Got Funny

We are all fascinated with watching movies and seem to all share in a passion to get the latest new release or old vintage classic. It is a past time we all seem to revel in as one of the best forms of public and private entertainment.

Each year we spend over 100 million dollars renting and buying movies, DVD’s and films that match our particular taste in cinema enjoyment. One look at all the theaters and movies houses that grew in America over the past 20 years, one would be inclined to think that our obsession with movies is entirely new to this generation. It is not.

When you study history, you will see that movie watching was a favorite source of entertainment during some of the most turbulent times in America history. People flocked to theaters during the Great Depression and throughout both world wars.

It was in the 1920’s when sound technology was introduced to movies for the first time. These movies were smashing hits during that time and people seemed to enjoy comedies and classics such as “Gone With The Wind” and movies starring Shirley Temple.

Popular films that depicted the rise of the mob in the U.S. such as gangster movies seemed to gender great interest amongst the working class men and young teenage boys. A favorite amongst women seemed to be musicals and plays staring well known actors of that time.

Even though movies were the best form of entertainment during those times, it did cost money for a ticket and that was a scarcity, especially during the Great Depression. As an alternative to going to the local theater, people resorted to listening to their favorite radio stories such as and very often the entire family would huddle around the radio in dead silence as stories were told.

Some of the greatest box office hits during that time included movies by Gloria Swanson, Colleen Moore, Greta Garbo, John Barrymore, Norma Talmadge, Harold Lloyd and others, all idolized stars.

Musical performances put on by Big Bands were another great hit during the Great Depression. People would listen to these musical shows and stage performances over the radio as an alternative to spending money for movie tickets. It was very popular.

Even though the people during the Great Depression did not have money to spend for entertainment, they seemed to always find a way to have fun and be entertained. This is a great testament to the strength and will-power to carry on during tough times.

Today, even though the country is going through an economic recession, at large we are not encountering the plight they had to endure. With a mouse click or a short drive to a DVD rental store, we have access to tens of thousands of movies and high quality DVD’s such as western movies, science fiction, comedy or scary movies. It is amazing how far we have come.