Exit the Great Depression Through the Yellow Brick Road

Paper by Pauline Cheung.

The “Golden Age of the Musical”1 began in the 1930s. In this analysis, I will examine talkies and sound as a new standard of the time, emergence of musical films, Hollywood and audiences in the Great Depression. In particular, I will specifically focus on The Wizard of Oz (Victor Fleming, 1939). The musical adaptation of which is a classic children’s story, the film’s success isn’t in the novel fantasy with songs, but lies in the central message that brought significant uplifting hopes to American adults in hopeless times of the Great Depression. I will examine and reveal the political symbolism and interpretation of The Wizard of Oz, and the film’s connection to the Great Depression.

Talkies and Sound as a New Standard

In the eve of the Roaring Twenties, Hollywood launched a major technological change in film industry. In 1927, Warner Bros. Pictures produced The Jazz Singer (Alan Crosland, 1927) that became a significant film in Hollywood cinema history. This film marked the true beginning of transition from silent films to talkie films in Hollywood, and paved a way for many more talkie films to come. This is “the first feature-length Hollywood ‘talkie’ film in which spoken dialogue was used as part of the dramatic action. It is, however, only part-talkie (25%) with sound-synchronized, vocal musical numbers and accompaniment.”2 Fox’s Movietone sound system was used in the making of The Jazz Singer. At the first Academy Awards ceremony, Warner Bros. won an award “for producing The Jazz Singer, the pioneer outstanding talking picture, which has revolutionized the industry.”3

Despite of talkie film’s initial limitations, “sound technology was extremely popular with movie audiences from the beginning.”4 The first all-talking feature, Lights of New York (Bryan Foy, 1928), features a musical scene. “The enthusiasm of audiences was so great that in less than a year all the major studios were making sound pictures exclusively.”5 Within a short time of “just two years after the premiere of sound in movie theaters, silent films vanished completely from American screens.”6 From 1927 to 1929, in two years the transition from silent film to talkie films was completed. Silent films inevitably extinguished and sound became the Hollywood new standard.

Emergence of Musical Films

At the arrival of 1930s, the musical genre came as “a natural development of the stage musical after the emergence of sound film technology.”7 As a result, the exciting “Golden Age of the Musical”8 began. In 1931, Hollywood “released more than 100 musical films”9 in that year alone. In musical films, “songs sung by the characters are interwoven into the narrative, sometimes accompanied by dancing. The songs usually advance the plot or develop the film’s characters, though in some cases they serve merely as breaks in the storyline, often as elaborate ‘production numbers.’ ”10

Musical films such as Footlight Parade (Lloyd Bacon and Busby Berkeley, 1933) brilliantly uses sound and music to help tell its narrative story. The film features the lovers sing out their thoughts and affections for each other in musical lyrics. Also, the film displays “an extravagant choreographic arrangement”11 of 300 synchronized swimmers that showcase the song “By a Waterfall,” while massive visual impact created by the choreographed swimmers in the scene nicely compliment the song. Top Hat (Mark Sandrich, 1935) features the famous RKO dance duo Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers whom sing out their thoughts and communication in musical lyrics.

Hollywood in the Great Depression

In the 1930s, this era is often referred to as “The Golden Age of Hollywood.” 12 Hollywood entered the exciting decade of “the sound and color revolutions and the advance of the ‘talkies.’ ”13 Ironically, it was the Great Depression that left millions of Americans unemployed that helped morph Hollywood into the Golden Age.
The economic prosperity from the previous decade of the Roaring Twenties created a commercialized society in America. “Competition and variety emerged as industries grew and commodities flourished. The film industry was no exception.”14 In 1929, the crashed Wall Street stock market sunken the American economy into the Great Depression that would last for next ten years. The economic crisis was “affecting even the most prominent Hollywood studios, attention to consumer tastes was crucial. As Herbert Gans simply states, ‘The audience is obviously limited by what it is offered but what is offered to it depends a great deal on what it has accepted previously.’ With this increasingly consumer-ized America, as commodes became cultural objects so did each film. Films reflected American desires just as American desires reflected films.”15 Additionally, “whether films offered visions of order restored, affirmations of work-centered values, or celebrations of a culture rooted in the mythic American village, they also held out images of competing worlds that might be entered through mimicry or consumption.”16
From melodrama to screwball comedy to musical to gangster, films during the Great Depression “took on the responsibility of reinstating the mythical American values of individualism, classlessness, and progress. Americans might have come to these films in search of escape from their arduous and hopeless lives.”17 Meanwhile, Hollywood upholds “American institutions such as government and family, also created characters and plot lines that stayed within the realm of possibilities.”18 The film industry “recognized this consumer power and carefully evaluated the types of films people responded to. Hollywood knew that buying a ticket and sitting in a theater among friends and strangers was an independent and self-effacing action. Hollywood understood the shame of standing in breadlines and the helplessness of losing a job.”19

Audiences in the Great Depression

In 1933, during the peak of the Great Depression, millions of Americans “from failed farmers to discouraged businessmen to working mothers to displaced children” experienced the devastating effect of the economic hardship.20 There were “twenty-five percent of the country was unemployed…while even more just barely made ends meet. Despite the excruciating economic hardship faced by nearly all of the country, 60-70 million Americans still packed into theaters each week.”21 For the mass American audiences, “the content of the motion picture still was designed for escape, the majority reflecting the tastes of tired or jaded adults seeking a never-never land of luxury and melodrama, sex and sentiment.”22 Even President Franklin Roosevelt said, “During the Depression, when the spirit of the people is lower than at any other time, it is a splendid thing that for just 15 cents an American can go to a movie and look at the smiling face of a baby and forget his troubles.”23
Musical films such as Gold Diggers of 1933 (Mervyn LeRoy, Busby Berkeley, 1933), 42nd Street (Lloyd Bacon, Busby Berkeley, 1933), and Footlight Parade (Lloyd Bacon, Busby Berkeley, 1933) have narratives that directly spoke about the Great Depression. Hollywood used this strategy and “made these three musicals the highest money making ones of the decade…musicals in the 1930’s gave people more realistic visions of aspiration and attainment.”24 Hollywood stars in musicals “became models of strength, courage, charisma, vulnerability, and triumph as they sang and danced their way into the dispirited hearts of the American public.”25 To help get through this tough period, Americans sang and danced their way through the Great Depression.

Family-Musical Film and The Wizard of Oz

In the 1930s, MGM was the leader of Big Five and Little Three film studios in Hollywood. It was the “largest, wealthiest, and most productive of the Hollywood studios,”26 and pride itself having “more stars than there are in heaven!”27 This prestigious film studio had strong financial resources and manpower that was known for extravagant movie sets and fantasy stories, and for many musicals that “looks like a campaign to keep people cheerful”28 when dark times loomed.
The Wizard of Oz is a family-musical film that brought merry joy and hope to both children and adult audiences during the Great Depression. This film combines musical, fantasy, and family genres, which “aims to appeal not only to children, but to a wide range of ages. While the storyline may appeal to a younger audience, there are components of the film that are geared towards adults.”29 The family genre is “particularly associated with Hollywood cinema, whose vast resources and global distribution avenues…demanded universalistic modes of address to appeal to mass audiences”30 and it is “a feature-length production explicitly designed for the joint consumption of adults and children.”31 The family genre “often include a child actor/actress, and/or focus on children’s-related themes that teach a lesson or moral, or show that good can triumph over evil.”32

Technology and The Wizard of Oz

The Wizard of Oz was able to effectively convey fairy tale glamour thanks to MGM’s bold use of Technicolor. This technology helped paint many colorful fairy tale settings, which in turn helped made the visual impact come alive. Also, “Over the Rainbow,” the film’s famous ballad, was “an event that changed cinema and introduced a fresh level of belief. It was also a sign of MGM embracing colour and a bold, theatrical quality of production design. The musical might be a world of its own, such as only film could fashion.”33

The narrative takes place in a colorful, visually glamorous, surreal and imaginative fantasy environment that offered temporarily escapism from bleak reality and hard times of the Great Depression. The musical places Dorothy (Judy Garland) in the “unsympathetic environment”34 of a cyclone. She and her beloved dog, Toto, are separated from her family. Her house is uprooted by the cyclone and they arrived in Munchkin Land in the world of Oz. Glinda, the Good Witch of the North, appears in a very beautiful and enchanting princess-like gown. She points Dorothy to follow the yellow brick road which leads to the Emerald City, and the great Wizard who lives there may be able to help her get home to Kansas.

Jolly singing and choreographed dancing intersperse through her journey. Dorothy’s “vulnerable innocence and persevering optimism not only pull the lion, tin man, and scarecrow through the obstacles of the yellow brick road,”35 together they must also “fight the ruthless forces of the wicked witch.”36 Dorothy’s journey “engages the audience to envision the hope of reaching a seemingly insurmountable goal.”37 When she poured water to save Scarecrow who is on fire, water accidentally splashed on the wicked witch and evil melts to its death. In the end, “good fortune and determined resolve finally triumph over evil.”38

Political Symbolism and Interpretation

The Wizard of Oz can be viewed as a political parable that represents America. In the film, each character is a symbolism in the big political picture. The cyclone represents “the free silver movement or political upheaval.”39 Dorothy represents “American values or people. She proves to be loyal, resourceful and determined.”40 Toto “reveals what a fraud the Wizard is. It is thought that Toto also represents average Americans.”41 Scarecrow represents “western farmers. He complained about not having a brain but wound up as the most adept problem solver among the four travelers.”42 Tin Woodman represents “industrial workers who often experienced being dehumanized. The Tin Man was immobile and rusted, which is something many factory workers felt when many businesses began to shut down due to a national depression. They felt helpless after they lost their jobs.”43 Cowardly Lion represents “William Jennings Bryan, a politician, was a supporter of the free silver movement. It is said that the Cowardly Lion represents Bryan, who was viewed as someone having a load roar, but no power or bite.”44 Emerald Palace represents “Washington D.C.”45 Emerald City represents “the White House”46 Wizard represents “Mark Hanna, who was the Republican party’s chairman, or perhaps president of the United States.”47
The Wizard of Oz, besides being a children’s story, can also have a political interpretation. “Dorothy—naïve, young and simple—represents the American people. She is Everyman, led astray and seeking the way back home. Moreover, following the road of gold leads eventually only to the Emerald City, which may symbolize the fraudulent world of greenback paper money that only pretends to have value. It is ruled by a scheming politician (the Wizard) who uses publicity devices and tricks to fool the people (and even the Good Witches) into believing he is benevolent, wise, and powerful when really he is a selfish, evil humbug. He sends Dorothy into severe danger hoping she will rid him of his enemy the Wicked Witch of the West. He is powerless and, as he admits to Dorothy, ‘I’m a very bad Wizard.’ ’’48 Moreover, at the Emerald Palace, Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion all saw the Wizard differently. “This symbolizes the cynicism that exists in politics due to the fact that politicians tend to change face with different people.”49

The Great Depression and The Wizard of Oz

From 1929-1939, the Great Depression plagued America for a decade. Towards end of the Great Depression, Americans were looking forward to exit the dark era filled with economic and political doubts – to a more hopeful 1940s. MGM cleverly produced a family- musical adaption of the children’s story The Wizard of Oz that brought together families, young and mature, for an uplifted emotional and theatrical experience. In 1939, the studio timely released the film and it became “a moneymaker for MGM”50, and was “nominated for six Academy Awards.”51
The Wizard of Oz’s central message, is that “If I ever go looking for my heart’s desire again, I won’t look any further than my own backyard, because if it isn’t there, I never really lost it to begin with.”52 The three elements to finding the desire are: a mind, a heart, and courage. The film injected faith and hope into the hearts of millions of Americans. It was an emotional antidote to troubles of the time, and directed many American’s mind, heart, and courage – on a golden path “Over the Rainbow” to a place of no trouble. At the time 9.48 millions53 of Americans were unemployed, one could find can some comfort through the positive message of this film.
Dorothy’s “unending desire to return to Kansas makes viewers realize ‘there’s no place like home.’ Her journey away from her home effectively related to the audience’s own displacement from their familiar ways of life. Subsequently, enabling people to experience a world happier and more hopeful than their own, the Wizard of Oz for 15 cents fed the American people’s hunger for escape and direction.”54

Beyond the Great Depression

In 1939, The Wizard of Oz was premiered to the world at end of the Great Depression, a decade after dark times loomed. The film also gained iconic status in 1956, a decade after dark times of the World War II, and three years after American soldiers fought in the Korean War. MGM released the film on television and the “broadcast was a huge success, drawing 45 million viewers.”55 The film once again promoted hope and touched the hearts of many American audiences. Even in today, the film continues to remind viewer to look for the heart’s desire within oneself, and to believe that one already possess the elements to finding the desire.

Works Cited
1 “The Musical Film Genre: Capturing the Magic of the Stage on the Screen” Cinemablography. Wikipedia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
2 “The Jazz Singer (1927)” Filmsite. Web. 11 Nov. 2016 3 Lewis, Jon. American Film: A History. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2008. 98.
Print.
4 Lewis, Jon. American Film: A History. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2008. 91. Print.
5 “Musical film” Wikipedia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016 6 Lewis, Jon. American Film: A History. New York: W. W. Norton & Company, 2008. 91.
Print.
7 “Musical film” Wikipedia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
8 “The Musical Film Genre: Capturing the Magic of the Stage on the Screen” Cinemablography. Wikipedia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
9 “Musical film” Wikipedia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016 10 “Musical film” Wikipedia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
11 “Footlight Parade” Wikipedia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
12 “The History of Film The 1930s” Filmsite. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
13 “The History of Film The 1930s” Filmsite. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
14 “Hollywood in the depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
15 “Hollywood in the depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
16 Cooney, Terry A. Balancing Acts: American Thought and Culture in the 1930s. Woodbridge: Twayne Publishers, 1995. 39. Print.
17 “Hollywood in the depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
18 “Hollywood in the depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
19 “Hollywood in the depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
20 “Hollywood in the depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
21 “Hollywood in the depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
22 “Hollywood in the depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
23 “The Great Depression’s Influence American Film” St. Rosemary Educational Institution. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
24 “Hollywood in the depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
25 “Hollywood in the depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
26 “Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)” FS104 Unit 7: The Studio System and Studio Directors. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
27 “The History of Film The 1930s: The Talkies, the Growth of the Studios, and ‘The Golden Age of Hollywood’ Part 2” Filmsite. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
28 “MGM musicals: All singing, all dancing” The Guardian. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
29 “Family” The Script Lab. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
30 Brown, Noel. “The ‘Family’ Film and the Tensions Between Popular and Academic Interpretations of Genre.” Trespassing Journal 2. Winter (2013): 27. Print.
31 Brown, Noel. “The ‘Family’ Film and the Tensions Between Popular and Academic Interpretations of Genre.” Trespassing Journal 2. Winter (2013): 27. Print.
32 “Children-Kids Family Films” Filmsite. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
33 “MGM musicals: All singing, all dancing” The Guardian. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
34 “Musicals in the Depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
35 “Musicals in the Depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
36 “Musicals in the Depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
37 “Musicals in the Depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
38 “Musicals in the Depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
39 “Symbolism of the ‘Wizard of Oz’” Wicked Tour. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
40 “Symbolism of the ‘Wizard of Oz’” Wicked Tour. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
41 “Symbolism of the ‘Wizard of Oz’” Wicked Tour. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
42 “Symbolism of the ‘Wizard of Oz’” Wicked Tour. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
43 “Symbolism of the ‘Wizard of Oz’” Wicked Tour. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
44 “Symbolism of the ‘Wizard of Oz’” Wicked Tour. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
45 “Symbolism of the ‘Wizard of Oz’” Wicked Tour. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
46 “Symbolism of the ‘Wizard of Oz’” Wicked Tour. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
47 “Symbolism of the ‘Wizard of Oz’” Wicked Tour. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
48 “Political interpretations of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” Wikipedia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
49 “Symbolism of the ‘Wizard of Oz’” Wicked Tour. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
50 “How did ‘Wizard of Oz’ fare on its 1939 release?” Los Angeles Times. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
51 “How did ‘Wizard of Oz’ fare on its 1939 release?” Los Angeles Times. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
52 The Wizard of Oz. Directed by Victor Fleming, performances by Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Bert Lahr, Jack Haley, Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Charley Grapewin, and Clara Blandick, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, 1939.
53 “Unemployment Statistics during the Great Depression” United States History. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
54 “Musicals in the Depression” University of Virginia. Web. 11 Nov. 2016
55 “How did ‘Wizard of Oz’ fare on its 1939 release?” Los Angeles Times. Web. 11 Nov. 2016

About this entry

You’re currently reading “Exit the Great Depression Through the Yellow Brick Road,” an entry on Student Film Reviews

Published:: 06.05.17 / 7am

Category:: Academic Papers, Films

About

Film Review Club: Reviews of current film releases, streaming films, and revivals by student members of the SBCC Film Review Club.

Prof. Nico Maestu: Faculty Advisor ([email protected])

Film Festival Course: FS108: Film Festival Studies: Santa Barbara International Film Festival and AFI Fest: Hollywood (2 or 1.5 units). Field course at film festivals to study U.S. and international fiction, experimental and documentary films.

Contact: Prof. Nico Maestu ([email protected])

Follow SBCC Film Studies on Twitter.

Cameron Harger 06.06.17 / 2pm

Hey Pauline,
Right off the bat I could tell you took a lot of time and effort in writing this review, and the amount of facts and supporting evidence you gave speaks for itself. I like how you gave history on the film industry’s transition from talkie films, and you touched a lot on the great depression and the roaring twenties. To be honest I’ve never really been a fan of musicals but after reading your article I feel as if I understand a lot more about them. The Wizard of Oz is an absolute classic, and I actually just analyzed it for a film class last week. Great response and good luck to you and your film endeavours.

Amanda Roberts 06.07.17 / 12pm

Pauline,
From this post I can tell that you really took a lot of time analyzing the Great Depression! I really enjoy the facts and evidence that you brought into this paper, especially from the “The Golden Age of Hollywood.” I understood that the Great Depression left millions of Americans unemployed, had absolutely no idea that it helped morph Hollywood into the Golden Age. I was intrigued to read this article as I absolutely love The Wizard of Oz as it is a true film classic. Thanks for integrating this film with such a historical time period. It was a great read!

sophiekubinyi 06.08.17 / 10am

This was so interesting to read! The Wizard of Oz was my favorite film as a child and recently I watched it again for my film studies class. I sat through it just enjoying the dancing, singing, and nostalgia of my childhood but I never thought about what it actually might represent. After reading your review the film makes much more sense. Your knowledge on the Great Depression and comparison to the film was incredible. My favorite part was where you brought up how people were satisfied after paying 15 cents to view this film just to escape.

Angelina Hartfiel 06.16.17 / 2pm

I have never really thought about the depth of The Wizard of Oz but this review has gave me a whole new perspective on the movie. All your evidence and information on the history really helped me to understand how the film came to be. It seems back then and even now every Hollywood film has the same fundemental pieces. A journey, a hero, some conflicts to make it interesting, a reward, and sometimes the hero returning home to be praised. I feel like even this musical followed these fundamental pieces. In this case Dorothy is the hero to her own journey which makes it a little different from the typical hero’s journey. I appreciate all the research you did on the film in order for me to have a new in depth perspective on the movie.

Sage Rippe 06.16.17 / 5pm

the Wizard of oz is one of my all time favorite movies and I’m very happy i read your review! I never thought this deeply about the wizard of oz and I’m very happy to hear some of the history of the film. i saw the musical wicked which gave the audience a new take on wizard of oz and I’m surprised there so many different opinions about the meaning of the movie itself. overall great review!

Isabella Gregson 06.16.17 / 10pm

“Exit the Great Depression Through the Yellow Brick Road,” sounds really interesting. The first thing that comes to my mind from reading the title is the yellow brick road from The Wizard Of OZ. I think it is cool how you are analyzing the audiences from the Great Depression who watched the classic children’s movies. It’s interesting how The Wizard of Oz is actually about the Great Depression, hidden under all the colors and musical numbers. I do think the best way to get people’s attention is to entertain them, and it is so cool the Wizard of Oz found a way to do that.

Daniel Cornejo 06.17.17 / 12am

It was really good, I agree with several things. I believe this was a good adaptation of the new technology. It was settle and could adapt pretty good to the story, it felt smooth and natural. I think Some talkies could not achieve this, but in the Wizard Os Oz it, it feels so “natural” in a sense that we give up ourselves and submerge in it really. It seems simple but that is the way it so efficient. It is really interesting how this film could represent or work around the great depression or the impact it had on American society, maybe that is indeed one of the reasons why it was so popular on its times.

ChrisPashulak 06.18.17 / 2pm

Hello Pauline, thank you for such an in depth analysis that I could learn from. Wizard of oz is one of my favorite childhood films next to Jurassic Park. I was too young at the time to understand the underlying message and story it portrayed but after reading your analysis I can gain a better understanding. The correlation between hollywood films and the Great depression is so interesting and I will be watching the movie again to better understand the effect it had on society during the Great Depression.

Matthew Sessler 07.11.17 / 9am

Wow very interesting sentiments, I was not aware of how much of role film played in aiding people though the great depression. I really enjoy how you included president Franklin Roosevelt’s comments on how it is splendid that people could see a movie for such little cost. What a great relief tool film is when life gets difficult film always serves as a bit of an escape. I also enjoy your discussion about political symbolism and interpretation in The Wizard of Oz I never realized that so much of this existed, and only enjoyed the film for what it was. It sure is amazing what impact film has on modern society and culture.

JoshBaron 07.15.17 / 8pm

What I really like about this analysis is that it uses primary sourced, empirical data along with a qualitative analysis. I think there is a lot to be said about qualitative analyses when it comes to film since, at the end of the day, watching a film is a subjective experience. However, to make accurate claims, such as the claim that this analysis makes about the relationship between musicals and the Great Depression, one must back up their arguments with empirical data to support the claim. Thus, that’s why I think that this analysis has a healthy balance of empirical data and qualitative analysis.

ckgreen 07.16.17 / 7am

I really enjoyed your review of this film. I have not yet seen it myself, but reading what you have to say about it has made me wantn to. I thnk it is really interesting that they have paired a musical with the great depression. I think those two subjects would have a very interesting contrast with each other. I have also always been intrigued with the great depressione era, and I feel like watching this film would be an entertaining way to learn more and get a new perspective.

Sheila 07.16.17 / 3pm

“Exit the Great Depression Through the Yellow Brick Road,” is an impressive historical documentation and technological analysis of my all-time favorite childhood musical film. Having watched this with my family when it aired on television every single year from the time I can remember through all of the 1960s into the ‘70s, my parents and relatives had much to say during those showings pertaining to their experiences prior to and during the Great Depression, especially about “The Movies” and what they remembered about The Wizard of Oz. “Cost a nickel a show back in the day…”
How thrilled we all were to see The Wizard of Oz in 1962 on the very first new color television set and my elders all talked about how that was the first movie ever to change from black and white to the color scenes during the making of this film. Before The Wizard of Oz everything was seen only in black and white film. Ironic that “colored T.V.” came out during the days when using the word “coloured” or “Negroes” transitioned during the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s to the politically correct terms of “Black” or “African American.” Until reading Pauline Cheung’s review, I never gave any thought to the political objectives this film may have implicated. Today there is a similar undercurrent of political “cynicism” prevalent during “The Golden Age of Hollywood.” Since the Great Depression, then the more recent 2008 financial crisis, Americans endured even today is not much different. Many Americans labor to find and keep good jobs and many struggle with homelessness or face losing their homes in such uncertain economies.
Pauline does a great job defining the symbology of Dorothy twirling up in the air, losing her home in the cyclone, going through all those trials and tribulation to eventually finding herself safe in her bed at home surrounded by her family in the end, depicted as a great comfort to many displaced Americans when this film premiered. Hope and happy endings indeed were in sight, at least at the movie theatre.
There is much detailed research itemized in this review of The Wizard of Oz evidence that strongly supports Pauline’s insightful reflections, comprehensive explanations, and profound conclusion.

Leila Esmaili 07.28.17 / 11pm

It was incredibly interesting to see how deep your analysis was of the connection of The Wizard of Oz and The great Depression. I never thought that the characters within the film can be seen as representatives of American society during the Great Depression. Now I see why such a happy uplifting film where good conquers evil was so popular during that time. The transition of the beginning scenes of The Wizard of Oz in black and white to the colorful scenes made a bigger impact. I think, after reading your analysis, that maybe it was a symbolism of progression from dark times into brighter times.

EmilyBobzien 10.11.17 / 5pm

Hi Pauline,
The connections that this review made between the Wizard of Oz, politics, and the Great Depression was very interesting and I can tell that you put a lot of work and effort into this analysis. I think that it was great to include how the characters of the movie represented different aspects of the Great Depression especially at the time of the film’s release. The political interpretation that was included in this review was in-depth and thoughtful, especially the section about the characters change in view of the wizard and how that is representative of the cynicism that exists in politics because of how politicians change face. It was also really great that you added about the film’s release onto television, during another time in our history when Americans needed the hope that the film had previously provided our country.

Justin Robbins 10.11.17 / 5pm

Pauline,

Your analysis of The Wizard of Oz and the connection you made between the film and the political atmosphere at the time it was released were very intriguing. You made a very strong case as to how this film was politically motivated in ways and I must say, I agree with you. Not only was there some political symbolism, but you also spoke about how the film was tied to The Great Depression and I agree with that as well. It’s amazing how a movie can portray so many different hidden narratives beneath the surface even though the audience can’t really see the other ones or even notice that they’re happening.

teaholt 10.11.17 / 7pm

Great history! I had no idea that many Americans still went to films during the Great Depression, but it becomes clear as they are trying to escape their lives for short period of time. To know that characters in these musicals spoke positive and up lifting messages through the art of dance and song, is very uplifting. I’ve spent so many years watching the films for the mis-en-scene, that I tend to forget the time in which they came out and what impact they had towards people of the era. I thoroughly enjoyed the political symbolism in your analyses. I have so many more goodies to look for and see this in a completely new light. Thank you for sharing!

Madison Lewandowski 10.13.17 / 11am

This review was very fascinating to read and I think you did a wonderful and thorough job with the analysis and getting across your point. I have seen the Wizard of Oz a countless number of times, but I never thought to consider the connection between the movie and the Great Depression. But, the way you explained it, with the characters each representing something different and meaningful in that time era, and the deeper meaning behind the black in white in the beginning of the movie to color towards the middle and end, puts the whole movie in perspective and clearly draws a connection between the two. This was a very well thought out review and I enjoyed reading this unique perspective on a movie that I had never thought about before. Next time I watch this movie, I will have a lot to think about.

renee_esguerra 10.13.17 / 1pm

I love how this film was analyzed in a way that connected society to the films purpose. This film was seen as a film to keep people happy and hopeful during the great depression. The film acts as a antidote to the American citizens who needed to bring connection and fulfill that sadness the Great Depression brought. It brought both children and adults together; families and communities together; and the United States together through the different morals and values associated with each other. This production was awarded several academy awards for its symbolic and moral value it held over the citizens. This is an incredible review of the film and I applaud you for your ability to make all these connections I was unaware of prior to reading your article!

nile kirwin 10.13.17 / 6pm

I sincerely enjoyed reading this paper Pauline! The way that you started the first portion of the paper with a history of the great depression, and the role Hollywood played in that economic disaster provided a background that effectively supported your analysis of Wizard of Oz. Not only did you lay the groundwork for how Hollywood built speaking into their films, but you related that evolution of film into your analysis. The political connections to each of the characters in the story and what they represented is not something I was previously aware of. Now that you have made this apparent it makes perfect sense that this film gained so much traction in that era, and the following disastrous era’s that you mentioned. Good job with your paper!

Andrew Warwick 10.13.17 / 6pm

What intrigued me to read this was the title since I am a History major it called out to me.”The Wizard of Oz” was an old childhood favorite of my families and when I watched it, it made me feel submerged like I was under its control and couldn’t take my eyes off it. The mixture of music with its acting makes its a classic for all ages. What makes it really interesting is seeing Dorothy on her own journey with the revelation being she is her own hero at the end.

kellymiles 10.13.17 / 10pm

As with many of those living in America, The Wizard of Oz is certainly one of my absolute favorite films. However, I saw it for the first time a significantly long time after it had been released. For this reason, I didn’t experience many of the aspects you mentioned in this review. It is incredibly interesting to read now, though, and to consider how drastically this film affected those living in America. I had certainly never considered Oz to be a somewhat political film, but your analysis and examples bring to light how much it truly had to contribute to American politics. After reading and considering your points and evidence, I would love to rewatch Oz and keep in mind all that you mentioned and see how it ties together with the Great Depression. I feel as if the film holds such a heavier load, and definitely a deeper feeling to it. Excellent insight.

Lauren Howard 10.14.17 / 4pm

I appreciated your insight and would have never guessed Wizard of Oz to be politically influential. The movie was one during the Golden Age where the people of the Great Depression were able to escape to the movies from their real life situations of poverty. Wizard of Oz was one to distract the audiences with its’ use of extravagant sets and unrealistic storylines. Instead of waiting in breadlines, they could escape to find their own self-fulfillment for the time being of sitting at the theatres. The many genres within the Wizard of Oz provided enjoyment to all age groups. The fantasy and family genres were key components in helping the audiences’ escape their harsh economic realities. Furthermore, the symbolism in the film brought hope and a sense of optimism to audiences as well.

Patrick Lakeman 10.15.17 / 12am

Hi Pauline,
Firstly, I’d like to say that I very much enjoyed reading your paper of the significance of film, specifically The Wizard of Oz, during the Great Depression. I thought it was interesting to learn about how the typical American audience during that period of time had such a dramatic effect on the Hollywood film industry. I was intrigued by how fast silent movies were phased out of Hollywood so rapidly, and how this changed the way in which people enjoy movies. I was also fascinated by the symbolism within the Wizard of Oz, and how those symbols were relevant during that time period, which gave me a unique take on a classic movie.

Jessica Le sbcc 11.14.17 / 10am

I think the author did an interesting and fantastic job of connecting The Great Depression to the booming success of the film industry, specifically focusing on “The Wizard of Oz.” A movie that was so awe-inspiring to little kids for the color and surreal content (dancing tin men and lions and oompa loompas) was equally as inspiring to adults for the central message of hope and using mind, heart and courage to find their desires. In a time of economic downturn, for 15 cents the average American could be transported for 2 hours into a Technicolor world that offered more than unemployment and the stresses of life. These days, animated children’s movies like “Zootopia” or even comedies like “Get Out” offer a lot of social commentary and political symbolism, but “The Wizard of Oz” proves that it’s definitely been done before.

Zinan He 11.15.17 / 5pm

Being the impatient person that I am, I wasn’t impressed by this review very much. For me, an interesting review would keep me captivated the entire time, but this one didn’t. Maybe it is one of those genuinely useful reviews about a genuinely good movie, but I can’t seem to appreciate it too much. I am sorry to say that this review didn’t quite lead me to think very highly of the movie. I barely made it through the entire review because it had too much of facts and supporting shreds of evidence. I found it rather blunt and difficult to finish. The review for me was a little too wordy, and it immediately made me not want to go through the entire thing. Nevertheless, I did go through it, and I must say, the time you took for this analysis is quite appreciable. I truly admire your attempt to make this piece of writing as informative as possible, but when reading reviews, I would expect a little less of facts and more of comments on the movie. Maybe the movie is such that it requires the audience to understand the historical background, but I must say, I was beyond bored when going through the entire review. It is evident that you have gone through a lot of trouble and invested a lot of time in putting together this review, but it simply did not work for me. The title of the film didn’t appeal to me either because I am not a very big fan of history. You can guess that I didn’t think very highly of this film before going through this review. Even after I went through the review, much hasn’t changed. It was probably my pre-built opinion about this movie that led me to think that it just isn’t worth watching. I just feel like this isn’t the kind of movie that I would be interested in watching. I would probably have a hard time making it through the first five minutes because I am the kind of person that can never like something that I have already decided to dislike. However, I appreciate the effort that you have put into this review of yours.

Paul Park 03.30.18 / 5pm

This review seemed to fully describe everything that this innovative film helped set the stage for later films. I really appreciated the storyline, imagery, characters, and the use of lighting and color to emphasize not only the plot but also how the more subtle aspects of the film really enhance how the audience receives the film. Based on the review and the circumstances in America during that time, I think that a film such as The Wizard of Oz really helped to fulfill many Americans’ dreams and hopes in a better future.

Student Film Reviews

Exit the Great Depression Through the Yellow Brick Road

About this entry

26 Comments

Have your say

Pages

About

Recently

Monthly Archives

Categories

Student Film Reviews

Exit the Great Depression Through the Yellow Brick Road

About this entry

26 Comments

Have your say

Pages

About

Recently

Monthly Archives

Links

Categories