By Peter Skrzypczak, Film Critic.
Dracula (1931)
Dir. Tod Browning/Karl Freund, Unrated, 1h 43m
Based on the novel “Dracula” by Bram Stoker, this movie kicked off a trend that would go strong into the forties. It’s a story adapted many times over, the first technically being “Nosferatu,” although this one is an authorized adaptation. The film is about a reclusive count residing in the Carpathian mountains of Transylvania.
Frankenstein (1931)
Dir. James Whale, Unrated, 2h
Based on the novel “Frankenstein: A Modern Prometheus” by Mary Shelley, it follows the exploits of scientist Victor Frankenstein. It continues the trend of classical literature monsters adapted by Universal Studios. The film (and book) is a maddening look at the themes of life, death, rebirth and ultimately – the frailty of man.
Freaks (1932)
Dir. Tod Browning, Unrated, 1h 30m
“Freaks” is a very controversial film by today’s standards. The story centers around a group of carnies as two of their coworkers, a trapeze artist and a strongman, plot to seduce and steal the inheritance of one of the “freaks.” The film was negatively received partly due to its exploitive use of actual carnival workers.
Duck Soup (1933)
Dir. Leo McCarey, Unrated, 1h 10m
This is the last Marx brothers film to have the whole group together. It is a satire on dictatorial leaders and the political landscape of the time. The film had a rough opening but that’s been mostly chalked up to the fact that it came out during the Great Depression.
King Kong (1933)
Dir. Merian C. Cooper/Ernest B. Schoedsack, Unrated, 2h 5m
As a classic of early cinema, this one stands taller for quite a few reasons. While this is not the film that pioneered stop motion animation, it takes this technique and juxtaposes it to an unfamiliar (and fictional) location on Skull Island and the very familiar locale of New York City.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarves (1937)
Dir. David Hand, et al, Rated G, 1h 28m
A big stamp in the history of animation, this was the first full color feature-length movie and the first movie by Walt Disney Productions. In it we are subject to the wonderful life of Snow White as she befriends seven dwarves, while simultaneously being stalked by an old ugly queen who seeks Snow’s beauty.
The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938)
Dir. Michael Curtiz, Unrated, 1h 42m
This is not the first adaptation of the tale of Robin Hood, but this interpretation injects fun and excitement into the tale with the casting of Eroll Flynn as the man in tights.
The Wizard of Oz (1939)
Dir. Victor Fleming, et al, Unrated, 1h 52m
In terms of cinematic history this film is hugely significant. At its release it received positive reception. It stars Judy Garland as Dorothy; a tornado sweeps her up from her rural life and takes her off to the wonderful land of Oz.
Fantasia (1940)
Dir. Ben Sharpsteen, et al, Rated G, 2h 5m
This is the third film to ever be made by Disney and is broken up into eight shorts. Each short utilizes a classical song. The animators were encouraged to come up with their own tales to compliment the songs.
The Grapes of Wrath (1940)
Dir. John Ford, Unrated, 2h 9m
At its release this was a very topical film. It follows the life of Tom Joad who was just released from prison and is on his way to his family’s farm. The story focuses on Tom and his family’s exploits as they trek to California to escape the Dust Bowl and forge a better life.