansas Traveler
- Vacation from Love
- Mystery of Room 13
- Romance in the Dark
- The Girl in the Taxi
- Old Mother Riley in Paris
- Where the Buffalo Roam
- Convicts at Large
- If War Comes Tomorrow
- California Frontier
- Hercule
- Två år i varje klass
- The Kid Comes Back
- Buzzy Boop
- Füsilier Wipf
- Thunder in the Desert
- The Song from Earth
- Kilómetro 111
- Utah Trail
- The Devil Is an Empress
- Queen of Crime
- Barnabé
- Verbena trágica
- Lachine, the People's Hope
- Napoleon ist an allem schuld
- Delinquent Parents
- I Am a Criminal
- Desert Patrol
- Prison sans barreaux
- Ai yori ai e
- Poikamiesten holhokki
- Tom Sawyer, Detective
- The King Kong That Appeared in Edo
- People Who Travel
- Buzzy Boop at the Concert
- The Singing Blacksmith
- Péntek Rézi
- La vuelta al nido
- Old Mother Riley
- A Brivele der mamen
- The Stars Shine
- Mutiny on the Elsinore
- Little Miss Molly
- Klapzubova XI.
- The Singing Cowgirl
- L'aventurier
- Keep Smiling
- Men of Ireland
- Holka nebo kluk
- Moydodyr - Wash 'til Holes
- Nummisuutarit
- Ungen
- Mamele
- Thanks for Everything
- Hunted Men
- Rasputin
- Little Orphan Annie
- Rio Grande
- Flowers Have Fallen
- Olenko minä tullut haaremiin
- Gang Smashers
- Under Secret Orders
- The Woman from the End of the World
- Exposed
- Songs and Saddles
- The Crime of Doctor Hallet
- Border Wolves
- Professor Mamlock
- Over She Goes
- Gunsmoke Trail
- Come on, Leathernecks!
- Vieras mies tuli taloon
- Murder in the Family
- Dawn Over Ireland
- The Great Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok
- Furlough on Parole
- Rascals
- The Country Bride
- On the Great White Trail
- Where the West Begins
- One Wild Night
- Les pirates du rail
- King of the Sierras
- Break the News
- Kangaroo Kid
- Sigge Nilsson och jag
- Alarm
- Die Umwege des schönen Karl
- Sons of the Legion
- Rozmaring
- Profesor Wilczur
- Love on a Budget
- Youth Takes a Fling
- The Road to Reno
- The Big Birdcast
- Second Best Bed
- The Farmer Goes to Town
- Black Bandit
- Ride a Crooked Mile
- Vingar kring fyren
- Markan tähden
- Reformatory
- Outlaw Express
- Pour le Mérite
- The Adventures of Chico
- Torpedoed
- Invisible Enemy
- Starlight Over Texas
- City of Youth
- The Rangers' Round-Up
- Bara en trumpetare
- Waltz Melodies
- They Wanted Peace
- Sing as You Swing
- Kamrater i vapenrocken
- I Was an Adventuress
- Conflit
- The Green Hell
- The Marines Come Thru
- La rubia del camino
- The New Audioscopiks
- Je chante
- The Last Curtain
- He Loved an Actress
- The Playboy
- The Painted Trail
- Gone to the Dogs
- The Case of the Frightened Lady
- La zandunga
- Said O'Reilly to McNab
- Capriccio
- Bargekeepers Daughter
- I Demand Payment
- Pride and Prejudice
- Tricoche et Cacolet
- Incident in Shanghai
- Boys Will Be Girls
- John Halifax
- The Stream
- Durango Valley Raiders
- Under byens tage
- The Dummy Owner
- We're Going to Be Rich
- Kreutzer Sonata
- Blaavand melder Storm
- Adolf klarar skivan
- Le patriote
- S.O.S. Mediterranean
- Animal Cracker Circus
- Jugend
- Monsieur Coccinelle
- Irish and Proud of It
- Soviet Border
- Nanon
- Sergeant Berry
- The Lafarge Case
- Fröken Julia jubilerar
- Syyllisiäkö?
- Milly, Maria och jag
- Elinan surma
- The Last Adventurers
- Rhythm Racketeer
- Kloka gubben
- Stolen Heaven
- The Frog Pond
- Lumières de Paris
- Songs and Bullets
- Den mandlige husassistent
- A Road in India
- Nuestro culpable
- Marked Girls
- Blixt och dunder
- We from the Theatre
- The Girls Aunt
- Los millones de Chaflán
- Betrayal
- Temples of India
- A Day at Denham
- Jettatore
- Eli Sjursdotter
- Tango Notturno
- Life's Mirror
- Gun Packer
- Paimen, piika ja emäntä
- A Cruise in the Albertina
- Yes, Madam?
- Livet paa Hegnsgaard
- String Bean Jack
- Geheimzeichen LB 17
- Frau Sixta
- Tough Kid
- Sun Over Sweden
- Stepping Toes
- Morskoy post
- Sing for Sweetie
- Mitka Lelyuk
- The Life of Giuseppe Verdi
- Beaux and Errors
- Die kleine und die große Liebe
- Styrman Karlssons flammor
- Woman on the Edge
- Bakililar
- Delhi
- Paix sur le Rhin
- Goda vänner och trogna grannar
- La Valentina
- Men of the Sea
- Yvette
- Under the Southern Cross
- Krok do tmy
- The Woman Thief
- Cupid Takes a Holiday
- Art for Art's Sake
- Granitsa na zamke
- Frauen für Golden Hill
- Svensson ordnar allt!
- Nirmala
- Champagnegaloppen
- Comrades at Sea
- Hordubalové
- The Dream of Butterfly
- Storms in May
- The Painted Stallion
- Die verschwundene Frau
- Die Frau am Scheidewege
- Easy Riches
- Street Without Joy
- Adrienne Lecouvreur
- The Lady in White
- Balletten danser
- Gastspiel im Paradies
- The Islanders
- Wild Horse Canyon
- Feed the Kitty
- Nellie the Sewing Machine Girl or Honest Hearts & Willing Hands
- The Lone Mountie
- Man's Country
- Oh Boy!
- Make-Up
- Intimate Relations
- The Face of Scotland
- Discretion with Honor
- Beate's Mystery
- Scruffy
- Adiós Buenos Aires
- Eddie Carroll and His Orchestra
- Verklungene Melodie
- Anna Favetti
- Das Leben kann so schön sein
- The Girl of Last Night
- Satan's Paradise
- Storm över skären
- Sky Pirates
- The Last Chance
- The West
- The Auto Clinic
- Love from a Stranger
- Druzya iz tabora
- The Broken Melody
- Unsere kleine Frau
- The Main Event
- Under Sealed Orders
- Roxy und das Wunderteam
- Legions of Honor
- Karmankolon kuningas
- Der Spieler
- Am seidenen Faden
- Der Optimist
- Concert in Tirol
- Tempête sur l'Asie
- Men of the Sea
- The Foolish Virgin
- Julius Caesar
- Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Crawford
- Arctic Highway
- Kongen bød
- Die fromme Lüge
- The Eternal Fire
- Gym Jams
- The Brown Bomber
- Indian Durbar
- Revolutionshochzeit
- Die Nacht der Entscheidung
- Au soleil de Marseille
- Devil's Rock
- The Empty Cradle
- A Radio Hook-Up
- Little Sinner
- Chûshingura - Ten no maki
- Scrappy's Playmates
- Sheep Dog
- Buynaya vataga
- Mother and Child
- Menschen, Tiere, Sensationen
- La que no perdonó
- Star of the Sea
- Rote Orchideen
- Vor Liebe wird gewarnt
- Frühlingsluft
- Canto a mi tierra
- Florentine
- Maja zwischen zwei Ehen
- Ihr Leibhusar
- A Spot of Bother
- Le joueur
- Gopal Krishna
- Who Is Happier Than I?
- Refugees in Madrid
- Livet på Hegnsgaard
- A Nation Is Built
- Romance à la carte
- You Live and Learn
- Shusse taikoki
- Baldwin's Wedding
- Tamara la complaisante
- You're the Doctor
- Thank Evans
- Schneeweißchen und Rosenrot
- Herr husassistenten
- Around the Town
- Un fichu métier
- Many Tanks Mr. Atkins
- I nöd och lust
- The Awakening
- Paid in Error
- Almost a Gentleman
- Ballade
- Glamour Girl
- Kurama Tengu
- Callejón sin salida
- Darts Are Trumps
- Pescadores de perlas
- Smugglers Beware
- Kriminalfall Erich Lemke
- Три мушкетёра
- Cinema Adverts Humber, Raleigh, Rudge
- My Heart Belongs to Thee
- L'avion de minuit
- Racing Romance
- Right and Duty
- Styles and Smiles
- Der letzte Appell
- My Foster Sister
- Le capitaine Benoît
- Southern Bar
- Nuits de princes
- Glorious Nights
- Alarm
- The Illusion Factory
- El fakir Rodríguez
- The Future's in the Air
- Pengar från skyn
- Il suo destino
- Den stora kärleken
- Quintupland
- False Roomers
- Laivan kannella
- Kampf um Anastasia
- Markus setä kertoo...
- Kiusaus
- Ulkosaarelaiset
- Salt Shakers
- Mazha Mulga
- Venetian Moonlight
- Ah, Wilderness!
- Ein schwieriger Fall
- Das Protektionskind
- Eine Tat mit Vorbedacht
- Wochenendfriede
- Bobby
- Notgemeinschaft Hinterhaus
- Arabian Bazaar
- Blechmusik
- Gute Reise, Herr Meier
- Pow Wow
- Hats and Dogs
- East of Ludgate Hill
- Nice Work.. If You Can Get It
- Cargo for Ardrossan
- Die Funcken von der Heide
- Der Kapland-Diamant
- Horse Transport
- Gefiederte Strandgäste an der Ostsee
- S.E. Tibet and E. Bhutan
- Derby c.1938 - Eisner Personal Film
- Indian Elephants in the Service of Man
- The Tough 'un
- Old Age Pensioners' Seaside Holiday To Southend-on-Sea
- Год девятнадцатый
The Best Movies in 1938
The Adventures of Robin Hood
Released in a year marked by groundbreaking cinema, "The Adventures of Robin Hood" brought to life the legendary tale of the heroic outlaw. Starring Errol Flynn in what would become one of his signature roles, the film dazzles with its dynamic action sequences and rich Technicolor visuals. The production spared no expense, evident in the elaborate sets that transport viewers to a vividly realized medieval England. Integral to the film's enduring appeal is Erich Wolfgang Korngold's score, which enhances the swashbuckling action and sweeping romance. With Flynn at the helm, "The Adventures of Robin Hood" remains a quintessential adventure film, celebrated for its artistry and entertainment value.
Alexander's Ragtime Band
"Alexander's Ragtime Band" stands apart for its unique blend of musical drama and historical narrative. The film, directed by Henry King, charts the evolution of American popular music, from the vaudeville stages to the era of swing, using Irving Berlin's compositions as its backbone. Tyrone Power and Alice Faye lead a talented cast, bringing to life the trials and triumphs of musicians in a changing culture. The film not only pays homage to Berlin's music but also serves as a nostalgic look back at a transformative period in musical history, making it a rich, cinematic treat.
Algiers
Set against the backdrop of the Casbah's winding streets and hidden courtyards, "Algiers" captures the imagination with its tale of love and danger. Charles Boyer delivers a compelling performance as Pepe le Moko, a jewel thief on the run from the law. His nuanced portrayal of a man torn between freedom and love adds depth to the film's romantic and suspenseful narrative. "Algiers" stands out for its atmospheric setting and the chemistry between its leads, offering a glimpse into a world of intrigue and passion.
Holiday
Under the direction of George Cukor, "Holiday" explores themes of love, societal norms, and the quest for personal happiness. Katharine Hepburn and Cary Grant shine as the film's protagonists, their performances imbuing the story with charm and relatability. Set against the backdrop of the affluent American society, the film gets into the conflict between individual desires and societal expectations. The chemistry between Hepburn and Grant elevates the film, making "Holiday" a captivating exploration of love and life's priorities.
Boys Town
"Boys Town" tells the inspiring story of Father Edward Flanagan's vision to create a haven for wayward boys. Spencer Tracy's portrayal of Father Flanagan is both authentic and poignant, reflecting the film's underlying themes of redemption and the power of compassion. The narrative focuses on Flanagan's unwavering belief in the goodness inherent in all boys, challenging societal preconceptions about juvenile delinquency. With its emotional depth and impactful storytelling, "Boys Town" champions the transformative effect of kindness and understanding.
Film & Industry Highlights of 1938
Notable Film Releases of 1938
In 1938, the film industry presented a lineup of movies that have since become benchmarks in cinematic history. "The Adventures of Robin Hood," directed by Michael Curtiz, featured Errol Flynn and Olivia de Havilland in pivotal roles, earning its place as a definitive adventure film. Its narrative, visual style, and performances have influenced countless productions in the genre.
Another release, "Boys Town" from MGM, emerged as the highest-grossing film in North America for the year, with earnings of $2,828,000. Its commercial success underscores its resonance with the audience of the time. Furthermore, films like "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Test Pilot," "You Can't Take It with You," and "Sweethearts" also ranked among the top earners, highlighting a year rich in various cinematic stories.
Industry Events and Happenings
The 10th Academy Awards, held on March 10, 1938, celebrated the films released in 1937. "The Life of Emile Zola" stood out, securing the Best Picture award and becoming the evening's most lauded film with three Oscars. This ceremony is a historical point of reference for industry achievements and trends.
July 1938 saw the sixth Venice Mostra (Venice Film Festival) amid a tense international atmosphere. The influence of political pressures from Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy was evident, impacting the festival's operations and awards. This period underscores the complex relationship between politics and the arts.
Additionally, the groundwork for the Cannes Film Festival was laid in 1938 as a counter to the politicized environment of the Venice Film Festival, aiming for a more impartial celebration of cinema. Scheduled to officially start in 1939, its origins in 1938 mark a pivotal moment in film festival history.
Industry Challenges and Campaigns
The year also brought its share of hurdles for the film industry. A notable protest by cine technicians, as reported in the World Film News, underscored the industry's internal and external challenges. These included navigating bad publicity and rebounding from a period of diminished box office returns.
In an effort to revitalize interest and attendance, the American film industry initiated "Motion Pictures' Greatest Year" in September 1938, a four-month public relations effort. This campaign was designed to spotlight the industry's contributions and the entertainment value of its productions, aiming to bolster public engagement and box office performance.