Income Tax, Economic Recession & Money Movies
Mr. Deeds, Ocean’s Eleven, Wall Street, Working Girl, and More
Apr 14, 2009
The collection of income tax is relatively recent development, culturally speaking, and as the deadline for filing taxes rapidly approaches, money is on most people's minds.
Movies have long been linked to money – production cost, fortunes made and lost, and gross profits are all often mentioned in relationship to individual films, and, indeed, the early talking motion picture industry received a boost from the failing economy.
During the Great Depression, the inexpensive price of a movie ticket bought the movie-goer a few hours of escapism, and thus ideas which were desired to be heard about money were emphasized by the movies made at the time. Since, the economic state of the country has often been reflected in the films made during the given era.
The following films are only a small selection of movies which use finance and its repercussions as the backdrop for other plots.
Mr. Deeds Goes To Town (1936) Starring Gary Cooper
Directed by Frank Capra and starring Gary Cooper, the movie tells the story of humble Longfellow Deeds inheriting twenty million dollars during the Great Depression.
Gone With The Wind (1939) Starring Vivien Leigh and Clark Gable
Although this film based on the Margaret Mitchell novel of the same name is often regarded either as promoting anti-war ideas or as a romantic drama, the American Civil War story also depicts the effects of deprivation and poverty, particularly on the main character of Scarlett O’Hara (Vivien Leigh).
It’s A Wonderful Life (1946) Starring James Stewart and Lionel Barrymore
Directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart, the movie shows the life changing events of George Bailey, who is often rerouted due to money. Although George always wished to travel and build things, instead, upon the early death of his father, he takes over the family Building and Loan Association, which is vital to many disadvantaged townspeople. Struggling to maintain security for the townspeople and himself, George realizes with a different form of riches It’s A Wonderful Life.
How To Marry A Millionaire (1953) Starring Marilyn Monroe
This romantic comedy starring Marilyn Monroe, Lauren Becall, and Betty Grable is a farcical depiction of three pretty young women who wish to improve their economic status by marrying money.
Ocean’s Eleven (1960) Starring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Sammy Davis
Before George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and Brad Pitt starred in the recent remake, this movie was made as a vehicle for The Rat Pack. It features an all star cast including Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Dean Martin, Cesar Romero, and Angie Dickinson, as characters involved in plotting a precise heist for the night of New Year’s Eve. Five war veterans unit to rob five different Las Vegas casinos on the same night.
The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) Starring Debbie Reynolds
Based on the hit Broadway musical, the film version of The Unsinkable Molly Brown stars Debbie Reynolds in the title role, and it tells the story of poor-born Molly and Johnny Brown who strike it rich.
Wall Street (1987) Starring Charlie Sheen and Michael Douglas
Charlie Sheen plays a young stockbroker who looks to his unscrupulous boss, played by Michael Douglas, for guidance and tuition about how to succeed in the corporate world.
Working Girl (1988) Starring Melanie Griffith and Harrison Ford
Working-class secretary Tess McGill (Melanie Griffith) seeks to improve herself. Although having gained degree qualifications, the hard-working and intelligent girl continues to be passed over for better positions, but when she learns that her formerly trusted boss has stolen her idea, Tess hatches a plan to gain some just success.
Two Weeks Notice (2002) Starring Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant
Lucy Kelson is an extremely competent, environmentally-aware, well-educated and intelligent lawyer who grew up in Coney Island. By contrast, George Wade is an irresponsible, juvenile, billionaire, but when he hires Lucy to work for his company, the bipolar extremes of their personalities begin to meet in the middle.
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