Both Mark Vieira and Charles Adams agree 1939 was Hollywood’s greatest year. Their books explore this theme in different ways. Vieira’s Majestic Hollywood delves into Gunga Din, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Only Angels Have Wings, Destry Rides Again, Beau Geste, Son of Frankenstein, The Women, Drums Along the Mohawk, Union Pacific, The Wizard of Oz, Stagecoach, Ninotchka, Of Mice and Men, and Gone With the Wind. Obviously, Viera’s book which chronicles the movie releases of 1939 from Son of Frankenstein in January all the way to Gone With the Wind at Christmas, deals with many more movies (about 50). Adams’ book concentrates on six movies from 1939: Gone with the Wind, Stagecoach, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, The Hound of the Baskervilles, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, and The Wizard of Oz. Adams focuses on the Hollywood culture and how the movies were made. Both books are instructive and entertaining. Both are recommended to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of Hollywood’s greatest year.
George, ’39 had class, no doubt. I’ve always preferred 1957– but that’s just me.
Yeah…I’m going to reserve judgement on H’wood’s best year. GONE WITH THE WIND and this OZ are Not among the best films ever made, by any means, by me.
I’ve always considered 1939 Hollywood’s greatest year for the sheer quantity of great movies. Glad I’m not alone.
You may remember I declared 1939 to be the best year for films back in Dapa-Em. Must’a been–ooooh–25, 30 year ago. Glad to see others agree.
Bob, 2013 will go down as one of the best years for Hollywood in the 21st Century. Plenty of actors deserve the awards they’re going to get on Sunday.
I just purchased Mark Vieira’s book, “Majestic Hollywood,” and was shocked to find that he left out “The Light That Failed.” I have always considered myseld a bit of an expert on the films of the thirties. In fact, I compiled a list of those films I considered the best of the decade, and have foisted it upon anyone who voiced even a mild interest in the subject. But, I do not hold myself out as an authority; I am no Everson or Osborne. Most references I have consulted list it as a 1939 film. IMDB does, as well, giving the date of its opening as Dec. 24, 1939. “The Light That Fails” to my mind is a great film, with a tremendous performance by Ida Lupino, and surely rates higher than “Fifth Avenue Girl” or “Hollywood Cavalcade”!! Good Lord, I’d even rate “The Great Man Votes” higher than these two.
Paul, I must confess I’ve never seen THE LIGHT THAT FAILED. I’ll have to track down a copy and check it out.