The Movie Journal

  Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939) Frank Capra, the legend behind classics like It Happened One Night , created what is probably the most sensational film of his career, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington . When released, it created a stir within Washington insiders and around the globe. The movie appeals to the tendencies of Capra as a director using themes such as idealism and hope. But if one looks closely, you can see ideas of pessimism start creeping in the mind of Capra. Regardless, Capra created a film that resonates with all ages and generations. With the idea of the filibuster being in the news lately, the relevance of Capra’s picture is still prevalent with Americans in today’s day and age. As a film itself, the movie does a great job switching gears from comedy to tense drama. The performances, especially from the great Jimmy Stewart, are all fantastic. I also really loved the ending! Before the film was even in production, Sidney Buchman’s screenplay already had Hollywoo...

Stagecoach (1939) 1939. One of the best years EVER in cinema’s history. There are instant classics such as Gone with the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, Wuthering Heights , and now you can add one more: John Ford’s Stagecoach . This movie is considered the father of modern Westerns. Yes, there have been many Westerns (including some directed by Ford) prior, but they were all seen as B-films. Nothing that would make its mark on cinema. Not until Ford pressured studios to turn the genre from B-films to A-films. This movie is considered to be one of Ford’s greatest films and he made plenty of them. As for my own personal opinion, I loved this film. I can see why it influenced many other Westerns in years to come. It really is a film ahead of its time, especially with that heart-wrenching action sequence. The film is the beginning of a long partnership between John Ford and star John Wayne. Ford has made many silent films to put himself on the map. John Wayne has been in nearly 40 ...

Wuthering Heights (1939) If you are aware of the film industry, you might know 1939 is one of the greatest years for movies ever made. You have the giant, still popular classics such as Gone with the Wind and The Wizard of Oz . There is also a smaller, but still just as powerful movie lurking under their wings and that particular film is Wuthering Heights . If the name sounds familiar, perhaps take a trip back to your English high-school class and you may recall that you had to read the very complex Emily Bronte novel of the same name. William Wyler directed an adaptation of that classic story and to extremely good results. The book was so deep and complex that the author, Bronte had to create two volumes. The first volume consisted of the relationship between the two characters Heathcliff and Catherine. The second volume focuses on a dark, angry Heathcliff with Catherine’s daughter. Wyler omitted the second volume from the film which meant he had to change or delete so...

Gone with the Wind(1939) Behold one of the greatest if not the greatest movie of all time! Gone with the Wind is the 1939 masterpiece that producer David Selznik and director Victor Fleming brought to life. Selznick was the genius who wanted to combine melodrama with advanced production techniques and that line of thinking gave birth to this film. Everything about this movie is perfect from the lush cinematography to the portrayal of women and people of color to the cultural power this movie has given to the world of cinema. For a movie that was released in December 1939, it by far exceeds the quality of film expected of that time and certainly almost beats every film made today. Without further ado, lets delve right into this masterpiece! This movie is broken into two sections; pre-Civil War and post-Civil War. Scarlett (Vivien Leigh) is a strong-willed woman dealing with the pressures of war. With Atlanta burning and the Union Army advancing, she is put through a lot. Howev...

The Wizard of Oz (1939)       I have seen this 1939 classic, The Wizard of Oz countless number of times growing up, and now here in my early stages of adulthood. Despite that fact, the magic the film has never lessens its hold on me. In fact each time I see it, it grows more magical as I appreciate the film even more and more. This is one of those few films that can successfully be handed down from generation to generation. People of all ages loved this magical film since its release in 1939, arguably one of the greatest years in movie history. This adventure story has themes that all children can relate to. Every child has a need for adventure and to discover the world beyond their homes and families. But the movie also shows the world is not always a happy world, as evil can persist beyond the comfort of your home. Other prevalent themes include helping others find a path, and helping others see who they truly are. The movie is good at making symboli...