1938 Movies
Browse 894 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
- The Human Beast
- 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
- Mickey's Trailer
- Ferdinand the Bull
- The Dawn Patrol
- Brave Little Tailor
- Marie Antoinette
- Algiers
- Hotel du Nord
- 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
- Porky in Wackyland
- Merrily We Live
- 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
- Charlie Chan at Monte Carlo
- You and Me
- 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 Great Waltz
- Donald's Nephews
- The Shining Hour
- Mr. Wong, Detective
- Nancy Drew: Detective
- A Woman's Face
- Good Scouts
- Child Bride
- 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
- Little Miss Broadway
- Boys' School
- Donald's Better Self
- The Drum
- Violent Is the Word for Curly
- Joy of Living
- Suez
- Mysterious Mr. Moto
- Daffy Duck in Hollywood
- Listen, Darling
- Four Men and a Prayer
- Blondie
- Polar Trappers
- Have You Got Any Castles?
- Mr. Moto's Gamble
- The Masseurs and a Woman
- Hollywood Hotel
- Racket Busters
- Mr. Moto Takes a Chance
- Boy Meets Girl
- Wynken, Blynken & Nod
- Heartbeat
- Volga - Volga
- The Buccaneer
- Gorky 1: The Childhood of Maxim Gorky
- Self Control
- An Optical Poem
- Bulldog Drummond's Revenge
- Hard to Get
- Young Dr. Kildare
- Katnip Kollege
- Sweethearts
- Trade Winds
- Just Around the Corner
- The Baroness and the Butler
- Kentucky
- There Goes My Heart
- Daffy Duck & Egghead
- Man-Proof
- The River
- Mad About Music
- Everybody Sing
- Farmyard Symphony
- Fast Company
- I Accuse
- Bulldog Drummond in Africa
- Bulldog Drummond's Peril
- Mother Goose Goes Hollywood
- Blockade
- Mystery House
- The Whalers
- Rocket Ship
- Paradise for Three
- Always Goodbye
- The Daffy Doc
- Gold Is Where You Find It
- The Fox Hunt
- Fools for Scandal
- Spawn of the North
- Swing Your Lady
- Healthy, Wealthy and Dumb
- The Affairs of Annabel
- Men Are Such Fools
- College Swing
- Tassels in the Air
- Merbabies
- Mickey's Parrot
- Brother Rat
- Termites of 1938
- Bank Holiday
- Wee Wee Monsieur
- Three Missing Links
- Overland Stage Raiders
- Convict 99
- Mutts to You
- Sinners in Paradise
- Wives Under Suspicion
- Flat Foot Stooges
- Porky's Hare Hunt
- The Goldwyn Follies
- International Crime
- Three Loves Has Nancy
- Arsène Lupin Returns
- Arrest Bulldog Drummond
- Second Honeymoon
- Blondes at Work
- I Am the Law
- Gold Diggers in Paris
- Santa Fe Stampede
- My Bill
- Porky & Daffy
- Judge Hardy's Children
- Give Me a Sailor
- Dramatic School
- Jungle Jitters
- A Man to Remember
- White Banners
- Maid's Night Out
- Assassin of Youth
- The Girl of the Golden West
- The Crowd Roars
- The Invisible Menace
- Red River Range
- Lord Jeff
- Torchy Blane in Panama
- Girls on Probation
- Adventure in Sahara
- Dick Tracy Returns
- Secrets of an Actress
- Comet Over Broadway
- Dollar
- Out West with the Hardys
- Going Places
- The Duke Is Tops
- I Met My Love Again
- Next Time I Marry
- Letter of Introduction
- Skola základ zivota
- Quadrille
- Under Western Stars
- Porky's Party
- When Were You Born?
- Porky's Poppa
- Pals of the Saddle
- Torchy Gets Her Man
- That Certain Age
- Three Blind Mice
- The Toy Wife
- Nurse Edith Cavell
- Out of the Inkwell
- Rich Man, Poor Girl
- The Patient in Room 18
- Thanks for the Memory
- The Renegade Ranger
- The Texans
- Duchácek to zarídí
- The Strange Monsieur Victor
- The Beachcomber
- Mother Carey's Chickens
- Annabel Takes a Tour
- Kidnapped
- A Date to Skate
- Hatred
- Cowboy from Brooklyn
- Crashing Hollywood
- Garden of the Moon
- The Devil's Party
- Prison Break
- Blond Cheat
- Hunky and Spunky
- Billy the Kid Returns
- The Curtain Rises
- Accidents Will Happen
- The Isle of Pingo Pongo
- 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
- The Novel of Werther
- Love Is a Headache
- Start Cheering
- Woman Against Woman
- The Mountain Calls
- Hold That Kiss
- Sexton Blake and the Hooded Terror
- The Law West of Tombstone
- All's Fair at the Fair
- Go Chase Yourself
- I'll Give a Million
- There's That Woman Again
- Stablemates
- The Beloved Brat
- Inside Nazi Germany
- The Alibi
- Condemned Women
- The Man with 100 Faces
- The Lone Ranger
- Climbing High
- Let's Go Up the Champs-Élysées
- Professor Beware
- Hey! Hey! U.S.A!
- The Black Doll
- By Pike
- Dangerous to Know
- The Broken Jug
- The Song of the Scarlet Flower
- The Frontiersmen
- Bulldozing the Bull
- Girls' School
- Broadway Musketeers
- The Secret of Treasure Island
- Women Are Like That
- Law of the Underworld
- Danger on the Air
- Little Tough Guy
- Count Me Out
- Double Danger
- The Sneezing Weasel
- Sailing Along
- Heart of Arizona
- Birthright
- Big Chief Ugh-Amugh-Ugh
- The New Adventures of Tarzan
- My Lucky Star
- Big Fella
- Gang Bullets
- Porky's Five & Ten
- Love, Honor and Behave
- Hold That Co-ed
- Porky's Naughty Nephew
- 13 Stühle
- Coral Reefs
- The Challenge
- Bar 20 Justice
- Men with Wings
- Partners of the Plains
- Happy Landing
- Sunset Murder Case
- In Old Mexico
- Sky Giant
- Island in the Sky
- Hide and Shriek
- Blind Alibi
- Saleslady
- Águila o sol
- Rawhide
- Sergeant Murphy
- Keep Fit
- Night Spot
- Pawel i Gawel
- Pride of the West
- The First Hundred Years
- The Four Companions
- South Riding
- Heart of the North
- Porky's Phoney Express
- Medved
- Convicted
- The Old Barn Dance
- The Duke of West Point
- Tsuruhachi and Tsurujiro
- Charlie Chaplin Carnival
- Cassidy of Bar 20
- Penrod's Double Trouble
- Hollywood Stadium Mystery
- Man from Music Mountain
- Shadows Over Shanghai
- The Lady in the Morgue
- Smashing the Rackets
- Swing!
- Gangs of New York
- Love on the Wing
- Tarnished Angel
- Special Inspector
- Juvenile Court
- The Spider's Web
- Two-Gun Man from Harlem
- Rollin' Plains
- Breaking the Ice
- Prison Train
- Spirit of Youth
- Sirocco
- Held for Ransom
- This Marriage Business
- Straight Place and Show
- Dangerous Secrets
- Magda
- Call of the Yukon
- Penrod and His Twin Brother
- The Lady Objects
- Johnny Smith and Poker-Huntas
- The Man with the Gun
- I See Ice!
- Midnight Intruder
- Josette
- Border G-Man
- Over the Wall
- Port of Seven Seas
- Who Killed Gail Preston?
- Women of Niskavuori
- Sally Swing
- Artists and Models Abroad
- The New Moscow
- Six-Shootin' Sheriff
- Alf's Button Afloat
- Come on, Rangers!
- Her Jungle Love
- Carrefour
- Zapomniana melodia
- Romance on the Run
- The Daredevil Drivers
- Painted Desert
- Gun Law
- Mr. Boggs Steps Out
- Campus Cinderella
- Sally, Irene and Mary
- Five of a Kind
- Peck's Bad Boy with the Circus
- Gangway
- Das indische Grabmal
- Little Miss Thoroughbred
- Came the Brawn
- This Man Is News
- The Tiger of Eschnapur
- Radio City Revels
- The Gladiator
- Tulitikkuja lainaamassa
- Call the Mesquiteers
- The Chaser
- Shine on Harvest Moon
- The Fighting Devil Dogs
- The Shanghai Drama
- Morena Clara
- King of the Newsboys
- The Merry Wives
- Crime Ring
- Kentucky Moonshine
- Paroled - To Die
- The Awful Tooth
- Wide Open Faces
- King of Alcatraz
- Kaibyô nazo no shamisen
- Phantom Ranger
- God's Step Children
- Storm Over Bengal
- Thrills and Chills
- Red Barry
- Storm
- So You Don't Know Korff Yet?
- Covered Tracks
- It Happened in Gibraltar
- Army Girl
- Five Millions Seek an Heir
- Queen of Destiny
- Everybody's Doing It
- Children Must Laugh
- Tanz auf dem Vulkan
- Tropic Holiday
- Time Out for Murder
- Carmen (la de Triana)
- Born to Be Wild
- The Mysterious Rider
- Tsar to Lenin
- Gangster's Boy
- The Lone Wolf in Paris
- Nobleza baturra
- Port of Missing Girls
- Composition Class
- Barefoot Boy
- The Missing Guest
- She Returned at Dawn
- Who Goes Next?
- Gold Mine in the Sky
- Sysmäläinen
- Un de la légion
- Prairie Moon
- The Feud Maker
- Here's Flash Casey
- Another Romance of Celluloid
- Western Jamboree
- Tex Rides with the Boy Scouts
- Frontier Scout
- Doctor Rhythm
- Prison Farm
- Soldier's Bride
- Treasure Island
- The Purple Vigilantes
- Cipher Bureau
- Pudgy the Watchman
- Prison Nurse
- Maga lesz a férjem
- Robert Koch: The Battle Against Death
- Women Who Work
- Six-Gun Trail
- Hawaii Calls
- The Lady Is a Bit Cracked
- The Hen-Pecked Husband
- The Lion Man
- The Puritan
- Cocoanut Grove
- Romance of the Limberlost
- Flaming Frontiers
- Strange Boarders
- The Spy Ring
- International Settlement
- Rhythm of the Saddle
- Lightning Carson Rides Again
- Slander House
- Café de Paris
- Swing It, Sailor!
- Hawk of the Wilderness
- Rebellious Daughters
- Fugitives for a Night
- Mother Love
- The Rat
- Air Devils
- Frontier Town
- Strachy
- Under the Big Top
- Say It in French
- Ultimatum
- Katia
- Mr. Chump
- Outlaws of Sonora
- Knight of the Plains
- Career
- Gateway
- Five Scouts
- Rykmentin murheenkryyni
- The Stranger from Arizona
- Bolette's Bridal Shower
- Whirlwind Horseman
- Ettore Fieramosca
- Young Fugitives
- A Night in May
- Bolshaya zhizn
- Battle of Broadway
- The Tears of an Onion
- Walking Down Broadway
- Tip-Off Girls
- Romance in the Dark
- The Arkansas Traveler
- Flirting with Fate
- Where the Buffalo Roam
- Vacation from Love
- Mystery of Room 13
- Old Mother Riley in Paris
- Female Fugitive
- The Girl in the Taxi
- Mr. Doodle Kicks Off
- Convicts at Large
- If War Comes Tomorrow
- California Frontier
- Hercule
- Två år i varje klass
- The Kid Comes Back
- The Devil Is an Empress
- The Song from Earth
- Kilómetro 111
- Barnabé
- Buzzy Boop
- Füsilier Wipf
- Utah Trail
- Queen of Crime
- Napoleon ist an allem schuld
- Verbena trágica
- Thunder in the Desert
- Delinquent Parents
- The King Kong That Appeared in Edo
- Lachine, the People's Hope
- Poikamiesten holhokki
- Desert Patrol
- Ai yori ai e
- People Who Travel
- I Am a Criminal
- Tom Sawyer, Detective
- Prison sans barreaux
- La vuelta al nido
- The Singing Blacksmith
- The Stars Shine
- Péntek Rézi
- Little Miss Molly
- Buzzy Boop at the Concert
- Old Mother Riley
- A Brivele der mamen
- Men of Ireland
- Klapzubova XI.
- Holka nebo kluk
- Nummisuutarit
- Mutiny on the Elsinore
- Keep Smiling
- Ungen
- The Singing Cowgirl
- Thanks for Everything
- L'aventurier
- Little Orphan Annie
- Olenko minä tullut haaremiin
- Moydodyr - Wash 'til Holes
- Rio Grande
- Mamele
- Flowers Have Fallen
- The Crime of Doctor Hallet
- Hunted Men
- Rasputin
- Under Secret Orders
- Professor Mamlock
- Exposed
- Songs and Saddles
- Come on, Leathernecks!
- Vieras mies tuli taloon
- The Woman from the End of the World
- Over She Goes
- Furlough on Parole
- Gunsmoke Trail
- Gang Smashers
- The Country Bride
- Dawn Over Ireland
- The Great Adventures of Wild Bill Hickok
- On the Great White Trail
- Border Wolves
- Murder in the Family
- King of the Sierras
- Where the West Begins
- Break the News
- Kangaroo Kid
- Sigge Nilsson och jag
- Rascals
- Les pirates du rail
- Alarm
- Sons of the Legion
- Rozmaring
- Profesor Wilczur
- Die Umwege des schönen Karl
- One Wild Night
- Youth Takes a Fling
- Love on a Budget
- The Road to Reno
- The Farmer Goes to Town
- The Big Birdcast
- Vingar kring fyren
- Black Bandit
- Markan tähden
- Reformatory
- Pour le Mérite
- Outlaw Express
- Second Best Bed
- Torpedoed
- Invisible Enemy
- City of Youth
- The Adventures of Chico
- Waltz Melodies
- Sing as You Swing
- Starlight Over Texas
- I Was an Adventuress
- The Rangers' Round-Up
- Kamrater i vapenrocken
- Bara en trumpetare
- The Green Hell
- La rubia del camino
- Conflit
- The New Audioscopiks
- Je chante
- The Marines Come Thru
- The Playboy
- The Painted Trail
- Gone to the Dogs
- The Last Curtain
- He Loved an Actress
- Said O'Reilly to McNab
- La zandunga
- Bargekeepers Daughter
- Pride and Prejudice
- The Case of the Frightened Lady
- Capriccio
- Boys Will Be Girls
- I Demand Payment
- Incident in Shanghai
- Under byens tage
- The Stream
- The Dummy Owner
- Tricoche et Cacolet
- Durango Valley Raiders
- John Halifax
- Blaavand melder Storm
- Adolf klarar skivan
- We're Going to Be Rich
- S.O.S. Mediterranean
- Jugend
- Le patriote
- Kreutzer Sonata
- Irish and Proud of It
- Animal Cracker Circus
- Sergeant Berry
- Monsieur Coccinelle
- Syyllisiäkö?
- Soviet Border
- Milly, Maria och jag
- Elinan surma
- Nanon
- Fröken Julia jubilerar
- The Last Adventurers
- Rhythm Racketeer
- Kloka gubben
- The Frog Pond
- Lumières de Paris
- The Lafarge Case
- Dziewczyna szuka milosci
- Stolen Heaven
- A Road in India
- Den mandlige husassistent
- Marked Girls
- We from the Theatre
- Songs and Bullets
- A Day at Denham
- The Girls Aunt
- Temples of India
- Los millones de Chaflán
- Jettatore
- Betrayal
- Eli Sjursdotter
- Tango Notturno
- Life's Mirror
- Paimen, piika ja emäntä
- A Cruise in the Albertina
- Yes, Madam?
- Blixt och dunder
- Livet paa Hegnsgaard
- String Bean Jack
- Tough Kid
- Sun Over Sweden
- Morskoy post
- Gun Packer
- Sing for Sweetie
- Mitka Lelyuk
- The Life of Giuseppe Verdi
- Geheimzeichen LB 17
- Styrman Karlssons flammor
- Stepping Toes
- Beaux and Errors
- Delhi
- Frau Sixta
- Paix sur le Rhin
- Die kleine und die große Liebe
- Goda vänner och trogna grannar
- La Valentina
- Kobiety nad przepascia
- Men of the Sea
- Bakililar
- Krok do tmy
- The Woman Thief
- Art for Art's Sake
- Granitsa na zamke
- Frauen für Golden Hill
- Under the Southern Cross
- Svensson ordnar allt!
- Nirmala
- Cupid Takes a Holiday
- Comrades at Sea
- Yvette
- Hordubalové
- The Dream of Butterfly
- Storms in May
- The Painted Stallion
- Die verschwundene Frau
- Champagnegaloppen
- Street Without Joy
- Adrienne Lecouvreur
- Balletten danser
- Gastspiel im Paradies
- The Islanders
- Die Frau am Scheidewege
- Easy Riches
- Man's Country
- Make-Up
- Intimate Relations
- Wild Horse Canyon
- Nellie the Sewing Machine Girl or Honest Hearts & Willing Hands
- The Lone Mountie
- The Face of Scotland
- Discretion with Honor
- Beate's Mystery
- Oh Boy!
- Scruffy
- Adiós Buenos Aires
- The Lady in White
- Eddie Carroll and His Orchestra
- Feed the Kitty
- Verklungene Melodie
- Das Leben kann so schön sein
- The Girl of Last Night
- Satan's Paradise
- Sky Pirates
- Anna Favetti
- The Last Chance
- The West
- Storm över skären
- The Auto Clinic
- Druzya iz tabora
- The Broken Melody
- Unsere kleine Frau
- Under Sealed Orders
- Roxy und das Wunderteam
- Legions of Honor
- Love from a Stranger
- Der Optimist
- Concert in Tirol
- Tempête sur l'Asie
- Men of the Sea
- The Main Event
- Karmankolon kuningas
- Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Crawford
- Arctic Highway
- Der Spieler
- Am seidenen Faden
- Kongen bød
- Die fromme Lüge
- The Eternal Fire
- The Foolish Virgin
- Julius Caesar
- Gym Jams
- The Brown Bomber
- A Radio Hook-Up
- Indian Durbar
- Revolutionshochzeit
- Die Nacht der Entscheidung
- Au soleil de Marseille
- Devil's Rock
- The Empty Cradle
- Little Sinner
- Chûshingura - Ten no maki
- Sheep Dog
- Buynaya vataga
- Mother and Child
- Menschen, Tiere, Sensationen
- La que no perdonó
- Rote Orchideen
- Vor Liebe wird gewarnt
- Frühlingsluft
- 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
- Sorte Grande
- 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
- Star of the Sea
- Quintupland
- False Roomers
- Laivan kannella
- Kampf um Anastasia
- Scrappy's Playmates
- 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
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.