1939 Movies
Browse 898 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
- Tarzan Finds a Son!
- Ugly Duckling
- 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
- You're Missing the Point
- The Hockey Champ
- 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
- Susannah of the Mounties
- Buck Rogers
- 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
- Mr. Moto in Danger Island
- The Mikado
- Blind Alley
- The Lone Wolf Spy Hunt
- Let's Go with Pancho Villa
- Aladdin and His Wonderful Lamp
- Day-Time Wife
- The Lion Has Wings
- First Love
- Honolulu
- The Autograph Hound
- The Face at the Window
- Daughters Courageous
- When Tomorrow Comes
- Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation
- Old Glory
- Four Wives
- Andy Hardy Gets Spring Fever
- The Arsenal Stadium Mystery
- Fast and Loose
- New Frontier
- Maisie
- The Pointer
- 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
- The Great Man Votes
- Thugs with Dirty Mugs
- Lucky Night
- We Want Our Mummy
- Never Say Die
- Three Sappy People
- 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
- Calling Dr. Kildare
- Yes, We Have No Bonanza
- 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
- The Film Fan
- Judge Hardy and Son
- Harvest
- 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
- Three Texas Steers
- Wyoming Outlaw
- The Night Riders
- 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
- Beauty for the Asking
- Personal Column
- Blondie Meets the Boss
- Heaven with a Barbed Wire Fence
- Tevya
- We Are Not Alone
- Hell's Kitchen
- Customers Wanted
- Only One Night
- Aldeia da Roupa Branca
- Robin Hood Makes Good
- Hamateur Night
- That's Right - You're Wrong
- Dick Tracy's G-Men
- Naughty But Nice
- Wings of the Navy
- Eva tropí hlouposti
- On Dress Parade
- Halálos tavasz
- Balalaika
- The Girl from Mexico
- Land of Liberty
- Wise Quacks
- The Devil's Daughter
- Pacific Liner
- Within the Law
- Stand Up and Fight
- Panama Lady
- Beating Heart
- Code of the Secret Service
- ...One Third of a Nation...
- Twelve Crowded Hours
- Captain Fury
- They All Come Out
- Stronger Than Desire
- Some Like It Hot
- Bars and Stripes Forever
- 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
- Gorky 2: My Apprenticeship
- Broadway Serenade
- The Lady and the Mob
- Prisioneros de la tierra
- Women in the Wind
- Society Lawyer
- The Phantom Wagon
- Convict's Code
- Nine Bachelors
- Trouble Brewing
- Tractor Drivers
- Yes, My Darling Daughter
- King of Chinatown
- Smashing the Money Ring
- The Adventures of Jane Arden
- Secret Service of the Air
- 6,000 Enemies
- The Bronze Buckaroo
- In Old Caliente
- Bad Little Angel
- Small Fry
- Everything Happens at Night
- Way Down South
- Indianapolis Speedway
- The Gracie Allen Murder Case
- Daredevils of the Red Circle
- Bridal Suite
- Wife, Husband and Friend
- Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
- Tosun Pasa
- George Takes the Air
- It's the Natural Thing to Do
- The Golden Key
- Thunder Afloat
- The Fresh Vegetable Mystery
- Boy Slaves
- Kid Nightingale
- Henry Goes Arizona
- The Arizona Kid
- Tail Spin
- Gold Rush Daze
- Penny Paradise
- Inspector Hornleigh on Holiday
- A Girl Must Live
- Musical Mountaineers
- Let Freedom Ring
- Pied Piper Porky
- Irish Luck
- Full Confession
- Shors
- Sorority House
- On Your Toes
- Service de Luxe
- Zaza
- Fresh Fish
- Porky's Tire Trouble
- Homicide Bureau
- Moon Over Harlem
- Believe It or Else
- Daughter of the Tong
- Off the Record
- Department Store
- Circonstances atténuantes
- Buried Alive
- Oshidori utagassen
- Mandrake, the Magician
- The Three Bears
- The Body Vanished
- Hello How Am I
- Kalle på Spången
- Porky's Hotel
- Bad Lands
- The 400 Million
- Silver on the Sage
- Midnight Shadow
- The Marshal of Mesa City
- I Met a Murderer
- The Kid from Kokomo
- The Middleton Family at the New York World's Fair
- Scalp Trouble
- My Friend the Monkey
- Spare Time
- Sergeant Madden
- Miracle on Main Street
- Law of the Pampas
- Rio
- Sunset Trail
- Man of Conquest
- Man About Town
- Renegade Trail
- Never Sock a Baby
- Back Door to Heaven
- Invitation to Happiness
- Conspiracy
- Lying Lips
- Leave Well Enough Alone
- Range War
- The Cisco Kid and the Lady
- Sued for Libel
- Rhythm on the Reservation
- Island of Lost Men
- Stars and Stripes
- New Horizons
- Harlem Rides the Range
- From the Ends of the Earth
- Saga of Death Valley
- Porky's Movie Mystery
- Broken Strings
- The Scared Crows
- Southward Ho!
- Prophet Without Honor
- The Whole Family Works
- Waterfront
- The Flying Irishman
- The Ware Case
- Snowman's Land
- Sweepstakes Winner
- Hitler: Beast of Berlin
- Murder in the Night
- Arizona Legion
- Disputed Passage
- The Rookie Cop
- Reno
- Streets of New York
- Lawless Valley
- Barricade
- My Son Is Guilty
- Trouble in Sundown
- South of the Border
- It Was a Gay Ballnight
- Sons of the Sea
- Inquest
- The Invisible Killer
- The Kid from Texas
- Million Dollar Legs
- Derrière la façade
- Kristopher Kolumbus Jr.
- Two Girls on the Street
- Everybody's Hobby
- The Cowboy Quarterback
- The Sign of Death
- Four Seasons of Children
- The House of Fear
- The Blue Fox
- Christmas Under Fire
- In Old Monterey
- They Made Her a Spy
- Wall Street Cowboy
- Bel Ami
- The Lone Ranger Rides Again
- The Phantom Strikes
- Cheer Boys Cheer
- Death Rides the Range
- Coast Guard
- The Sun Never Sets
- The Good Egg
- Exile Express
- Timber Stampede
- Fixer Dugan
- The Great Victor Herbert
- Constable Studer
- No Place to Go
- Seven Brothers
- Landstormens lilla Lotta
- Sincerity
- Burn 'Em Up O'Connor
- Spies of the Air
- $1000 a Touchdown
- Paradise in Harlem
- O Descobrimento do Brasil
- Hotel for Women
- I Stole a Million
- Man in a Shell
- Rulers of the Sea
- Frontier Pony Express
- Star Reporter
- The Return of the Cisco Kid
- Je t'attendrai
- Helmikuun manifesti
- Paris Honeymoon
- Home on the Prairie
- Wasser für Canitoga
- Colorado Sunset
- Racketeers of the Range
- The Day the Bookies Wept
- Jeepers Creepers
- The Leghorn Hat
- Minin i Pozharskiy
- Mexicali Rose
- Heritage of the Desert
- Cafe Society
- Three Sons
- The Frozen Limits
- Sioux Me
- The Star Maker
- The Five Cents of Lavarede
- Navy Secrets
- Danger Flight
- Meet Dr. Christian
- Sky Patrol
- Rovin' Tumbleweeds
- Animali pazzi
- Fisherman's Wharf
- The Fighting Gringo
- Code of the Cactus
- Great Citizen
- Across the Plains
- Hello Janine!
- Hobo Gadget Band
- Water Rustlers
- Blue Montana Skies
- The Mayor's Dilemma
- What a Life
- Earth
- Charlie McCarthy, Detective
- Vihtori ja Klaara
- Ancient Egypt
- Ernest the Rebel
- The Spellbinder
- The Under-Pup
- The Witness Vanishes
- 20, 000 Men a Year
- Panama Patrol
- Dad for a Day
- Devushka s kharakterom
- Alfalfa's Aunt
- Mystery Plane
- Boefje
- S.O.S. Tidal Wave
- An Adventure of Salvator Rosa
- The Fighting Renegade
- The World Will Shake
- Pack Up Your Troubles
- The Mysterious Mr. Davis
- While New York Sleeps
- Heroes in Blue
- Money to Loan
- The Light Ahead
- Boys' Reformatory
- Escape to Paradise
- Straight Shooter
- Opernball
- De spooktrein
- Long Shot
- Pride of the Blue Grass
- Sudden Money
- Cousin Wilbur
- Let's Be Famous
- Hotel Imperial
- Fridericus
- Winter Carnival
- The Man Who Dared
- Reform School
- Mountain Rhythm
- Fighting Mad
- Crashing Thru
- Ani to sono imôto
- Captain Spanky's Show Boat
- Wlóczegi
- Taming of the West
- Joe and Ethel Turp Call on the President
- Rikas tyttö
- Midnattssolens son
- Every Madman to His Specialty
- Undercover Agent
- Don Quintin the Bitter
- Prison Without Bars
- The Girl from Rio
- St. Louis Blues
- Mystery of the White Room
- Frun tillhanda
- Religious Racketeers
- A Haunting We Will Go
- Dangerous Masquerade
- On Trial
- Beware Spooks!
- Pukar
- Confucius
- The Five-Forty
- Six-Gun Rhythm
- Louise
- She Married a Cop
- Almost a Gentleman
- The Family Next Door
- Oklahoma Frontier
- Raphaël le tatoué
- Kitty and the World Conference
- Sabotage
- Double Deal
- Anthony the Last
- The Oregon Trail
- Boy Trouble
- Skanör-Falsterbo
- Das Ekel
- Mutiny on the Blackhawk
- Vihreä kulta
- The Kansas Terrors
- Bad Boy
- Flying Fifty-Five
- Nightclub Hostess
- Everything's on Ice
- Desperate Trails
- Istrebiteli
- Cowboys from Texas
- The Immortal Heart
- Girls in Distress
- Oklahoma Terror
- Her Little Majesty
- Two Thoroughbreds
- Texas Wildcats
- Unmarried
- Entente cordiale
- Hotel Sacher
- Lend Me Three Pounds
- Hätävara
- Janitzio
- The First Days
- Our Leading Citizen
- Riders of the Sage
- Imputato, alzatevi!
- Scouts to the Rescue
- The New Teacher
- Feud of the Range
- The Mysterious Miss X
- Ambush
- Lapatossu ja Vinski olympia-kuumeessa
- Gas Light
- Missing Evidence
- Trigger Pals
- Television Spy
- Melodin från Gamla Stan
- Design for Murder
- Muzhestvo
- The Return of the Frog
- There Ain't No Justice
- Flaming Lead
- Dora Nelson
- Dedeckem proti své vuli
- Takki ja liivit pois!
- Shipyard Sally
- Here I Am a Stranger
- Bachelor's Paradise
- Cantinflas boxeador
- Ja tu rzadze
- Eteenpäin - elämään
- Manoos
- Wolf Call
- Down the Wyoming Trail
- It Could Happen to You
- The Magnificent Fraud
- Fangs of the Wild
- Love Cavalcade
- Squadron 992
- Outlaws' Paradise
- Persons in Hiding
- The Stranger from Texas
- Avoveteen
- Pasha's Wives
- Code of the Fearless
- Mother Goose in Swingtime
- Aktivistit
- In Old Montana
- Legion of Lost Flyers
- Footsteps in the Sand
- The False Step
- Britain at Bay
- Disbarred
- Carmen fra i rossi
- The Zero Hour
- Code of the Streets
- Príklady táhnou
- The Lady's from Kentucky
- Riders of the Frontier
- Bewitching Kisses
- Vi två
- Crisis
- D III 88
- Accord final
- Such Is Life
- Law of the Wolf
- Serenaadi sotatorvella
- Ride 'em, Cowgirl
- The Orphan Duck
- Closed Door
- News Is Made at Night
- María de la O
- Cocoanut
- Stunt Pilot
- Flight at Midnight
- The Outsider
- The Last Warning
- Tomorrow It Will Be Better
- Punahousut
- The Armchair
- Oss baroner emellan
- De vergeløse
- Cardinal Messias
- Westbound Stage
- Komtessen paa Steenholt
- Adolf i eld och lågor
- The Mad Empress
- Old Mother Riley Joins Up
- Me and My Girl
- Wedding in Toprin
- La vida es un tango
- The Pal from Texas
- Jumalan tuomio
- El Diablo Rides
- De tre måske fire
- Spain
- Port of Hate
- Sjöcharmörer
- Åh, en så'n grabb
- Los hijos de la noche
- Keep Punching
- Benkei tai Ushiwaka
- Isoviha
- Robert and Bertram
- Affluent People
- Cantinflas jengibre contra dinamita
- Trois de St Cyr
- Tsuchi to heitai
- The Movies March On
- Overland Mail
- Ohnivé léto
- Nell's Yells
- The House of the Ogre
- Stepan Razin
- The House That Jack Built
- La famille Duraton
- Rattling Romeo
- Mot nya tider
- The Arizona Wildcat
- Prinzessin Sissy
- Marriage in Buenos Aires
- En lille tilfældighed
- Inside Information
- Kongo-Express
- Nanette
- I dag börjar livet
- Métropolitain
- Tumult in Damascus
- Gubben kommer
- The Masked Lover
- The Tale About Priest and His Worker Balda
- Man from Texas
- Kennedy the Great
- Familie Schimek
- Divorce in Montevideo
- Friends
- Fitness Wins: 4 and 20 Fit Girls
- Remember When
- Romance of the Redwoods
- Halveksittu
- Cándida
- Lo vedi come sei... Lo vedi come sei?
- Mordsache Holm
- Woman at the Wheel
- Kadettkamrater
- I dag begynder livet
- Menschen vom Varieté
- La canción de Aixa
- Second Childhood
- Nordhavets mænd
- Nothing But the Truth
- La piste du sud
- Sighs of Spain
- Ein hoffnungsloser Fall
- If War Should Come
- Come Up Smiling
- Due milioni per un sorriso
- Me and My Pal
- Chetvyortyy periskop
- Miss Knowall
- Kaksi Vihtoria
- I Am Sebastian Ott
- Peasants
- War and Order
- Two Gun Troubador
- Genboerne
- A Midsummer Day's Work
- City of Lost Men
- The Nutty Network
- Night Alone
- Spöke till salu
- The Owl and the Pussycat
- The Black Beast
- Dreams on Ice
- Yesterday Is Over Your Shoulder
- Mother Love
- Amangeldy
- So This Is London
- The First Robin
- Mountain Ears
- Men Are That Way
- United But Not Mixed
- Terra di fuoco
- Elverhøj
- Jitterbug Knights
- Die Geliebte
- The Governor
- El indio
- College Girls
- Emelie Högqvist
- A Call for Arms!
- Freed Hands
- Juan sin miedo
- The Gorilla Hunt
- Sevani dzknorsnere
- Ambición
- Golden Venus
- Raitu Bidda
- The Streets of New York
- Valfångare
- Rejoice While You're Young, Fellow Cadets
- The Royal Visit
- Discoveries
- Vande Mataram
- Finale
- Den gamle præst
- Mr. Lahtinen Takes French Leave
- Smiling Along
- Ihr erstes Erlebnis
- Der Fall Deruga
- Maria Ilona
- Der Vorhang fällt
- Children of Divorce
- Fighting Thoroughbreds
- Who Is Guilty?
- Panik
- 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
- Io, suo padre
- 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
- Umlcené rty
- Café Concordia
- Three on a Honeymoon
- Una luz en mi camino
- Homes for Workers
- We at Solglantan
- Immortal Waltz
- Deuxième bureau contre kommandantur
- Cookery Hints: Oatmeal Porridge
- The Backyard Front
- Casa lontana
- Charlie Cuckoo
- Die barmherzige Lüge
- Scheidungsreise
- Zentrale Rio
- In geheimer Mission
- Young Veteran
- Act Your Age
- 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.