1920's and 1930's
The 1920's: An Overview
Throughout the 1920’s there was a great amount of social and political change. The Great War had recently ended which gave people a greater reason to celebrate life and live in the moment. Credit became readily available and people took advantage of it by purchasing items they found desirable, which in turn influenced the rise of the stock market. Prohibition also came into play which changed the attitude of the times, leading a large population of the US to violate the law, something unheard of in earlier times. Speakeasies became a place of liberation which promoted the free and easy lifestyles that many were experiencing. Women were found shortening their skirts, drinking in public, and gaining sexual freedoms with the increased awareness and availability of contraceptives; but the greatest of the changes for women was the right to vote.
Through women’s suffrage, the opportunities to have a greater voice in society and greater participation in the work force became available. Although the majority of women’s jobs were still traditional ones such as teaching and nursing, other opportunities became available to them, such as typists, filing clerks, and even secretarial positions (1). Few women obtained positions in science as it had always been viewed as a "man's world" and they were strongly discouraged from pursuing science or enrolling in medical school because of the female's inability to be a rational being (2).
Through women’s suffrage, the opportunities to have a greater voice in society and greater participation in the work force became available. Although the majority of women’s jobs were still traditional ones such as teaching and nursing, other opportunities became available to them, such as typists, filing clerks, and even secretarial positions (1). Few women obtained positions in science as it had always been viewed as a "man's world" and they were strongly discouraged from pursuing science or enrolling in medical school because of the female's inability to be a rational being (2).
The 1930's: An Overview
By the 1930's, employment rates plummeted with the onset of the Great Depression and the scarcity of jobs. It became even harder for women to find jobs in the factories when so many men were looking for work. The increased burden of large families became even more noticeable because of the lack of opportunities and money. The life of living for the moment transformed into trying to survive for the moment. Many men became overwhelmed by failing to be the breadwinner of the family and many fathers even deserted their families. Slowly, women became the backbone of the family unit.
Women were forced into looking for work in areas that were more available to women such as teaching and domestic services. African American women's ability to find work became even harder as jobs they once had were taken by white women. Many had to gather on city streets in "slave markets" looking for day work, or offer themselves as agricultural laborers which offered only low-paid day wages (3). It wasn't until the beginning of World War II when employment opportunities were created and women were able to truly enter the workforce in large numbers and a variety of occupations.
Women were forced into looking for work in areas that were more available to women such as teaching and domestic services. African American women's ability to find work became even harder as jobs they once had were taken by white women. Many had to gather on city streets in "slave markets" looking for day work, or offer themselves as agricultural laborers which offered only low-paid day wages (3). It wasn't until the beginning of World War II when employment opportunities were created and women were able to truly enter the workforce in large numbers and a variety of occupations.
Seven Chances (1925)
In Buster Keaton's Seven Chances, Keaton plays the young bachelor, James Shannon, who must get married by 7 pm on his 27th birthday in order to receive his 7 million dollar inheritance. Shannon's love interest Mary Jones (Ruth Dwyer) refuses to marry Shannon after he tells her he has been instructed to marry "some girl" when explaining his proposal to her. Soon after, Mary's mind is changed when her mother advises her to let Shannon further explain himself. However, Shannon has already left - on a mission to get married, proposing to just about every girl he runs into. Meanwhile, Shannon's business partner and lawyer take the problem to the local press to have an ad published, calling for the first girl dressed in bridal costume to arrive at the local church to marry the heir. Shannon arrives at the church, but manages to fall asleep before hundreds of brides enter the building. He awakens in a church overflowing with brides and becomes a target of their anger once the priest notifies them that the ad is a prank. Shannon spends the rest of the day outrunning the rabid mob, with close calls around every corner, all to get back to Jones in time to marry her.
No matter which era of film people are portrayed in, there are specific characteristics assigned to actors that help the audience understand the roles they portrayed. These characteristics may include gender, age, occupation, and race for example. Early in the twentieth century, the occupations of women tended to be ones of a domestic status. Domesticity wasn't truly seen as work, but as an automatic supplement to being a woman (4). At this point in time, women had been looked upon as being gentle and motherly for decades, and their jobs mirrored this. Only a small population of women were involved in clerical work, and nearly all the jobs that required a degree from upper-level education were given to men.
Throughout Seven Chances, the female characters are able to stay true to these roles that women had during the 1920's. Some women in this film are played with occupations including secretary and operator, two of the more common, yet upper level jobs offered to women during this time. Although the female actresses have brief appearances, they are able to demonstrate the power that women have during this time in the workforce as well as socially. Women were able to obtain jobs and choose what they deem is in their own best interest, especially when it came to marriage. The first six women that Shannon proposes to all turn him down, showing that marriage is not the only thing on a woman's mind as opposed to what was assumed at the time; most laugh in his face or are appalled that someone they know so little would ask such a question.
The fashion of the 1920's also did not offer much variety to women as far as comfort and practicality went. Many women wore heels the majority of the time as well as dresses, which can both be seen in Seven Chances. However, one lady can be seen wearing a necktie at 16:40 in the film. This was especially uncommon to see, as many women were sporting loose dresses and necklines that hung slightly below the shoulders, but it was progressive to incorporate such a costume into this movie.
No matter which era of film people are portrayed in, there are specific characteristics assigned to actors that help the audience understand the roles they portrayed. These characteristics may include gender, age, occupation, and race for example. Early in the twentieth century, the occupations of women tended to be ones of a domestic status. Domesticity wasn't truly seen as work, but as an automatic supplement to being a woman (4). At this point in time, women had been looked upon as being gentle and motherly for decades, and their jobs mirrored this. Only a small population of women were involved in clerical work, and nearly all the jobs that required a degree from upper-level education were given to men.
Throughout Seven Chances, the female characters are able to stay true to these roles that women had during the 1920's. Some women in this film are played with occupations including secretary and operator, two of the more common, yet upper level jobs offered to women during this time. Although the female actresses have brief appearances, they are able to demonstrate the power that women have during this time in the workforce as well as socially. Women were able to obtain jobs and choose what they deem is in their own best interest, especially when it came to marriage. The first six women that Shannon proposes to all turn him down, showing that marriage is not the only thing on a woman's mind as opposed to what was assumed at the time; most laugh in his face or are appalled that someone they know so little would ask such a question.
The fashion of the 1920's also did not offer much variety to women as far as comfort and practicality went. Many women wore heels the majority of the time as well as dresses, which can both be seen in Seven Chances. However, one lady can be seen wearing a necktie at 16:40 in the film. This was especially uncommon to see, as many women were sporting loose dresses and necklines that hung slightly below the shoulders, but it was progressive to incorporate such a costume into this movie.
The ideas that women are hysterical and unable to control their emotions is an especially prevalent aspect of this film. The angry brides band together as a mob to chase after Shannon even though they were not harmed by the false advertisement they saw. Immediately after being informed by the priest that Shannon was not getting married this way, they all began to grab at Shannon so they could express their anger to him. Even after Shannon escapes the women in the church, they continue to chase him down the streets of the town and into the hills, grabbing bricks to throw at him, and even taking over a trolley by kicking off the conductor. These women show that they are unable to control themselves and walk away from what has angered them. Their emotions jump from infatuation to anger, and even to sadness at another point. This reflects the idea that women are hysterical and would just reaffirm the reason that they should not have as much power as men in the workplace, nor in science, when a clear head is needed for a person to reason.
Although Seven Chances does not depict women with a sense of calmness and the ability to reason, it does reflect in a truthful way, what the role of a woman was during the 1920's. Women were encouraged to tend to the home, and when working, were not readily offered high level positions. The assumption that women were incapable of making responsible decisions was a real issue in society, which interfered with their employment opportunities in the workforce. Finally, it can be understandable that the women in Seven Chances are angered by the lost opportunity to marry a man and gain such a large amount of money, but the intensity of their emotional expression was made into an overly dramatic ordeal throughout the film.
Although Seven Chances does not depict women with a sense of calmness and the ability to reason, it does reflect in a truthful way, what the role of a woman was during the 1920's. Women were encouraged to tend to the home, and when working, were not readily offered high level positions. The assumption that women were incapable of making responsible decisions was a real issue in society, which interfered with their employment opportunities in the workforce. Finally, it can be understandable that the women in Seven Chances are angered by the lost opportunity to marry a man and gain such a large amount of money, but the intensity of their emotional expression was made into an overly dramatic ordeal throughout the film.
Bringing Up Baby (1938)
In Bringing Up Baby, zoologist, Dr. David Huxley (Cary Grant), is working on the construction of a dinosaur skeleton with his assistant and fiancé, Alice (Virginia Walker), when they receive word that they will be obtaining the last missing piece to the skeleton the following day. Huxley must leave after receiving this message to meet with the rich Aunt Elizabeth’s lawyer to have him persuade her to donate one million dollars to the museum Huxley works at. In his attempts to meet with the lawyer, Huxley meets Susan (Katherine Hepburn) who accidentally, but constantly brings Huxley into odd predicaments, including one where her Aunt Elizabeth’s dog steals and buries Huxley’s dinosaur bone. Throughout the film, Huxley and Susan develop a relationship as they try to recapture Susan’s pet leopard, Baby, and in the end reveal that they are actually in love with each other.
Shot just prior to the Second World War, Bringing Up Baby was a progressive film for its decade. Characters in the film are depicted as being especially privileged, considering the Great Depression that was occurring in society at the time. Of the females, Alice was an especially progressive character, as she was capable of working in the sciences among males. She was, however, a very serious woman who had no interest in children or the joys of sharing married life with her soon-to-be husband. Alice’s seriousness brought forth the power that she had as a woman during this time, but it also fell in line with the ideas that woman could not be involved in science because of their tendencies to be hysterical. Alice lacked this trait completely throughout her appearances in Bringing Up Baby, making it stand as reason to the exception for why she had greater capabilities of working in the field.
Susan on the other hand is a silly young woman who also has a lack of common sense. She is unable to identify what is hers and incapable of accepting responsibility for things she has done wrong, such as stealing as well as damaging people’s cars. Susan is also an especially clumsy person who seems to have lost control over her body. From tripping over her phone cord and furniture, to slipping down the slope of a hill, Susan cannot seem to maintain her balance very well when surrounded by activity.
Susan seems unable to multitask and maintain focus especially when distractions come her way. Finally, when she is pulled into the house of a psychologist and his wife late at night, she does not even try to fight the psychologist from dragging her into his home. She only squeals and begs him not to take her in, and is incapable of physically pushing him away from her or even yelling for help – something that many women would at least attempt in the modern day.
Shot just prior to the Second World War, Bringing Up Baby was a progressive film for its decade. Characters in the film are depicted as being especially privileged, considering the Great Depression that was occurring in society at the time. Of the females, Alice was an especially progressive character, as she was capable of working in the sciences among males. She was, however, a very serious woman who had no interest in children or the joys of sharing married life with her soon-to-be husband. Alice’s seriousness brought forth the power that she had as a woman during this time, but it also fell in line with the ideas that woman could not be involved in science because of their tendencies to be hysterical. Alice lacked this trait completely throughout her appearances in Bringing Up Baby, making it stand as reason to the exception for why she had greater capabilities of working in the field.
Susan on the other hand is a silly young woman who also has a lack of common sense. She is unable to identify what is hers and incapable of accepting responsibility for things she has done wrong, such as stealing as well as damaging people’s cars. Susan is also an especially clumsy person who seems to have lost control over her body. From tripping over her phone cord and furniture, to slipping down the slope of a hill, Susan cannot seem to maintain her balance very well when surrounded by activity.
Susan seems unable to multitask and maintain focus especially when distractions come her way. Finally, when she is pulled into the house of a psychologist and his wife late at night, she does not even try to fight the psychologist from dragging her into his home. She only squeals and begs him not to take her in, and is incapable of physically pushing him away from her or even yelling for help – something that many women would at least attempt in the modern day.
Susan also has a very high tendency to become overwhelmed by her emotions. Huxley asks for Susan to leave him alone while he looks for Baby, and she immediately begins to sob and cry out about how miserable she has become. She is also unable to control her body because of how distraught she is, and she manages to trip over a fallen tree. Huxley is able to do nothing else but comfort her by inviting her to join him again, and she soon after becomes emotionally content once again. Susan is again incapacitated by her emotions at the end of the movie, when showing Huxley the rediscovered dinosaur bone she was able to find. But while at the top of the ladder, she becomes overjoyed by Huxley's claim to loving her and she loses her balance, which in turn knocks over the entire dinosaur skeleton.
In an earlier scene, Huxley and Susan have discovered that Baby has gone missing and Susan begins to get upset that Baby is gone and expresses her concern about the situation. Huxley immediately claims that she is hysterical and that acting in such a way will get them nowhere. Huxley’s use of the word “hysterical” is yet another demonstration of how easily it was to classify women to be in a much more delicate mental state than men would ever reach.
In 1920's and 1930's films, female roles reflected many of the misconceptions of women in society - the high tendency to be hysterical or weak came about especially when a character was placed under almost any kind of distress. Prior to 1969, very few films were noted as being termed "feminist" - only eighteen according to Jan Rosenberg, author of Women's Reflections: The Feminist Film Movement (5). But while this may be true, it does not stand as proof that there were not strong female roles among the characters played in this era of film.
The main differences among the emotional states of both Susan and Alice, was that Susan was the type of girl who got so giddy and distracted by the broken heel on her shoe that she was unable to pay attention to what a person was saying directly to her. Alice, however, remained emotionally stable and static for the most part, even when her wedding had to be called off because her fiancé was running around with another woman. She is depicted as being overly level-headed considering the circumstance, but she also stood as an independent woman who did not need to rely on a man to move forward with her life. Alice also had minimal involvement with the storyline as opposed to the more interesting, Susan, but in Bringing Up Baby, nothing more is expected from a woman who is more emotionally invested in her work than she is in her soon-to-be husband.
In an earlier scene, Huxley and Susan have discovered that Baby has gone missing and Susan begins to get upset that Baby is gone and expresses her concern about the situation. Huxley immediately claims that she is hysterical and that acting in such a way will get them nowhere. Huxley’s use of the word “hysterical” is yet another demonstration of how easily it was to classify women to be in a much more delicate mental state than men would ever reach.
In 1920's and 1930's films, female roles reflected many of the misconceptions of women in society - the high tendency to be hysterical or weak came about especially when a character was placed under almost any kind of distress. Prior to 1969, very few films were noted as being termed "feminist" - only eighteen according to Jan Rosenberg, author of Women's Reflections: The Feminist Film Movement (5). But while this may be true, it does not stand as proof that there were not strong female roles among the characters played in this era of film.
The main differences among the emotional states of both Susan and Alice, was that Susan was the type of girl who got so giddy and distracted by the broken heel on her shoe that she was unable to pay attention to what a person was saying directly to her. Alice, however, remained emotionally stable and static for the most part, even when her wedding had to be called off because her fiancé was running around with another woman. She is depicted as being overly level-headed considering the circumstance, but she also stood as an independent woman who did not need to rely on a man to move forward with her life. Alice also had minimal involvement with the storyline as opposed to the more interesting, Susan, but in Bringing Up Baby, nothing more is expected from a woman who is more emotionally invested in her work than she is in her soon-to-be husband.
References:
1. Bryan, Dan. "Working and Voting -- Women in the 1920s." American History USA. Accessed November 29, 2014. http://www.americanhistoryusa.com/working-voting-women-1920s/.
2. Rose, Cynthia. "Medicine and Health." In American Decades Primary Sources 1920-1929, 482. Detroit: Gale, 2004.
3. Thumim, Janet. "The Construction and Definition of Female Characters." In Celluloid Sisters: Women and Popular Cinema, 110. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1992.
4. "NWHM Exhibit: A History of Women in Industry." NWHM Exhibit: A History of Women in Industry. Accessed November 30, 2014. https://www.nwhm.org/online-exhibits/industry/12.htm.
5. Rosenberg, Jan. "Feminism and Film." In Women's Reflections: The Feminist Film Movement, 17. Ann Arbor, Mich.: UMI Research Press, 1983.
6. Seven Chances. USA: Metro-Goldwyn Pictures Corporation, 1925. Film.
7. Bringing up Baby. USA: RKO Radio Pictures, 1938. Film.
1. Bryan, Dan. "Working and Voting -- Women in the 1920s." American History USA. Accessed November 29, 2014. http://www.americanhistoryusa.com/working-voting-women-1920s/.
2. Rose, Cynthia. "Medicine and Health." In American Decades Primary Sources 1920-1929, 482. Detroit: Gale, 2004.
3. Thumim, Janet. "The Construction and Definition of Female Characters." In Celluloid Sisters: Women and Popular Cinema, 110. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1992.
4. "NWHM Exhibit: A History of Women in Industry." NWHM Exhibit: A History of Women in Industry. Accessed November 30, 2014. https://www.nwhm.org/online-exhibits/industry/12.htm.
5. Rosenberg, Jan. "Feminism and Film." In Women's Reflections: The Feminist Film Movement, 17. Ann Arbor, Mich.: UMI Research Press, 1983.
6. Seven Chances. USA: Metro-Goldwyn Pictures Corporation, 1925. Film.
7. Bringing up Baby. USA: RKO Radio Pictures, 1938. Film.