This issue of Retroview references everything from bawdy songs and bloodsuckers,
to fast-fingered husbands, trained poultry, and beyond. There's even a "make your
own filmstrip" in the "Movie-Inspired Moments" section! You never know what's
going to entertain someone, but you're always sure to find something funny
and informative in ProQuest Historical Newspapers.
"Polite" Vaudeville?
In the late 19th and early 20th century, vaudeville was a very popular form of amusement. Originally, it was considered a low form of entertainment, too bawdy for women and children. Also, these shows did not always feature the most talented or attractive entertainers.
To broaden the audience and increase ticket sales, Tony Pastor introduced "polite" vaudeville in October of 1881 in New York City. The matinee shows catered to ladies and were billed as family friendly. Pastor's form of vaudeville featured his stories and ballads about current and local issues, plus dancing and comedy. Pastor elevated his shows with talented entertainers, drawing large crowds and receiving enthusiastic reviews.
The Stock Market and the Undead
The emergence of vampires in popular culture has been loosely correlated to the ups and downs of the economy. Many of the most popular vampire movies were released during times of recession, depression, or fear—the 1930s, 1950s, 1990s, and today. Vampire stories also often have reflected society's fear of diseases, like Syphilis in the 1890s, or AIDS in the 1990s.
Bram Stoker's Dracula, first published in 1897, presented the vampire as a gruesome monster. When the vampire re-emerged in the 1931 classic movie Dracula, starring Bèla Lugosi, Dracula had taken on the aristocratic, sexy aesthetic that has endured through 1994's Interview with a Vampire to today's True Blood and the Twilight Saga, whose fans choose Team Edward or Team Jacob. Vampires grip the imagination with their glamorous yet evil nature; in anxious times, audiences can identify with the evil characters on the screen without doing evil themselves.
Break a Leg!
Encouraging an actor or actress to "break a leg" is supposed to bring the entertainer good luck. However, after reading these stories, we have to question the wisdom of doing so.
Look Like a Star
If you don't know what you need to look like a Hollywood star, don't worry: advertisers do. Here are just a few of the "must haves," courtesy of historical display advertisements.
Off, Off, Really Off Broadway
Not all entertainment takes place on stage or screen. Just search ProQuest Historical Newspapers for "unique entertainment" and you'll see what we mean!
Movie-Inspired Moments
Taking their inspiration from the silver screen, these comics tell stories, deliver action, evoke emotion, and impart philosophy.
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