The
1940s marked the beginning of the emergence of independent filmmakers who began
to explore new themes and challenge the existing traditional system. The
recognition given to these independent producers opened up greater creative
space for filmmakers. Themes addressing complex social issues began to appear,
reflecting changes in society.
Here
are 10 films that made the Box Office list in the 1940s:
1.
Bambi (David Hand, US, 1942)
Bambi
is a film adapted from the 1923 novel Bambi, a Life in the Woods by
Felix Salten. Starting from difficulties in executing a live-action version, it
was eventually decided to make it as an animated film, and it became widely
known for its fairly realistic animation. Live deer were brought to the studio
as references for the animators. The novel itself was intended for adult
readers but was transformed into an emotional animation full of timeless
messages.
The
film tells the story of Bambi, a young deer born in a peaceful forest filled
with wonders. Under the care of his mother, young Bambi begins to explore his
surroundings joyfully. As time passes, Bambi realizes that there are dangers
that threaten them, especially the threat from humans.
His mother is tragically killed by a hunter, shattering Bambi's world and
forcing him to face the harsh realities of life and his own emotions. Bambi is
then raised by his father until adulthood. He enters a new phase, experiencing
love, rivalry, and the responsibility to protect.
Bambi
shows his growth by saving Faline from a pack of hunting dogs and escaping a
forest fire. Bambi and Faline begin a new life cycle as the forest slowly
recovers. The film ends with Bambi standing tall as the new Great Prince of the
Forest, symbolizing growth, loss, and renewal.
2.
Pinocchio (Hamilton Luske and Ben Sharpsteen, US, 1940)
Pinocchio
is adapted from the 1883 children’s novel The Adventures of Pinocchio by
Carlo Collodi. It was Disney’s second animated feature and used advanced
animation techniques. Initially, it was not a box office success due to limited
international distribution during World War II. However, the film later became
widely enjoyed and is considered one of the greatest animated films ever made.
The
film begins when Geppetto, a kind woodcarver, wishes upon a star for the puppet
he created to become a real boy. The Blue Fairy grants his wish, brings
Pinocchio to life, and appoints Jiminy Cricket as his conscience. Pinocchio
sets out to prove he is worthy of life but ends up getting into various new
troubles.
Naively,
Pinocchio is manipulated by a sly fox and ends up performing in a puppet show.
After escaping, he gets trapped on Pleasure Island, where misbehaving boys are
turned into donkeys. Eventually, Pinocchio learns the difference between right
and wrong and the consequences of his actions.
Geppetto
is swallowed by a whale while searching for Pinocchio. Upon learning this,
Pinocchio attempts to save his father, despite the great risk. His sacrifice
moves the Blue Fairy to finally grant him real life, making him a human boy as
his father wished.
3.
Fantasia (11 Directors, US, 1940)
Fantasia
is a musical anthology film produced by Disney. It was the first film to use
stereo sound through a process called Fantasound, developed by Disney and RCA.
The film became a cult classic and influenced generations of animators,
musicians, and filmmakers. Its reputation continued to grow over the years,
eventually being widely recognized as one of the greatest animated films of all
time.
The
film features several segments. The first segments, such as Toccata and
Fugue in D Minor and The Nutcracker Suite, present abstract visuals
and nature-based storytelling, building an ambitious blend of sound and image.
The iconic segment The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, starring Mickey Mouse,
introduces narrative tension as magic spins out of control—representing the
theme of power without responsibility.
Other
segments, like The Rite of Spring, depict dramatic and even dark moments
in history, including the formation of Earth and the extinction of dinosaurs.
This middle part pushes the limits of animation and storytelling, with bold
visuals and emotional depth rarely seen in early animation.
The
final two parts—Night on Bald Mountain and Ave Maria—form a
dramatic conclusion, contrasting darkness with redemption. Chernabog, the
demon, unleashes spirits in a haunting sequence, which is then calmed by the
spiritual sunrise in Ave Maria. The film ends on a peaceful and
transcendent note, affirming the power of music and imagination to explore both
chaos and beauty.
4.
Song of the South (Harve Foster and Wilfred Jackson, US, 1946)
This
film is based on the Uncle Remus stories adapted by Joel Chandler Harris. It is
one of Disney’s most controversial films due to criticism of its overly
romanticized depiction of the Reconstruction-era South and its racial
stereotypes. This sparked long-running discussions about race, representation,
and media history. The film won an Academy Award for the song
"Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah."
The
story follows Johnny, who travels with his mother to his grandmother’s
plantation in the post–Civil War South, while his father stays behind in
Atlanta. Saddened by the separation, Johnny finds comfort in the presence of
Uncle Remus, a kind Black storyteller. Remus shares various tales to teach life
lessons.
Johnny’s
sadness is worsened by bullying from local children. The stories of Br’er
Rabbit told by Remus reflect Johnny’s hidden desire to take control of his
problems. Johnny’s mother disapproves of Remus’s influence and asks him to stop
seeing Johnny.
When Johnny runs away, he is injured. This incident brings the entire family
back together, including Uncle Remus. In the end, Johnny is no longer isolated
and is surrounded by love.
5.
Mom and Dad (William Beaudine, US, 1945)
Mom
and Dad is a highly controversial film. It became famous for including
explicit childbirth footage, which was very shocking at the time and used to
bypass censorship under the guise of public health.
Joan
Blake is a teenage girl living with her conservative parents. There is no
discussion about sex or reproduction in the household, leaving Joan uneducated
on the topic. This becomes a potential issue when Joan falls in love with Jack
and begins a romantic relationship.
Joan
becomes pregnant out of wedlock. Shame, fear, and social stigma deeply affect
her parents. Their silence around sex education is shown as one of the causes.
Joan faces the consequences of her actions, including being sent to a maternity
home and losing contact with her family.
6.
Samson and Delilah (Cecil B. DeMille, US, 1949)
This
film is based on the biblical story of Samson’s love for Delilah. It was a box
office success and the highest-grossing film of 1949. The film's
hallmarks—lavish sets, bold visuals, and dramatic storytelling—set the stage
for a wave of biblical epics to follow.
Samson
is destined to free his people from Philistine oppression through God-given
strength. He is drawn to Delilah, a beautiful Philistine woman loyal to her
people. Ignoring warnings, Samson enters into a relationship with her.
At
the request of the Philistine rulers, Delilah learns the secret of Samson’s
strength—his hair—and cuts it off. Samson loses his strength, is captured, and
imprisoned. Delilah feels guilty for what she has done.
Samson
prays to God to regain his strength. He collapses the Philistine temple during
a celebration. Delilah perishes with him, and Samson dies after fulfilling his
destiny.
7.
The Best Years of Our Lives (William Wyler, US, 1946)
This
film was one of the first to depict the psychological and social realities
faced by returning soldiers. Harold Russell, a real-life double amputee
veteran, won two Oscars. The film also won seven Academy Awards.
Three
American soldiers—Fred, Al, and Homer—return to the same small town after World
War II. Each of them faces their own anxiety about continuing life after
returning from war. Despite the warm welcome they receive, they struggle to
find their place in society.
Al, facing pressure from work and his role as a father, turns to alcohol.
Fred’s marriage begins to fall apart, especially as he grows close to Al’s
daughter, Peggy. Meanwhile, Homer feels insecure due to his physical injuries.
Al
ultimately reaffirms his values. Fred leaves his toxic marriage. Homer accepts
the unconditional love of his fiancée Wilma. Each man begins to make peace with
life. The three reunite at Homer and Wilma’s wedding.
8.
The Bells of St. Mary’s (Leo McCarey, US, 1945)
The
character Father O'Malley first appeared in Going My Way (1944). The
Bells of St. Mary’s was the highest-grossing film of 1945 and received
eight Academy Award nominations. Ingrid Bergman’s performance was so iconic
that many viewers believed she had won the Oscar.
The
story follows Father Chuck O'Malley, who is assigned to St. Mary's, a
struggling Catholic school run by nuns, where he meets Sister Benedict. The two
often clash in their teaching methods. The school’s future is uncertain due to
its poor condition, and they hope Mr. Bogardus, a businessman nearby, will
donate his new building.
Father
O'Malley and Sister Benedict try to work together to keep the school open.
O'Malley secretly arranges for Bogardus to donate the building. Another issue
arises when Sister Benedict is suddenly reassigned due to illness.
Bogardus
is touched by the school's kindness and agrees to donate the building. Sister
Benedict accepts her transfer gracefully. Likewise, O'Malley decides to leave
the school.
9.
Duel in the Sun (King Vidor, US, 1946)
The
film is adapted from the 1944 novel of the same name by Niven Busch. It was
also nicknamed "Lust in the Dust" because of its erotic and daring
scenes. Despite being very controversial (due to excessive drama, racial
themes, and sensual tone), it was a box office hit.
The
story follows Pearl Chavez, a biracial woman sent to live with the white
McCanles family after her father is executed for murder. Pearl meets the two
McCanles sons, Jesse and Lewt. Although Jesse treats her kindly, Pearl becomes
entangled in a toxic relationship with Lewt.
Pearl
becomes trapped in a love triangle. The family tensions grow alongside wider
political and cultural conflicts. Lewt manipulates and emotionally torments
Pearl for years. Pearl eventually shoots Lewt, and the two die together in a
twisted final embrace.
10.
This Is the Army (Michael Curtiz, US, 1943)
The
film is based on the real-life stage show by Irving Berlin with the same title.
Berlin himself appears in the film, performing his classic song "Oh! How I
Hate to Get Up in the Morning." The film also features Ronald Reagan in a
prominent role, years before his political career.
Jerry
Jones puts on a musical show to boost American troop morale during World War I.
Years later, his son Johnny Jones enlists in the Army during World War II and
tries to revive the idea of a soldier-run show. The idea is approved, and This
Is the Army becomes a major patriotic production aimed at raising funds and
morale.
Conflict
arises in Johnny’s life as he struggles between duty and personal matters. The
show's performers use humor, music, and dance to portray military life and
American unity. Johnny postpones marriage and chooses to continue serving the
country through his performance. The show becomes a huge success and
revitalizes morale across the nation.
Here
are 10 box office films from the 1940s. Do you know any of their stories? Share
your thoughts in the comment section!
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