7. The Studio Era

The video begins with an introduction to the transition from silent films to sound films, emphasizing the importance of both aesthetic and anthropological perspectives in understanding cinema. The speaker, David Thorburn, expresses hope that students will find value in silent films as they progress through the course, and outlines the significance of the sound era in Hollywood's history, marking it as a golden age of cinema.

Thorburn discusses the emergence of sound films and the establishment of a mass production system in Hollywood, highlighting the industry's investment in transitioning to sound. He notes the rapid obsolescence of silent films and introduces 'The Jazz Singer' as a pivotal moment in film history, illustrating the industry's quick adaptation to new technology and audience expectations.

The speaker emphasizes the dominance of movies as America's primary entertainment form during the sound era, citing statistics that show a significant portion of the population regularly attended films. He reflects on the relationship between the audience and the films produced, noting the rise of the star system and the importance of recognizable actors in attracting viewers.

Thorburn explains the concept of genre in film, describing how audiences develop expectations based on familiar categories. He argues that the Hollywood system's reliance on stars and genres is a reflection of its mass production nature, which seeks to provide audiences with recognizable and familiar experiences to encourage repeat viewings.

The discussion shifts to the evolution of film as an art form, with Thorburn arguing that the Hollywood system, despite its commercial origins, has produced complex narratives and artistic achievements. He introduces the idea of a 'popular literacy' that emerges as audiences become more knowledgeable about film conventions and genres.

Thorburn identifies three distinct strains of comedy in Hollywood during the 1930s and 1940s: anarchic comedy, worldly comedy, and screwball comedy. He briefly describes anarchic comedy's subversive nature and worldly comedy's more open attitude toward sexuality, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of screwball comedy as a significant genre.

The speaker defines screwball comedy as a unique blend of fast-paced dialogue and slapstick humor, emerging during the Great Depression. He highlights its irreverent humor and the portrayal of eccentric, high-born characters, often critiquing the upper class while maintaining a lighthearted tone.

Thorburn discusses the representation of women in screwball comedies, noting the emergence of strong female characters who challenge traditional gender roles. He emphasizes the genre's portrayal of marriage as a partnership of equals, reflecting changing societal values during the 1930s.

The speaker acknowledges the underlying themes of class conflict and sexual dynamics present in screwball comedies, suggesting that these films both entertain and comment on the social issues of their time. He prepares to illustrate these principles through clips from two screwball comedies, 'The Lady Eve' and 'Ball of Fire.'

Thorburn presents a clip from 'The Lady Eve,' showcasing Barbara Stanwyck's character as a con artist. He highlights the intelligence and wit in the dialogue, emphasizing the character's control over the scene and the subtext of gender dynamics.