1942 - What to do on a Saturday
It's Saturday, so what's going on? Here at the end of March in 1942, curfews and blackouts are just beginning. They are just starting to implement rationing not only for gas and tires, but sugar and coffee. And what happens to tea time when they've ordered tea consumption cut in half? Hopefully Mom and Dad are enjoying their last weekend before draft day - April 1st. Meanwhile, WWII continues:
So, How About a Movie?
Let's get dressed up and go out to see the latest in films. It's only $.25-30 cents for a movie (depending on the theater). Kids are about a dime. And popcorn? It's about 10 cents and came in a bag. Eventually, theaters would have to poke holes in the bottom of the popcorn bags because folks (mostly kids) would blow up the bag and pop it during the movie. The idea was to wait for an ideal time during the movie; especially a scary movie I would think - and POP for the greatest effect. Chaos ensues? Maybe? Popcorn continues to be the go-to for movies and while it's no longer a dime, go for all the butter you want.
Night Life
Here's some of what's playing along with your restaurants and night spots:
"Here's looking at you, kid"
Casablanca is widely considered the best film of 1942, often cited as one of the greatest movies ever made. However, the top box office hit and Academy Award for Best Picture winner that specific year was the war drama Mrs. Miniver. Other iconic 1942 films include Yankee Doodle Dandy, and Cat People.
"Oh, Jerry, don't let's ask for the moon. We have the stars," was spoken by Charlotte Vale (Bette Davis) to Jerry (Paul Henreid) in the final scene of another popular movie in 1942 - Now, Voyager. Love that line, love that movie.
Radio Time
Practically everyone had a radio and listened to their favorite shows. Families would gather in the evening to listen together. Moms could serve dinner with a dinner concert in the background. There's lots of shopping, food, sports, music, orchestras and also shows like Ellery Queen on Saturdays. Tonight's episode at 7:30 is "Adventure of the Servant Problem" ... what? Followed by the Green Hornet. There is so much variety in programming, you can wake up to Jack Dalton, the singing cowboy mornings at 6:45 and talk pancakes with Aunt Jamima Time (7:30 am). This is the Boston paper so Sunday's broadcasts include every church in the known universe. Bob Hope is on Tuesdays.
Super important though is the News. In 1942, the war is all anyone talks about.
Here are a few interesting links to dig deeper:
Name
Voice of America (VOA)
On February 24, 1942, the "Voice of America" began broadcasting American-based news of the war throughout Europe. VOA was a tool to combat propaganda and provide service members overseas and link and connection to the folks back home. Let's not talk about what has become of VOA. I'm not ready.
Contributors to Wikimedia projects
Stay tuned - more to come as we get closer to draft day - April 1st.
Comments welcome :)
