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 “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