The documentary depicts one of the most tragic periods in the US history. The film starts with the characterization of the time when the events happened. The narrator remarks that in October 1929, when not only America but also the whole world was dismayed by the crash on the stock market. Despite the promises given by the President and the leaders of finance, the situation did not improve. Instead, more and more people were losing their jobs and housing. By 1932, 12 million citizens were “unemployed and desperate” (The Great Depression: 1929-1939). The narrator remarks that people were losing hope, and no one knew how to improve the situation.
Several ways of meeting the new challenges are described:
- finding a job (which was frequently impossible),
- cutting down on expenditures,
- relying on charity.
A highly unpleasant situation with the food prices decline is depicted: in 1932, people would rather burn corn for fuel than sell it to buy coal (The Great Depression: 1929-1939). The narrator then goes on to explain how Roosevelt’s New Deal programs increased the Americans’ faith in the better future.
The second part of the documentary focuses on the annulment of prohibition and how individuals used to entertain themselves. Comedy shows and musical performances used to get people distracted from their problems. Taking pictures with cameras and playing Monopoly became some of the most popular pastimes. Meanwhile, by the end of the Great Depression, another threat, a military one, was waiting “just around the corner” (The Great Depression: 1929-1939). The documentary ends with the analysis of the Neutrality Act and the prospects of its being altered.
Work Cited
The Great Depression: 1929-1939. Produced by Communications Park Video, 1981.