What values did the movies and other popular entertainment of the depression reinforce for Americans?

Answer 1

From gangster films to musicals to screwball comedies, Depression films 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 but that isn't to say the themes and motifs of these films appeared out of reach. Hollywood, while upholding American institutions such as government and family, also created characters and plot lines that stayed within the realm of possibilities. Had Americans not believed in and related to the drama, music, comedy, heartache, and successes displayed on screen they surely would find entertainment elsewhere. Film industries 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. Musicals such as Gold Diggers of 1933, 42nd Street, and Foot light Parade directly addressed the Depression. Subsequently, this strategy by Hollywood made these three musicals the highest money making ones of the decade. No longer did films take on the idealistic outlook of the 1920's. Musicals in the 1930's gave people more realistic visions of aspiration and attainment. Stars such as Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, Shirley Temple, and Fred Astaire became models of strength, courage, charisma, vulnerability, and triumph as they sang and danced their way into the dispirited hearts of the American public.