The sixth Awards is the first and only time the Academy honored films that covered a seventeen month span. The reason behind this was to catch up so films could be honored on a calendar year. From now on, only films within the year will compete, as opposed to one released in, say December of 1931 and February of 1932. This was also the year of the Brits. Charles Laughton won for his role as the king of England in The Private Life of Henry VIII. (1933). This established London Films as a legitimate studio and the British Film Institute was establish during this time. Even the Best Picture winner, albeit a Hollywood picture, was cast with all British actors and set in London. None of these nominees were in the top 3 grossing movies for 1933, although A Farewell to Arms did well for 1932. Probably the most memorable film from 1933 is King Kong (1933) but, like the blockbuster hits of today, it might not have been viewed as "classy" or "Academy-esque." This is also the final year we see Pre-Code films. The Production Code came into full force with the threat that the government would get involved if movies kept being littered with sex and drinking. Cavalcade (1933), the aforementioned Best Picture winner, made out the best on the night with three awards (Picture, Director, and Art Direction). The Academy Awards were still forming into what they are today. A then-record ten nominees for Best Picture turned into twelve the following year. Ten became the standard until 1944. And the results are:
Best Picture nominees:
42nd Street
Cavalcade
A Farewell to Arms
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
Lady for a Day
Little Women
The Private Life of Henry VIII.
She Done Him Wrong
Smilin' Through
State Fair
What won: Cavalcade
Even though the Academy Awards still was in its formative years, Cavalcade seems to be a piece that screams "Oscars." I can see why this was chosen as Best Picture. Although it is widely regarded as one of the least known and worst Best Picture winners, it still is not a bad movie. A domestic drama spanning over thirty years takes the viewer through historical events in England's history in the early twentieth century. I don't think anything stood out very much so it might have been the "safe pick" we see continue into modern day Awards.
What should have I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
This is a no-brainer. It has everything a Best Picture winner should possess. Strong acting, a gripping story, excellent cinematography, and social commentary (on the prison system). Paul Muni gives the best performance of the year. I understand why Laughton won for his portrayal as King Henry, but Muni shines bright in this dark, gritty tale of a prisoner who has to serve time on chain gangs, even though he is innocent from crime. There are suspenseful chase scenes after his escape, a breather int he second act as Muni makes a name for himself in Chicago, and just sheer weight in how the prison system is discussed. This should have won back then and this is my pick to win now. One of the only must-see movies of the early 1930s.
My Best Picture nominee ranking:
1. I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (8/10)
2. Lady for a Day (7/10)
3. Smilin' Through (7/10)
4. 42nd Street (7/10)
5. Little Women (6/10)
6. The Private Life of Henry VIII. (6/10)
7. A Farewell to Arms (6/10)
8. Cavalcade (6/10)
9. State Fair (6/10)
10. She Done Him Wrong (6/10)
Best Picture nominees:
42nd Street
Cavalcade
A Farewell to Arms
I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
Lady for a Day
Little Women
The Private Life of Henry VIII.
She Done Him Wrong
Smilin' Through
State Fair
What won: Cavalcade
Even though the Academy Awards still was in its formative years, Cavalcade seems to be a piece that screams "Oscars." I can see why this was chosen as Best Picture. Although it is widely regarded as one of the least known and worst Best Picture winners, it still is not a bad movie. A domestic drama spanning over thirty years takes the viewer through historical events in England's history in the early twentieth century. I don't think anything stood out very much so it might have been the "safe pick" we see continue into modern day Awards.
What should have I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang
This is a no-brainer. It has everything a Best Picture winner should possess. Strong acting, a gripping story, excellent cinematography, and social commentary (on the prison system). Paul Muni gives the best performance of the year. I understand why Laughton won for his portrayal as King Henry, but Muni shines bright in this dark, gritty tale of a prisoner who has to serve time on chain gangs, even though he is innocent from crime. There are suspenseful chase scenes after his escape, a breather int he second act as Muni makes a name for himself in Chicago, and just sheer weight in how the prison system is discussed. This should have won back then and this is my pick to win now. One of the only must-see movies of the early 1930s.
My Best Picture nominee ranking:
1. I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (8/10)
2. Lady for a Day (7/10)
3. Smilin' Through (7/10)
4. 42nd Street (7/10)
5. Little Women (6/10)
6. The Private Life of Henry VIII. (6/10)
7. A Farewell to Arms (6/10)
8. Cavalcade (6/10)
9. State Fair (6/10)
10. She Done Him Wrong (6/10)