I grew up with parents who gave me a deep appreciation of classic Hollywood movies. Being a classic movie buff, I agree that 1939 was the greatest year for movie releases. Here are three of my favorites from that year. I apologize in advance to fans of “Gone with the Wind”.
“The Wizard of Oz” has always been my favorite movie. While vastly different in many aspects from the book, the movie is a lush musical that has endured for years. The songs, costumes, decorations, settings, and storyline tie it into a wonderful package loved by people of all ages. As a little girl, I could not wait for it to come onto the television once a year. With the advent of tapes and DVDs, I can watch it anytime. I never get tired of it. This is the most perfect movie ever made, second in line only to “The Adventures of Robin Hood” released a year earlier.
Judy Garland was made for the part of Dorothy Gale, the girl from Kansas who gets caught up in a tornado and is swept away to the Land of Oz. Through her adventures, she meets up with a cast of characters that remind her of people from back home. The Scarecrow, played by Roy Bolger, was the actor/dancer’s most stellar performance. He brought energy into the part, contrasted by the gentle kindness and deep affection Jack Haley showed as The Tin Man. Bert Lahr brought humor and humility into the role of The Cowardly Lion while Margaret Hamilton is remembered fondly for being the ultimate Wicked Witch. Her ugly evilness is contrasted by the beauty and sweetness of Billie Burke as Glinda, Witch of the North. Frank Morgan, who played multiple parts, including the title, shows diversity and talent in a film that puts his name down in the annals of cinema history.
“The Wizard of Oz” isn’t just a movie for kids or music lovers. It is an experience that the entire family can enjoy. It is a piece of history, a colorful and beautiful reminder of why 1939 is considered the greatest year in Hollywood.
“Gunga Din” is an epic experience adapted from Rudyard Kipling’s poem. It is a breathtaking romp of comedy, romance, and adventure. The movie features Cary Grant, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and my favorite of the film, Victor McLaglen, as three soldiers in the British Army. They are joined by Sam Jaffe, who plays the title role of a humble water boy who wants to be in the army. The movie revolves around the three main characters and their war against the bloody-thirsty Thuggee band of ancient Indian robbers/murderers. While it has serious and dark moments, there are laughs sprinkled throughout, especially concerning Cary Grant’s character, Sargeant Cutter. The scene of him with the elephant on the bridge will leave you in stitches, as will the part when McLaglen is medicating the same elephant.
Although made in California, the movie is filmed so brilliantly that you believe you are in India with the characters. You will laugh and cry when you watch this. It’s a film that appeals to both men and women and is another reason 1939 is considered the greatest in movie-making history.
The third movie I want to mention is John Ford’s “Stagecoach”. You don’t have to love Westerns to enjoy this film. This is the ultimate adventure in Cowboys vs. Indians. It’s also about the Ringo Kid, played by a young John Wayne, who is out to get the three Plummer brothers in revenge. Along the way, Ringo travels in a stagecoach with a motley cast of characters, including a prostitute played by Claire Trevor and an alcoholic doctor played by the inimitable Thomas Mitchell. (Mitchell also played Scarlet O’Hara’s father in “Gone with the Wind”).
Many people say Wayne was typecast as a cowboy, but he always brought so much heart and soul into every part he played. He is tough and hardened in this part, but he also brings a kindness and magnetism that can’t be ignored. His charm is part of why John Wayne is one of the greatest actors in history. It’s also why “Stagecoach” helped to make 1939 the greatest year in movie-making history.
Something to think about:
1. Have you seen these movies? What are your thoughts on them?
2. What are your favorite movies?
3. Who are your favorite actors and actresses?
4. Which genre is your favorite? What movie do you always find yourself going back to?