Movie: 1939: Hollywood's Greatest Year

Top 10 Billed Cast

Kenneth Branagh
Kenneth Branagh

Narrator (voice)

Clark Gable
Clark Gable

Self (archive footage)

Vivien Leigh
Vivien Leigh

Self (archive footage)

Olivia de Havilland
Olivia de Havilland

Self (archive footage)

Judy Garland
Judy Garland

Self (archive footage)

Leonard Maltin
Leonard Maltin

Self

Errol Flynn
Errol Flynn

Self (archive footage)

Bette Davis
Bette Davis

Self (archive footage)

Thomas Schatz
Thomas Schatz

Self

F. X. Feeney
F. X. Feeney

Self

  • HomePage

  • Overview

    This documentary focuses on 1939, considered to be Hollywood's greatest year, with film clips and insight into what made the year so special.

  • Release Date

    2009-07-02

  • Average

    7.5

  • Rating:

    3.8 starts
  • Tagline

  • Genres

  • Languages:

    English
  • Keywords

Recommendations Movies

And the Oscar Goes To...
68%

And the Oscar Goes To...(en)

2014-02-01

The story of the gold-plated statuette that became the film industry's most coveted prize, AND THE OSCAR GOES TO... traces the history of the Academy itself, which began in 1927 when Louis B. Mayer, then head of MGM, led other prominent members of the industry in forming this professional honorary organization. Two years later the Academy began bestowing awards, which were nicknamed "Oscar," and quickly came to represent the pinnacle of cinematic achievement.

Spider-Man: All Roads Lead to No Way Home
68%

Spider-Man: All Roads Lead to No Way Home(en)

2022-05-03

JB Smoove and Martin Starr host a celebration of 20 years of "Spider-Man" movies, from the Sam Raimi trilogy to Marc Webb's movies and the trio from Jon Watts.

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound
69%

Making Waves: The Art of Cinematic Sound(en)

2019-10-25

The history of cinematic sound, told by legendary sound designers and visionary filmmakers.

The Last Waltz
77%

The Last Waltz(en)

1978-04-26

Martin Scorsese's documentary intertwines footage from The Band's incredible farewell tour with probing backstage interviews and featured performances by Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Van Morrison, and other rock legends.

That's Entertainment!
74%

That's Entertainment!(en)

1974-06-21

Various MGM stars from yesterday present their favorite musical moments from the studio's 50 year history.

I Am Heath Ledger
74%

I Am Heath Ledger(en)

2017-04-23

The life and career of an actor, artist, and icon. His own journey through his own camera.

Downloaded
65%

Downloaded(en)

2013-06-20

A documentary that explores the downloading revolution; the kids that created it, the bands and the businesses that were affected by it, and its impact on the world at large.

For the Love of Spock
74%

For the Love of Spock(en)

2016-09-09

The life of Mr. Spock, as well as that of Leonard Nimoy, the actor who played him for almost fifty years, written and directed by his son: Adam.

What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine
70%

What We Left Behind: Looking Back at Star Trek: Deep Space Nine(en)

2018-10-12

A documentary exploring the legacy of Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, the reasons it went from the black sheep of Star Trek to a beloved mainstay of the franchise, and a brainstorm with the original writers on what a theoretical eighth season of the show could look like.

The September Issue
66%

The September Issue(en)

2009-08-28

A documentary chronicling Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour's preparations for the 2007 fall-fashion issue.

A Plastic Ocean
75%

A Plastic Ocean(en)

2016-09-22

A documentary focused on plastic pollution in the world's oceans.

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
80%

EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert(en)

2026-02-18

Long-lost footage from Elvis Presley's legendary Las Vegas residency in the 1970s woven together with rare 16mm footage from Elvis on Tour, and 8mm from the Graceland archive, plus recordings of Elvis telling "his side of the story" rediscovered during Baz Luhrmann's research for his 2022 film, Elvis.

Being James Bond
78%

Being James Bond(en)

2021-08-29

Daniel Craig candidly reflects on his 15 year adventure as James Bond. Including never-before-seen archival footage from Casino Royale to the upcoming 25th film No Time To Die, Craig shares his personal memories in conversation with 007 producers, Michael G Wilson and Barbara Broccoli.

Halloween: 25 Years of Terror
69%

Halloween: 25 Years of Terror(en)

2006-07-26

Follow the evolution of the 'Halloween' movies over the past twenty-five years. It examines why the films are so popular and revisits many of the original locations used in the films - seeing the effects on the local community. For the first time, cast, crew, critics and fans join together in the ultimate 'Halloween' retrospective.

Hitchcock/Truffaut
72%

Hitchcock/Truffaut(en)

2015-09-05

Filmmakers discuss the legacy of Alfred Hitchcock and the book “Hitchcock/Truffaut” (“Le cinéma selon Hitchcock”), written by François Truffaut and published in 1966.

That's Entertainment, Part II
70%

That's Entertainment, Part II(en)

1976-05-16

Gene Kelly and Fred Astaire present more golden moments from the MGM film library, this time including comedy and drama as well as classic musical numbers.

Black Widow
62%

Black Widow(en)

1987-02-06

Federal agent Alexandra Barnes believes that Catherine Petersen is a serial killer who marries rich men and then murders them for their money. But since Catherine is seemingly a master of disguise and has multiple identities, Alexandra can't prove anything with conventional detective work. With no other option, she goes undercover, pursuing the same man as Catherine, and hoping that Catherine will slip up and reveal her true identity.

Naqoyqatsi
61%

Naqoyqatsi(en)

2002-09-02

A visual montage portrait of our contemporary world dominated by globalized technology and violence.

Looking for Richard
68%

Looking for Richard(en)

1996-10-11

Al Pacino's deeply-felt rumination on Shakespeare's significance and relevance to the modern world through interviews and an in-depth analysis of "Richard III."

Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe
69%

Marvel Studios: Assembling a Universe(en)

2014-03-18

A look at the story behind Marvel Studios and the Marvel Cinematic Universe, featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage from all of the Marvel films, the Marvel One-Shots and "Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."!

Similar Movies

Land Without Bread
71%

Land Without Bread(es)

1933-12-01

An exploration —manipulated and staged— of life in Las Hurdes, in the province of Cáceres, in Extremadura, Spain, as it was in 1932. Insalubrity, misery and lack of opportunities provoke the emigration of young people and the solitude of those who remain in the desolation of one of the poorest and least developed Spanish regions at that time.

And the Oscar Goes To...
68%

And the Oscar Goes To...(en)

2014-02-01

The story of the gold-plated statuette that became the film industry's most coveted prize, AND THE OSCAR GOES TO... traces the history of the Academy itself, which began in 1927 when Louis B. Mayer, then head of MGM, led other prominent members of the industry in forming this professional honorary organization. Two years later the Academy began bestowing awards, which were nicknamed "Oscar," and quickly came to represent the pinnacle of cinematic achievement.

World's Greatest Logging Site
75%

World's Greatest Logging Site(fi)

1938-02-01

A documentary short on logging during winter season.

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story
69%

Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story(en)

2018-06-06

The life and career of the hailed Hollywood movie star and underappreciated genius inventor, Hedy Lamarr.

The Naked Civil Servant
67%

The Naked Civil Servant(en)

1975-12-17

Story of the life of Quentin Crisp, an Englishman who was brave enough to live his life according to his own style even in the hostile days of WW2.

Elemental: Hydrogen vs. Hindenburg
60%

Elemental: Hydrogen vs. Hindenburg(en)

2017-05-06

"Elemental" is the groundbreaking television event from Academy Award-winning executive producer Robert Zemeckis that reveals how the elements of the periodic table have controlled the outcome of human history. This one-hour drama tells the harrowing story of the Hindenburg disaster. Sophisticated cinematography, animation and spectacular visual effects bring this fiery saga to life in a way no audience has seen before.

The Massie Affair
60%

The Massie Affair(en)

2005-04-18

In the waning days of summer 1931, Honolulu's tropical tranquility was shattered when a young Navy wife made a drastic allegation of rape against five nonwhite islanders. What unfolded in the following days and weeks was a racially-charged murder case that would make headlines across the nation, enrage Hawai'i's native population, and galvanize the island's law enforcers and the nation's social elite.

The United States in the 20th Century 1932-1940
0%

The United States in the 20th Century 1932-1940(en)

1967-01-01

Presents the history of the U S from the inauguration of Franklin D Roosevelt to the eve of World War II, including the Great Depression and New Deal legislation designed to overcome it. Emphasizes events that had lasting effects on the nation, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority, the strengthening of organized labor and the growing power of the Federal government.. Continues the story of 20th century America from the inauguration of Franklin D. Roosevelt to the eve of World War II. Footage shows the Great Depression, strengthening of organized labor, Social Security Act and growing powers of the federal government.

Hitler's Forgotten Victims
100%

Hitler's Forgotten Victims(en)

1997-10-02

The story of black and mixed race people in Nazi Germany who were sterilised, experimented upon, tortured and exterminated in the Nazi concentration camps. It also explores the history of German racism and examines the treatment of Black prisoners-of-war. The film uses interviews with survivors and their families as well as archival material to document the Black German Holocaust experience.

Popular Science J-8-1
0%

Popular Science J-8-1(en)

1938-09-02

A variety of scientific subjects, including the laboratory of a plastic surgeon in London, and his method for applying permanent makeup; a new school for kiddies employing finger paint so they can express their urge to put things on paper; Army aviation, showing the latest development in blind landing. Produced in Cinecolor.

Amelia Earhart: The Final Flight
62%

Amelia Earhart: The Final Flight(en)

1994-06-12

In 1928, Amelia Earhart gains fame by undertaking a transatlantic flight as a passenger. In 1937, she and her navigator Fred Noonan undertake her longest flight: a round-the-world attempt. However, the plane disappears in the process.

Mein Kampf
79%

Mein Kampf(sv)

1960-04-24

Using exclusively archival footage, Erwin Leiser traces the rise and collapse of the Third Reich, from Adolf Hitler’s early years to the devastation of Europe and his suicide in 1945. The film draws heavily on material produced and preserved by the Nazi propaganda apparatus to confront the mechanisms, imagery, and consequences of totalitarian power.

Under den gamle Fane
90%

Under den gamle Fane(da)

1932-10-12

Dramatization of the time around the first Danish Social Democrats and the Battle of Fælleden. A social blockbuster produced for AOF.

Riding the Rails
60%

Riding the Rails(en)

1997-01-01

Riding the Rails offers a visionary perspective on the presumed romanticism of the road and cautionary legacy of the Great Depression. The filmmakers relay the experiences and painful recollections of these now-elderly survivors of the rails. Forced to travel more by economic necessity than the spirit of adventure, the film's subjects dispel romantic myths of a hobo existence and its corresponding veneer of freedom. Riding the Rails recounts the hoboes' trade secrets for survival and accounts of dank miseries, loneliness, imprisonment, death, and dispossession. Sixty years later, the filmmakers transport their subjects back to the tracks, where the surging impact of sound and movement resuscitates memories of a shattered adolescence and devastating rite of passage.

The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case
65%

The Lindbergh Kidnapping Case(en)

1976-02-26

Fact-based story of the kidnapping of Charles Lindbergh Jr., son and namesake of the famed pilot, and ensuing trial of accused and convicted killer, Bruno Hauptmann.

Drei gegen Hollywood
0%

Drei gegen Hollywood(de)

1982-02-20

In the 1930s, three unsuccessful variety artists dream of making it big. When they hear about the rise of sound films in Hollywood, they see their chance: a language school for silent film stars will bring them fame and success. Full of hope, they travel to California, straight into the exciting world of the first sound film productions. But not everything goes as planned...

Blood Money: Inside the Nazi Economy
79%

Blood Money: Inside the Nazi Economy(fr)

2021-02-02

How did Nazi Germany, from limited natural resources, mass unemployment, little money and a damaged industry, manage to unfurl the cataclysm of World War Two and come to occupy a large part of the European continent? Based on recent historical works of and interviews with Adam Tooze, Richard Overy, Frank Bajohr and Marie-Bénédicte Vincent, and drawing on rare archival material.

Hitler's Evil Science
70%

Hitler's Evil Science(fr)

2019-05-25

In 1935, German scientists dug for bones; in 1943, they murdered to get them. How the German scientific community supported Nazism, distorted history to legitimize a hideous system and was an accomplice to its unspeakable crimes. The story of the Ahnenerbe, a sinister organization created to rewrite the obscure origins of a nation.

God Does Not Believe in Us Anymore
73%

God Does Not Believe in Us Anymore(de)

1982-05-16

After his father is murdered by the Nazis in 1938, a young Viennese Jew named Ferry Tobler flees to Prague, where he joins forces with another expatriate and a sympathetic Czech relief worker. Together with other Jewish refugees, the three make their way to Paris, and, after spending time in a French prison camp, eventually escape to Marseille, from where they hope to sail to a safe port.

Nanking
71%

Nanking(en)

2007-02-10

The story of the rape of Nanking, one of the most tragic events in history. In 1937, the invading Japanese army murdered over 200,000 and raped tens of thousands of Chinese. In the midst of this horror, a small group of Western expatriates banded together to save 250,000. Nanking shows the tremendous impact individuals can make on the course of history.