All Quiet on the Western Front - 1930

"At last....the motion picture!"

Starring: Lew Ayres, Louis Wolheim, and John Wray

Genre: War and Drama

Duration: 133 min. (2 hrs. 13 min.)

Interesting Fact: During the film's German release, the Nazis (not yet in power) interrupted screenings by shouting martial slogans and releasing rats into the theaters (imdb.com). The movie was eventually banned by the Nazi party.

We leave behind the 1920s with All Quiet on the Western Front. This film gives a new perspective on World War I. War seems to be a popular theme, but let us not forget that it was shot when the country was only fresh out of WWI by a little over a decade. It is filmed and written from the viewpoint of the Germans. This was a bold move of the filmakers if you ask me.

In the beginning of the film, we see schoolboys who think they know everything. Their teacher encourages them to fight for the "Fatherland." They head off to war thinking that they will find glory in their ranks. Soon, however, they see that war is nothing but death and dying.

This is a truly beautiful film that relates the realistic side of war to the masses. It has very violent scenes and gore is definitely not excluded. Yet, I agree with the filmakers opinion in that it is necessary to the film. In order to show how gruesome war is, the violence needs to be portrayed. As we follow Paul, we sympathize with him, and even forget that he is German. All of his friends are dying around him and there is nothing that he can do to stop it.

My favorite scene was the gut-wrenching truth revealed when Paul revisits his old classroom and teacher. His monologue is so moving that I chose it as my favorite line. The end, which I won't ruin, is just as artistically and tastefully powerful. This movie is an epic.

Favorite Line:

Paul Baumer: I heard you in here, reciting that same old stuff. Making more iron men, more young heroes. You still think it's beautiful and sweet to die for your country, don't you? 

[Kantorek nods firmly]

We used to think you knew. The first bombardment taught us better. It's dirty and painful to die for your country. When it comes to dying for your country it's better not to die at all! There are millions out there dying for their countries, and what good is it?

Rating: Cryable (That powerful kind of bittersweet feeling)

 

The Broadway Melody - 1929

"The new wonder of the screen!"

Starring: Anita Page, Bessie Love, and Charles King

Genre: Musical romance

Duration: 100 min. (1 hr. and 40  min.)

Interesting Fact: It was the first musical to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards (imdb.com).

Here's an excerpt from the movie:

The Broadway Melody was avant garde for its time because of something very revolutionary. Although the idea of audio in a movie seems trivial to modern audiences, the fact that this movie had sound was amazing. It aired in June of 1929, just a few months short of the stock market crash that started the Great Depression.

This film centers around two sisters named Harriet (Hank) and Queenie Mahoney.  They set out to fulfill their dreams of becoming broadway stars with nothing but their sisterly love and a vaudeville act they are sure will win over the big guys. Through many comedic moments and romantic stunts, the sisters realize just what success is, and what it can do to any relationship. Although they are torn apart, both by bitter jealousy and romantic envy, in the end, nothing can break the bond of sisterhood. It really brings out original themes of rivalry and success. I think that after the Great Depression, audiences probably appreciated the message of the movie as they too would soon be trying to “make it happen.”

Although it might not have been the happy ending each girl envisioned, they both got their happy ending nonetheless.

Favorite Lines:

Eddie Kearns:  Those men aren’t going to pay ten bucks to look at your face; this is Broadway!

Hank Mahoney:  Yeah, ‘Broad’s way!’

Rating: Laughable