My Favorite Films of the 1930’s…..

The 1930’s 

 Movies I Can’t Do Without

The list of films are not necessarily the best films made during the time period, but my favorite movies are the ones that I would view for personal use and entertainment, anytime and anywhere. The ratings do indicate my critical review of any of the films mentioned, but they are not the reason why I chose them as personal favorites. I really love these movies, the directors, the actors, and the whole package of each individual one. I have viewed them many times.

1930

All Quiet on the Western Front *****

Westfront 1918  *****

Little Caesar  *****

1931

The Public Enemy  *****

The Champ  *****

Frankenstein  *****

1932

Tarzan the Ape Man  *****

Scarface  *****

Grand Hotel  *****

1933

King Kong  *****

Baby Face  *****

1934

It Happened One Night  *****

Tarzan and His Mate  *****

Bright Eyes ****

1935

Les Miserables  **** 1/2

Mutiny on the Bounty  ****

1936

The Petrified Forest ****1/2

Mr. Deeds Goes to Town  *****

San Francisco  ****

Libeled Lady  *****

Tarzan Escapes  ***1/2

1937

Make Way For Tomorrow  *****

Captain’s Courageous   *****

Navy Blue and Gold  ****

1938

Bringing Up Baby  *****

You Can’t Take It With You  *****

Boy’s Town  ****1/2

1939

Stagecoach  *****

Goodbye Mr. Chips  *****

On Borrowed Time  ****1/2

Wizard of Oz  *****

Mr. Smith Goes To Washington  *****

Destry Rides Again  *****

Judge Hardy and Son  ****

Of these films, my top five are:

1.  It Happened One Night

2. Captain’s Courageous

3. Wizard of Oz

4. Stagecoach

5. Tarzan and His Mate

I have many more favorites that did not make the list such as “Gone With the Wind”, “Topper”, and “Robin Hood.”  All included, I have viewed 304 films in the 1930s.  

Feature photo:  Tarzan, and His Mate.  Pre-code flim with full frontal nudity, adult sexual screenplay, and a film that would raise conversation, even today.  “You’re a bod boy”, as Jane tells her mate, Tarzan, in a tree bed, after a night of love making on the Escarpment in Africa.  Thge full scene’s dialogue below.

You’re a bad boy.

Good morning. I love you.

You never forget, do you, Tarzan?

– Never forget I love you.

– Love who?

– Love you.

– Love who?

Love Jane.

Love my…

My wife.

Go on now, lazybones.

Go on and get my fruit juice.