The Class of 1939

Many movie fans consider 1939 the greatest ever in the history of American filmmaking and it would be hard to argue the point. In the days before Hollywood degenerated into the trash heap it is today, one could expect productions that would appeal in some way to different segments of society while entertaining the whole family at the same time. And 1939 was the acme and epitome of all that made up old Hollywood. There were gallant swashbucklers sure to enliven the dreams of young boys everywhere like Beau Geste, a tale of mystery, gallantry and the French Foreign Legion starring the manly Gary Cooper. And my father's boyhood favorite, Gunga Din, a terrific action-adventure movie with golden temples, bloodthirsty savages, elephants and military glory for the boys, and Cary Grant and Douglas Fairbanks, Jr. for the moms. Women's... [read full story]