February 2, 2009

Prof: Oscars will set stage for Hollywood to address economy

"The first statement from Hollywood about the economy will be at the Oscars," says Randy Roberts, a Distinguished Professor of History. "We'll see how the economy is affecting Hollywood by what films, such as 'Slumdog Millionaire,' win and are highlighted, and we'll hear what celebrities say during the awards show. I expect there will be statements about the economic crisis in many acceptance speeches."

It's too early for Hollywood to begin showing specific movies in response to the bleak economy, but Roberts says Hollywood will be looking to the years of the Great Depression for guidance about keeping the movie business profitable.

"Hollywood was expecting to weather the storm, but it was hit hard in 1929," Roberts says. "The film industry survived, but it had to adjust. For example, they created double features, reduced ticket prices and promoted giveaways. Today's industry will be looking back to see what was done in 1929 to get people into movie theaters."

The Great Depression also affected what kinds of movies were produced. Roberts says two film types were a product of the 1930s. The first was fantasy stories, such as Busby Berkeley's extravagant musicals. The second type focused on issues related to the depressing times, such as gangsters and the impact of wealth on democracy. Frank Capra, "It's a Wonderful Life" director, emerged during this period.

"It will be interesting to see how today's economic concerns will be captured in film or how they will influence what stories will be produced," Roberts says.

Roberts has published 13 books on history, Hollywood and sports. His subjects have included Jack Johnson, John Wayne, Mike Tyson, Jack Dempsey, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Boston sports, the Vietnam War, Charles Lindbergh and the Alamo. He also has published works on film director Oliver Stone, American presidents, Sherlock Holmes, women's sports, and the politics and economics of televised boxing.

Roberts has made more than 50 appearances on television documentaries and films for the History Channel, ESPN Classic, HBO, BBC, PBS, E!TV and on the ABC, CBS and NBC networks.

Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Source: Randy Roberts, (765) 494-0040, rroberts@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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