American Madness: A Depression Film

American Madness takes place in the midst of the Great Depression in the 1930s. Thomas Dickson, president of Union National Bank, is pressured by the bank's Board of Directors to merge with New York Trust. While this is occurring, Cyril Cluett, fellow worker at the bank, goes into debt $50,000 because of his gambling problems. As a result of this, Cluett faces local gangsters who want their money repaid in full.

Throughout all of this, there are many examples of adultery, violence, and gambling, themes the Code tried to prevent. At the bank Matt Brown sees Phyllis Dickson and Cyril Cluett kissing, which portrays her as an unfaithful wife. Furthermore, Tom Dickson forgets about the date with his wife and elects to go to Philadelphia for the night. This decision gives Phyllis Dickson and Cyril Cluett the opportunity to get together that night and have somewhat of an adulterous evening. They go to a movie and return to Cluett's place to have a few drinks, which is rather unfaithful, considering she is married to another man who is currently out of town. Additionally, Cluett's inappropriate actions are revealed through Matt Brown's anger and desire "to take a crack at Cluett". An angered Cluett pulls a gun on Matt Brown because he will not leave him and Mrs. Dickson alone. Another example of violence is seen when the watchman is viciously murdered by the gangsters robbing the bank. Cluett is also shot in the hand while trying to escape from police when he is found connected to the robbery of the bank and the killing of the watchman. All of these events occur as a result of Cluett's gambling problem, a common issue addressed by the Code throughout this time period.

This movie was released during the Great Depression and tried to look at life through the eyes of the average individual. Over 8,000 banks failed throughout this time period as they could not meet the amount of withdrawals and were forced to close. Businesses and farmers could not repay their loans. People did not have the faith they once did in these banks, and they began to store their money in their homes as they thought it was much safer. This film tried to relate to the common man. People could go to this movie and see the similarities between themselves and the characters in the film. By being able to see themselves in that particular situation, people would be more inclined to see the film and possibly be optimistic about the future.

From the very beginning of the film, Tom Dickson connects with his co-workers. At the meeting with the Board of Directors, he discusses golf in a very lackadaisical manner. Dickson is not interested in profit and merging with another bank, but is rather concerned for his depositors, his bank, and his friends. Dixon still feels he should be lending to Jones because he is an honest, trustworthy man. At the end of the film, people begin depositing their money back into the bank. This shows the necessary faith in the common man and the importance of trust in the people. Ultimately, I believe this movie tried to restore the faith of the people in the Depression. There is a demonstration of faith when the people deposit their money and the bank succeeds. People may have been able to transfer this faith from the movie theatre to the real world.

Frank Capra effectively increased the pace of the movie by cutting clips very quickly, having actors speak faster, and having them give shorter speeches. This is evident when people are trying to spread the word/rumor of the condition of the Union National Bank. People are talking loudly, authoritatively, and for short spurts, emphasizing the magnitude of the situation. Near the end of the film, the camera is kept on the lobby of the Union National Bank, and people can be seen entering the building as more people hear the news. By having a set place and more people entering the scene from one point of view, the viewer can get a better sense of the significance of the situation.

Bibliography

1) Capra, F., Riskin, R., Cohn, H., Huston, W., O'Brien, P., & Johnson, K. (1997). American madness. Frank Capra centennial collection. Culver City, Calif: Columbia Tristar Home Video.