Great Depression Themes in 42nd Street

Great Depression Themes in 42nd Street

Seen through a particular light and given specific occasions in the film, we can see how 42nd Street echoes the general attitudes of the Great Depression. Particular characters in the film exemplify the wealthy citizens of the time, the common laborer, and Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter) portrays a life-force, Franklin Roosevelt, bringing hope along with his New Deal. Throughout the film, there is a dichotomy exhibited through the members of the production and the financiers, namely Abner Dillon. He represents the side of competitive capitalism, while the actors stand for a community. The actors identify with each other because they are all in the same situation and each need the job to survive. Abner, on the other hand, has the money to throw around whimsically, for the difficulties facing the nation do not have the devastating effect on the wealthy that they have on other classes. Hard times have fallen on the nation and they realize that it will take a group effort to pull themselves out of the Depression. While the competition is cut-throat and individualized off of the set, as we see with Dorothy Brach's arrangement with Abner Dillon, the sense of collectivity is emphasized on stage. Leading the march against the depression and maintaining the collective voice, is Julian Marsh. He can be equated with Franklin Roosevelt his work ethic can be seen as a reflection of the New Deal. As Roosevelt gave hope, optimism, and unity to the nation; Marsh gives the same to the cast members of 42nd Street. Marsh fights for the actors because he is in the same situation as them, not exclusive of it like Abner. He is in poor health, and yet, he takes responsibility on; seemingly, he cannot afford to pass up the job. He realizes that it is going to take a lot of hard work to make the show a success (end the depression) so he works the actors night, day, and in-between. Marsh may seem like a slave driver, but this is because he knows that it is going to take an immense amount of work for the show to go on. A key scene in the film is when Abner is going to pull out of the production, but Julian pleads for him not to. Obviously, we see that Julian is looking out for the interests of the hundreds of workers who need the show, while Abner is merely concerned with his own selfish desires. We can see the dichotomy of capitalism at odds with the collective struggle headed by F.D.R.(Marsh).
Two other characters who present important themes to the viewer are Peggy Sawyer (Ruby Keeler) and Pat Denning. Given the times, the social roles of these two characters are reversed, but they execute the roles equally as effective. Peggy is naïve, but she struggles to succeed through hard work, dedication, and an honest effort. Although this is atypical of the sense of the New Deal, which called for a collective effort, it shows what was required of the individual in order to succeed. More importantly, however, she does it under the command and supervision of Marsh, showing the need for a single strong leader. Pat Denning is a male version of the dependent woman that we may envision at this time. Traditionally, the man brought home the earnings for the family, while in Pat's case he is searching for a woman to support him. But then again, maybe this is not out of the ordinary for the Depression, for so much of the nation was unemployed at the time.
Both in the film or in history, the chosen leader (Roosevelt or Marsh) realized that the show must go on. If Marsh does not push the actors to the limit, the production does not succeed and they do not get paid the money that they so desperately need. If Roosevelt does not lead the country in a collective effort toward a common goal, the nation remains in its debilitated condition. While the show does go on for Marsh and the actors, it is only a short-lived success for all. And he realizes in the alley that it is only the beginning of the battle, while there is a long road ahead for the himself and the nation.