Depression Era Screwball — A case study
Hollywood’s Laughter Revolution: Escaping Reality with Screwball Comedy
In the midst of the chaos of the 1930s, Hollywood shone brightly as a refuge of escapism and creativity. As global turmoil from post-war aftermath and economic struggles loomed large, the film industry experienced a surge, captivating audiences through radio and sound pictures, marking the pinnacle of Hollywood’s golden age. Amidst this backdrop, screwball comedies emerged, offering much-needed laughter and whimsical relief, solidifying Hollywood’s enduring cultural impact.
The 1930s brimmed with political upheaval and economic woes. As the world grappled with the lingering aftermath of the First World War and the profound economic challenges gripping both Europe and the United States, the subsequent two decades were already beginning to mold a new reality. Amidst shifting political landscapes and evolving social dynamics, the era was ripe with transformation.
In an effort to provide solace amidst the harsh realities of the era, both the entertainment industry and the realm of science surged forward, achieving remarkable progress across diverse domains. These advancements not only alleviated human suffering but also dispelled the pervasive sense of despair and uncertainty that afflicted both commoners and elites alike.
As the transition from silent films to sound pictures unfolded in the 1930s, a golden age dawned upon Hollywood cinema. Alongside this transformation, numerous new radio programs gained widespread popularity. Iconic films such as “Red Dust” (1932), “Hold Your Man” (1933), and “My Man Godfrey” (1936) illuminated screens, captivating audiences across societal divides. Despite the constraints imposed by the Hays Code, the film industry thrived, experiencing remarkable growth and garnering unprecedented popularity among both lower and upper classes of society.
From silence to talkies
The transition from theaters to silent moving pictures, interspersed with text, to fully-fledged movies with music and actors’ voices imbuing life into the moving images, began in the 1920s. This evolution unfolded gradually over several years, catalyzed by the pivotal invention of the Vitaphone. Developed by the Bell Telephone Company and Western Electric, this system synchronised audio playback with film projection using a vinyl disc. Initially deemed too costly, it gained traction when Warner Brothers utilized it for “Don Juan” (1926) and “The Jazz Singer” (1927), marking a significant leap forward in cinematic history.
The most formidable challenge of this transition lay in adapting acting styles to accommodate the introduction of sound. Actors grappled with the necessity for their voices to align with their characters, leading to challenges. Thick accents or the requirement to speak more and move less posed significant obstacles. More over this transition required actors to act less theatrical, i.e. to incorporate less movement in their acting styles, as sounds was incorporated within the new films. Consequently, some actors found themselves unable to make the leap into the era of talkies and their careers stymied by the demands of this new cinematic landscape
In a 1921 interview, Chaplin expressed his disdain for talkies, asserting that they were an affront to the ancient art of pantomime. Even in 1931, he maintained his skepticism, saying “I give the talkies six months more. At the most a year. Then they’re done”.
Rise of Screwball comedy as a genre for the people
As technology advanced amidst the challenges of the post-World War I and Great Depression era, the transition from silent films to talkies marked a significant leap forward. This shift facilitated a more immersive and profound interaction between actors and audiences, enabling films to convey deeper meanings while also lifting the spirits of both men and women. Screwball comedies emerged during this period, highlighting the divide between social classes and accentuating the flaws of the upper class, all while maintaining a lighthearted sense of humour.
Screwball what?
The genre that etched its place in cinema history from the early 1930s until the end of the Second World War was a sub-genre of romantic comedy. Characterised by a playful and cheerful approach to storytelling, often bordering on satire, its name derives from baseball terminology. Christopher McKittrick elaborates on this association, likening it to the unpredictable pitch of a baseball pitcher, thus encapsulating the essence of the genre.
Films of this genre were primarily characterized by their chaos and dynamism, serving as a lens to explore various social questions and issues. Key among these were themes of marriage and divorce, as well as depictions of social classes and gender roles. Their significance was particularly pronounced as they emerged during the Great Depression, representing a distinctly American perspective.
“It Happened One Night” (1934) stands as one of the most distinguished titles in cinematic history, securing all five major Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Adapted Screenplay. This feat solidifies its place as one of the finest films to ever be filmed.
Despite its release predating the formal recognition of screwball comedies as a distinct genre, “It Happened One Night” (1934) is often hailed as the pioneering example of this comedic style. Its influence is profound, effectively setting the tone and establishing the defining characteristics of the genre.
Pre code and post code
Typically, the late 1920s and early 1930s are referred to as the pre-Code era in Hollywood. This era precedes the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code, commonly known as the Hays Code, which established guidelines dictating what could and couldn’t be depicted in films during that time period.
Following the implementation of the Hays Code, screwball comedies emerged as a reassuring presence for audiences amidst the challenges of the Great Depression. These films provided a means to cope with adversity in various ways, often ensuring that despite the unfortunate circumstances faced by characters, the endings were predominantly hopeful and optimistic. This consistent portrayal of optimism, despite the trials endured by characters, served as a comforting assurance for audiences during a turbulent period.
One significant implication of the Hays Code on the production of screwball comedies was the portrayal of romantic relationships. In order to comply with the Code’s restrictions on overt sexuality, these films often relied on clever dialogue, witty banter, and subtle innuendos to convey romantic chemistry and tension between characters. This indirect approach earned screwball comedies the nickname “sex comedies without sex,” as they navigated around the Code’s regulations while still presenting engaging and entertaining romantic narratives.
Pre Code
Pre-Code films, which emerged between 1927 and 1934, enjoyed relatively fewer federal censorship restrictions compared to later periods. Instead, they were primarily governed by local laws. Consequently, these films often depicted more explicit content, including sexual innuendos, romantic relationships, mild profanity, drug use, prostitution, violence, and even homosexuality. Nefarious characters frequently prospered without facing consequences, reflecting the more liberal attitudes prevalent during this era of filmmaking.
In the 1932 film “Red Dust,” Jean Harlow’s character portrays a prostitute confined to a rubber plantation in Indochina, while Clark Gable’s character serves as the plantation’s head, embodying the archetype of the rugged and assertive male. The dynamic between them exemplifies the provocative themes prevalent in Pre-Code cinema, where taboo subjects such as prostitution were openly depicted on screen.
In “Red Dust,” the arrival of a young couple at the rubber plantation catalyses a series of complex interactions and emotional entanglements. When the young husband falls ill to fever, vulnerability and isolation create a fertile ground for the burgeoning affair between Clark Gable’s character and the wife of the ailing man. This love triangle unfolds against the backdrop of the steamy and oppressive Indochinese setting, intensifying the passion and tension between the characters. As the illicit relationship deepens, the dynamics of power, desire, and betrayal come to the forefront, driving the narrative towards a dramatic climax. Through its exploration of forbidden desires and moral ambiguity, “Red Dust” epitomises the daring and provocative nature of Pre-Code cinema.
The end of Screwball
It’s plausible to view screwball comedies as a form of resistance against the strict regulations imposed on the film industry, as well as a means of confronting the harsh realities of post-World War I and Great Depression America. Serving as a form of escapism, these films uplifted spirits and provided a platform for social critique, offering audiences a humorous lens through which to examine various layers of society. However, by the 1940s, the heyday of screwball comedies was drawing to a close, as shifting cultural norms and evolving audience tastes began to reshape the cinematic landscape.
Creating a successful screwball comedy film in today’s cinematic landscape would indeed pose a significant challenge. However, I contend that two key factors were responsible for the genre’s past success. Firstly, screwball comedies thrived during their heyday because they fulfilled a specific societal need. They provided audiences with a sense of hope and optimism during tumultuous times, while also offering a safe platform for social critique and rebellion against the constraints of the film industry. Secondly, the talent involved in making screwball comedies played a crucial role in their success. Actors delivered exceptional performances, effortlessly blending wit, physical comedy, and absurd situations to entertain and captivate audiences. Their ability to convey humour through dialogue, gestures, and comedic timing elevated screwball comedies to unparalleled heights of popularity and acclaim.
Indeed, in today’s society, the unique challenges and complexities we face require a different form of entertainment to provide relief and escapism. A traditional screwball comedy might not resonate as strongly with contemporary audiences, as the issues we grapple with differ significantly from those of the past. While a modern romantic comedy may capture some of the lightheartedness and humor associated with screwball comedies, it may not evoke the same depth of emotion or captivate audiences in the same way. Today’s societal landscape calls for entertainment that addresses our current concerns and provides a relevant form of relief medication tailored to our times.
The Fall
As the 1940s unfolded, society found itself engulfed in renewed social and political turmoil, with the outbreak of another global conflict reshaping priorities and altering societal needs. Many actors who had previously thrived in the lighthearted world of comedy began to pivot their careers towards more serious and dramatic roles. With loved ones absent due to the war, there arose a heightened demand for romantic dramas that could provide solace and comfort during tumultuous times. Additionally, the war significantly impacted the production of screwball comedies, as resources and priorities shifted elsewhere. As a result, the volume of screwball titles lessened, marking the end of an era for this beloved genre.
While the film industry persisted in producing screwball comedy films well into the 1940s with notable titles like “The Philadelphia Story” (1940), “Arsenic and Old Lace” (1944) and “Design for Scandal” (1941), the genre had undeniably begun to evolve by that time. By the 1950s, the tone of screwball comedies had shifted, and the genre was effectively on the over.
Conclusion
“In order to understand a generation, just go watch their films,” I often say. Screwball comedies serve as a window into a different time, a period marked by vastly different mindsets, worries, problems, and priorities. These films, created for and by the people, aimed to uplift hearts and minds by offering a respite from the harsh realities of past tumults. They presented the comforting notion that an end would inevitably arrive, and more often than not, it would bring a positive resolution.
As the film industry faced significant challenges such as the imposition of the Hays Code, which placed substantial restrictions on content. Despite these obstacles, the industry fought back in various creative ways, resulting in some of the best moving picture titles ever created to date. This defiance against censorship fostered innovation and ingenuity, leading to the production of groundbreaking films that continue to captivate audiences today.
While the genre of screwball comedy may not be come back, it remains a timeless genre with the power to captivate audiences of all ages. Its light-hearted and hopeful themes continue to resonate, offering valuable insights into human history and the resilience required to navigate challenging circumstances imposed by society. As a window into the past, screwball comedies provide not only entertainment but also an important lesson on the human experience, reminding us of our capacity to find joy and laughter even in the face of adversity.
