Vote for the Oscar for Best Picture for 1939 - Blu-ray Forum

benbess · 12-07-2013, 06:54 PM

The 12th Academy Awards, celebrating the best Hollywood films of 1939, was held at the Ambassador Hotel in LA on February 29th, 1940. It was hosted for the very first time by Bob Hope. Some good info is found in the wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_Academy_Awards

As we all know, Gone With the Wind won the Academy Award for Best Picture that year. But did the Academy, in your opinion, make the right choice? Should they have picked something else? Were there movies that you think should have been nominated that year that weren't? Anyway, the nominees are:

Gone With the Wind
Dark Victory
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Love Affair
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Ninotchka
Of Mice and Men
Stagecoach
The Wizard of Oz
Wuthering Heights

Please vote for the movie you think should have won Best Picture for 1939. And, if you feel like it, you can add a couple sentences as to why....

benbess · 12-07-2013, 08:07 PM

Well, I might be the only one voting, but I would vote for:

The Wizard of Oz

There are few reasons for this. First, Oz is one of the best, most iconic, and most close-to-perfect movies ever made. It has almost everything, including amazing costumes, set designs, and special effects, plus fabulous performances in every role. And in contrast to some "kids" movies today, it has genuine drama and emotion, as well as lot of comedy, and, maybe most importantly, a sense of wonder.

Over the years, I've come to really like Gone With the Wind, but parts of it are tainted with racism, and the whole concept of the book and movie fed in a rather unfortunate way into the "Lost Cause" syndrome.

GWTW is still one of my top 20 films of the 40s, and would maybe even still be number 2 for me for this year, but to me it's not the Best Picture of this 1939. It's a great film, but I personally feel that the Academy did not make the right choice for this year.

But, there are number of other near great to great films from 1939 that could give GWTW a run for its money even for the second spot, including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stagecoach, Of Mice and Men, Dark Victory, etc.

EricJ · 12-07-2013, 10:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benbess

The 12th Academy Awards, celebrating the best Hollywood films of 1939, was held at the Ambassador Hotel in LA on February 29th, 1940. It was hosted for the very first time by Bob Hope.

As we all know, Gone With the Wind won the Academy Award for Best Picture that year.

"I'd like to welcome you to this benefit for David Selznick..."
- Bob Hope

The Great Owl · 12-08-2013, 01:06 AM

Of all those films, I'm inclined to think that John Ford's Stagecoach is the one that has had the most subsequent influence on cinema. I love watching current movies and tracing the story elements back to that film.

Oh, and Stagecoach is just as fun and intense now as it probably was back then. I always have a big smile on my face after I finish watching it.

Mandalorian · 12-08-2013, 01:21 AM

I like Stagecoach quite a bit, save for the last ten minutes, or so. Of those, I'd pick Wizard of Oz, but there are still a few I haven't seen yet, so it isn't fair for me to say.

leopardskinpillbox · 12-08-2013, 02:02 AM

They made the right choice, Gone With The Wind would be the best film of any year it competed in. As for the racist taint that many level against it today, it is actually far more progressive than most films and cartoons of that era. Were there any better African-American performances from the 30's than those given by Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen in this film?

KillerJuan77 · 12-08-2013, 02:14 AM

Crash

baheidstu · 12-08-2013, 04:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benbess

The 12th Academy Awards, celebrating the best Hollywood films of 1939, was held at the Ambassador Hotel in LA on February 29th, 1940. It was hosted for the very first time by Bob Hope. Some good info is found in the wikipedia entry:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_Academy_Awards

As we all know, Gone With the Wind won the Academy Award for Best Picture that year. But did the Academy, in your opinion, make the right choice? Should they have picked something else? Were there movies that you think should have been nominated that year that weren't? Anyway, the nominees are:

Gone With the Wind
Dark Victory
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
Love Affair
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
Ninotchka
Of Mice and Men
Stagecoach
The Wizard of Oz
Wuthering Heights

Please vote for the movie you think should have won Best Picture for 1939. And, if you feel like it, you can add a couple sentences as to why....

I think I'd still opt for GWTW. It's not my fave and it definitely drags on in the second half but it was an amazing spectacle of a film and a massive achievement. The shot where Scarlett sees the rows upon rows of wounded soldiers is classic.

benbess · 12-08-2013, 02:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricJ

"I'd like to welcome you to this benefit for David Selznick..."
- Bob Hope

Funny! That is so Bob Hope. He really makes me laugh. He was very funny on the radio too.

benbess · 12-08-2013, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Great Owl

Of all those films, I'm inclined to think that John Ford's Stagecoach is the one that has had the most subsequent influence on cinema. I love watching current movies and tracing the story elements back to that film.

Oh, and Stagecoach is just as fun and intense now as it probably was back then. I always have a big smile on my face after I finish watching it.

Yes, Stagecoach is a strong entry. And it's amazing that Ford did Drums Along the Mohawk and The Young Mr. Lincoln the same year. All three of those are very strong movies.

benbess · 12-08-2013, 02:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baheidstu

I think I'd still opt for GWTW. It's not my fave and it definitely drags on in the second half but it was an amazing spectacle of a film and a massive achievement. The shot where Scarlett sees the rows upon rows of wounded soldiers is classic.

Yes, as you and Leopartskin say, GWTW is a towering achievement. It was really when I saw it in the theater last year that the emotion and scope of it really came through for me for the first time. In it's own way, too, it's something of a feminist film. Scarlett is quite a character, and Vivien Leigh gives an unforgettable performance of a lifetime. Maybe this is wrong of me, but I think I might be able to see hints of some of the difficulties that she had in life in her performance. And it may be corny, but Olivia de Havilland's performance of Melanie is also wonderful. As I said, in the theater it's more powerful, and I have to admit I choked up quite a bit when she met her fate, and the thing that she did and "pretended" at the end.

Rizor · 12-08-2013, 04:24 PM

I'd still go with GWTW. It just feels right. There'd be something amiss in the world if it wasn't on a list of Best Picture winners.

qb2333 · 12-09-2013, 10:35 PM

Maybe the greatest year ever, considering those are 2 of the most long lasting iconic movies of all time, along with John Ford's introduction of John Wayne to the mainstream in one of the best westerns, Stagecoach. Gone with the Wind and Wizard of OZ are almost toss ups for me. Either one is the right choice.

Archedamian · 12-10-2013, 01:43 AM

Have to go with Gone With The Wind on this one.

Kevin Holly · 12-10-2013, 02:21 AM

I'll have to go with GWTW as well. It might be easier to sit down and watch Wizard of Oz or Mr. Smith, but yeah, being honest GWTW was the achievement of the year, and pretty much defined that particular era of film.

Todd Tomorrow · 12-10-2013, 03:45 PM

I'd go for The Wizard of Oz and Ninotchka, Only Angels Have Wings and Stagecoach would be my runners up.

I think Gone With the Wind is an great achievement of art direction and cinematography, but its racial caricaturing makes it difficult to watch for me now. And as controversial as it may be, I'm not a huge fan of Vivian Leigh. I feel everything with her is on the surface. I still wished it had been Jessica Tandy in A Streetcar Named Desire, the only major cast member of the original stage production who had to make way for a bigger star.

qb2333 · 12-10-2013, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Todd Tomorrow

I'd go for The Wizard of Oz and Ninotchka, Only Angels Have Wings and Stagecoach would be my runners up.

I think Gone With the Wind is an great achievement of art direction and cinematography, but its racial caricaturing makes it difficult to watch for me now. And as controversial as it may be, I'm not a huge fan of Vivian Leigh. I feel everything with her is on the surface. I still wished it had been Jessica Tandy in A Streetcar Named Desire, the only major cast member of the original stage production who had to make way for a bigger star.

I have to disagree on the performance in Streetcar Named Desire. I thought it was emotionally revealing and deep. Well deserved oscar is my 2 cents though I never saw Tandy in the play

Cremildo · 07-27-2019, 06:11 PM

Gone With the Wind
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington

-

Wuthering Heights
Stagecoach
Dark Victory
The Wizard of Oz

-

-

Haven't seen: Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Love Affair, Ninotchka, Of Mice and Men

wallendo · 07-27-2019, 06:16 PM

My favorite is Wizard of Oz.

GWTW, however, fits the Oscar stereotypical winner description: a period drama with a well-known cast.

hagios · 07-27-2019, 06:26 PM

The Wizard of Oz hands down for me!

It has everything in a film I could like with all the acting, music, color, costumes, sets, etc. and magical wonders of it all!!

12-07-2013, 06:54 PM	#1
benbess Blu-ray Guru Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Louisville, KY Blu-ray reviews: 65	Vote for the Oscar for Best Picture for 1939 The 12th Academy Awards, celebrating the best Hollywood films of 1939, was held at the Ambassador Hotel in LA on February 29th, 1940. It was hosted for the very first time by Bob Hope. Some good info is found in the wikipedia entry: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12th_Academy_Awards As we all know, Gone With the Wind won the Academy Award for Best Picture that year. But did the Academy, in your opinion, make the right choice? Should they have picked something else? Were there movies that you think should have been nominated that year that weren't? Anyway, the nominees are: Gone With the Wind Dark Victory Goodbye, Mr. Chips Love Affair Mr. Smith Goes to Washington Ninotchka Of Mice and Men Stagecoach The Wizard of Oz Wuthering Heights Please vote for the movie you think should have won Best Picture for 1939. And, if you feel like it, you can add a couple sentences as to why....

12-07-2013, 08:07 PM	#2
benbess Blu-ray Guru Member since:Aug 2009 Location:Louisville, KY Blu-ray reviews: 65	Well, I might be the only one voting, but I would vote for: The Wizard of Oz There are few reasons for this. First, Oz is one of the best, most iconic, and most close-to-perfect movies ever made. It has almost everything, including amazing costumes, set designs, and special effects, plus fabulous performances in every role. And in contrast to some "kids" movies today, it has genuine drama and emotion, as well as lot of comedy, and, maybe most importantly, a sense of wonder. Over the years, I've come to really like Gone With the Wind, but parts of it are tainted with racism, and the whole concept of the book and movie fed in a rather unfortunate way into the "Lost Cause" syndrome. GWTW is still one of my top 20 films of the 40s, and would maybe even still be number 2 for me for this year, but to me it's not the Best Picture of this 1939. It's a great film, but I personally feel that the Academy did not make the right choice for this year. But, there are number of other near great to great films from 1939 that could give GWTW a run for its money even for the second spot, including Mr. Smith Goes to Washington, Stagecoach, Of Mice and Men, Dark Victory, etc. Last edited by benbess; 12-07-2013 at 08:11 PM.

12-08-2013, 02:02 AM	#6
leopardskinpillbox Member Member since:Mar 2011	They made the right choice, Gone With The Wind would be the best film of any year it competed in. As for the racist taint that many level against it today, it is actually far more progressive than most films and cartoons of that era. Were there any better African-American performances from the 30's than those given by Hattie McDaniel and Butterfly McQueen in this film? Last edited by leopardskinpillbox; 12-09-2013 at 02:32 AM. Reason: mispelling

12-09-2013, 10:35 PM	#13
qb2333 Blu-ray Knight Member since:Aug 2013 4K collection:602 Blu-ray collection:1773 DVD collection:5 iTunes collection:1 Prime collection:4 Blu-ray reviews:1 Trading Score:16	Great year. Maybe the greatest year ever, considering those are 2 of the most long lasting iconic movies of all time, along with John Ford's introduction of John Wayne to the mainstream in one of the best westerns, Stagecoach. Gone with the Wind and Wizard of OZ are almost toss ups for me. Either one is the right choice.

12-08-2013, 01:06 AM	#4
The Great Owl Blu-ray Archduke Member since:Dec 2012 Location:Georgia 4K collection:924 Blu-ray collection:6033 DVD collection:28 Blu-ray reviews: 255 Trading Score:6	Of all those films, I'm inclined to think that John Ford's Stagecoach is the one that has had the most subsequent influence on cinema. I love watching current movies and tracing the story elements back to that film. Oh, and Stagecoach is just as fun and intense now as it probably was back then. I always have a big smile on my face after I finish watching it.

12-08-2013, 01:21 AM	#5
Mandalorian Blu-ray Grand Duke Top contributor Member since:Sep 2010 4K collection:1140 Blu-ray collection:2793 Trading Score:252	I like Stagecoach quite a bit, save for the last ten minutes, or so. Of those, I'd pick Wizard of Oz, but there are still a few I haven't seen yet, so it isn't fair for me to say.

12-08-2013, 02:14 AM	#7
KillerJuan77 Expert Member Member since:Oct 2012 Location:Mexico City Blu-ray collection:65	Crash

12-08-2013, 04:24 PM	#12
Rizor Blu-ray Ninja Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:NJ, USA 4K collection:1602 Blu-ray collection:6185 DVD collection:192 MA collection:73 Digital collection:51 iTunes collection:29 Prime collection:7 Blu-ray reviews: 32 Trading Score:159	I'd still go with GWTW. It just feels right. There'd be something amiss in the world if it wasn't on a list of Best Picture winners.

12-10-2013, 01:43 AM	#14
Archedamian Senior Member Top contributor Member since:Oct 2012 Location:Central IL Home Theater Gallery:11 4K collection:222 Blu-ray collection:1363 DVD collection:292 Prime collection:1 Trading Score:8	Have to go with Gone With The Wind on this one.

12-10-2013, 02:21 AM	#15
Kevin Holly Banned Member since:Nov 2011 Location:Canada	I'll have to go with GWTW as well. It might be easier to sit down and watch Wizard of Oz or Mr. Smith, but yeah, being honest GWTW was the achievement of the year, and pretty much defined that particular era of film.

12-10-2013, 03:45 PM	#16
Todd Tomorrow Blu-ray Knight Member since:Nov 2008 Location:Berlin, Germany Blu-ray reviews:1	I'd go for The Wizard of Oz and Ninotchka, Only Angels Have Wings and Stagecoach would be my runners up. I think Gone With the Wind is an great achievement of art direction and cinematography, but its racial caricaturing makes it difficult to watch for me now. And as controversial as it may be, I'm not a huge fan of Vivian Leigh. I feel everything with her is on the surface. I still wished it had been Jessica Tandy in A Streetcar Named Desire, the only major cast member of the original stage production who had to make way for a bigger star.

07-27-2019, 06:11 PM	#18
Cremildo Blu-ray Archduke Member since:Jul 2011 Location:Brazil 4K collection:166 Blu-ray collection:1052 Trading Score:51	Gone With the Wind Mr. Smith Goes to Washington - Wuthering Heights Stagecoach Dark Victory The Wizard of Oz - - Haven't seen: Goodbye, Mr. Chips, Love Affair, Ninotchka, Of Mice and Men

07-27-2019, 06:16 PM	#19
wallendo Power Member Member since:Feb 2008 Location:Southeastern NC 4K collection:100 Blu-ray collection:1027 DVD collection:7 MA collection:3 iTunes collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:4	My favorite is Wizard of Oz. GWTW, however, fits the Oscar stereotypical winner description: a period drama with a well-known cast.

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