How did the Great Depression and the New Deal influence motion pictures and radio? What were the cultural effects of technological advances and film? How did FDR use radio during his presidency? Samantha Geier Sammy Belgum Diana Espinosa Christie Clement

Lure of Motion Pictures and Radio I. Movies A. Hollywood Actresses 1.Greta Garbo, Clark Gable, Marlene Dietrich, James Cagney 2. New era of glamour and sophistication a) silent  talking films B. Famous films: Escape from the Depression 1.Gone with the Wind (1939) a)Southern plantation owners during Civil War 2. The Wizard of Oz (1939) 3. Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) 4. Visions of wealth, romance, and good times

C. Comedies 1. Duck Soup (1933) D. Heroes Rising 1. Escapist appeal with realistic plot a) Conveyed Depression 2. Gangster Film a) Urban America b) Faced relatable difficulties c) Little Caesar (1930) d) The Public Enemy (1931) E. Politics ( ) 1. New Deal in a positive light 2. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936) 3. Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

II. Radio A. Democratic Spirit 1. “Fireside chats” a)Forced family time 2.Nearly 90% of American households owned radio Varieties 1. News 2. Comedies 3. Dramas 4. Children’s Shows a) The Green Hornet b) The Lone Ranger 5. Soap Operas a) The Romance of Helen Trent b) The Guiding Light c) Homemakers

C. Drama and Comedies 1. Stars of Radio a) Bob Hope, Jack Benny, George Burns, Gracie Allen b)“The War of the Worlds”- Orson Welles c) Reputation in radio  work in television and movies

Key Terms “Gone with the Wind” ▫ about life Southern plantation owners during the Civil War stared Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh Soap Operas ▫ named soap operas because they were usually sponsored by soap companies ▫ played in the afternoon ▫ “real-life” dramas, included The Romance of Helen Trent and The Guiding Light ▫ featured women characters with romantic difficulties

Key Terms (cont.) ▫ homemakers were prime audience ▫ stories and characters gave them outlet for imagination during days filled with housework Orson Welles ▫ actor, director, and producer ▫ created one of most renowned radio broadcasts of all time, “The War of the Worlds” ▫ also directed movie classics, Citizen Kane (1941) and A Touch of Evil (1958)

Effects of Technological Advancements on Society Movies Hollywood stars launched era of glamour and sophistication Escape from hard realities of Depression Relatable heroes overcame difficulties  hope New Deal’s accomplishments shown in positive light Affordable for all classes Radio Encouraged family time Direct access to American people Dramas were outlet for imagination

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Questions 1.Short answer: What was the purpose of FDR’s “fireside chats” and why did he choose the radio as his medium of communication? 2. Why were movies and the radio especially popular during this time? A.Cheap entertainment B.Escape from difficulties of the Depression C.Allowed news to spread around the country more quickly D.All of the above

Answers 1. Short answer: What was the purpose of FDR’s “fireside chats” and why did he choose the radio as his medium of communication? He wanted to address issues the public was concerned about and assure them that the government was doing all that they could to help the people. 2. Why were movies and the radio especially popular during this time? A.Cheap entertainment B.Escape from difficulties of the Depression C.Allowed news to spread around the country more quickly D.All of the above