Hollywood gossip column describing the economic difficulties of Hollywood stars.

The opening of the column describes in a unique way how Hollywood stars have to be much more careful about their money during this period of economic hardship. Another example of how the Depression affected the Hollywood film industry. By Uri Friedman

Short article about special effects in “Lottery Bride” at the Earle Theatre.

The article discusses how the bridge and groom are superimposed in front of clouds with “magnificent” Technicolor. This is emblematic of the technological achievements of the film industry during the Depression-era. By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Our Modern Maidens” shown at the Mastbaum Theatre.

The review gives another example of how pre-Depression films dealt with Jazz Age issues.  By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Delicious” at the Fox Theatre.

The review discusses how the story line is a typical “Cinderella story” about a poor girl achieving love and happiness. The ideas of people moving between the worlds of wealth and poverty, and people from humble means achieving great things were related to social issue films and represented an idealism that was soothing for film-goers during the Depression. By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Sunny Side Up” at the Fox-Locust Theatre.

The review focuses a great deal on the novelty of sound in the film, demonstrating the attraction of this new technology for a pre-Depression movie-going audience.  By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Love, Live and Laugh” at the Fox Theatre.

The review focuses a great deal on the novelty of sound in the film, demonstrating the attraction of this new technology for a pre-Depression movie-going audience. By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Inspiration” at the Mastbaum Theatre.

The review discusses the splendor of Greta Garbo’s persona and of the scenes. Though there were lavish film sets and goddess-like portrayals of female actresses before the Depression, this type of film is emblematic of the “escapist” films often seen during the Depression’s difficult times.  By Uri Friedman

Review of entertainment program at the Mastbaum Theatre.

The review discusses how the Mastbaum is having screen and stage stars appear at the theater to do a variety of acts as part of its re-opening. This article reflects the fact that a number of Philadelphia theaters had to close (sometimes reopening, like the Mastbaum) during the Depression and how theaters had to offer incentives other than simply a film to get people to spend their money on entertainment.  By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “Possessed” at the Arcadia Theatre.

The review discusses the plot of the film, which revolves around a poor girl’s struggle to overcome her environment. The ideas of people moving between the worlds of wealth and poverty, and people from humble means achieving great things were related to social issue films and represented an idealism that was soothing for film-goers during the Depression. By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “The Hollywood Revue” shown at the Aldine Theatre.

The review shows how in the period before the Depression the recent advent of talkie films and the use of new color technology allowed movies such as this one to draw big audiences by focusing on songs, dances, lively chatter, and aesthetics, rather than dialogue.  By Uri Friedman

Film critic’s assessment of Hollywood in the late 1920s.

Discusses the upheavals that talking pictures have caused in the Hollywood film industry and warns Philadelphia readers that getting a job as an extra in Hollywood at the time is very difficult. His statements describe an unfortunate state of affairs in Hollywood that would be fully realized with the coming stress of the Depression.  By Uri Friedman  

Review of the film “Broadway” at the Stanley Theatre.

The review shows how movies before the Depression often dealt with Jazz Age themes such as the exciting life in nightclubs.  By Uri Friedman

Review of the film “The Hollywood Revue” shown at the Aldine Theatre.

The review gives a second glimpse at the way a film critic saw the Hollywood Revue and also shows that jazz music was incorporated into the film.  By Uri Friedman

This column discusses how the economic issues in Hollywood caused by the Depression have made Hollywood stars intent on finding ways to preserve their wealth. He describes in vivid terms how the Depression has ravaged the glamorous film industry.  By Uri Friedman

Broadway critic’s musings about how the entertainment industry will handle the sudden Wall Street economic crash.

This column expresses the writer’s worry that the stock market crashes, which had occurred only days before the column was printed, would have negative effects on theater attendance, exhibition, and production. He explains how in times of economic crisis, luxuries are often the first to be disregarded, even if they would help people escape their economic misery. By Uri Friedman