59 Films from the 1939 Academy Awards

Rocky Sullivan and Jerry Connelly's friendship is tested as they grow up in a poor neighborhood and choose very different paths. Rocky becomes a powerful gangster, while Jerry becomes a priest, dedicating himself to helping the people in their old…

In the maze-like Casbah of Algiers lives Pepe Le Moko, a skilled thief who has avoided the French police. He establishes himself in the city, but the relentless Inspector Slimane keeps trying to catch him. Pepe's life changes when he…

Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn embark on exciting escapades along the Mississippi River. They imagine themselves as pirates, stage their own funeral, and unexpectedly witness a murder.

A wealthy woman takes a job working as a sales associate in a department store.

Set against the backdrop of pre- and Civil War America, this is a story about family. Ethan Wilkins, a humble and principled man, dedicates himself to spiritual guidance, while his son Jason aspires to a medical career, focused on helping…

Jessie, a young woman from a working-class background, hopes to build a better future by marrying her boyfriend. However, she soon discovers that he is no improvement over the circumstances she tried to escape.

Mickey Mouse is caught in an unexpected conflict when a danger threatens his city. After jokingly saying he swatted seven flies at once, the citizens believe he can defeat giants too. As the city faces peril, Mickey is unexpectedly asked…

A family who specialize in scams targets a wealthy, isolated elderly woman known as Miss Fortune.

This short film portrays a mother who imparts essential life skills to her son. Later, the young donkey he works for is injured by a man, and the mother intervenes to save it. Preserved by the Academy Film Archive in…

During World War I, two French soldiers, Captain de Boeldieu and Lieutenant Maréchal, form an unexpected bond while imprisoned by the Germans, despite their different social classes. As they are moved to a heavily guarded fortress, they work together to…

This short film recounts the true story of Father Damien, a Belgian priest who dedicated his life to the lepers isolated on the Hawaiian island of Molokai. He endured a painful existence to offer them hope and spiritual solace.

Timber Toppers is a 1938 American short film released by 20th Century Fox. The film received an Academy Award nomination in 1939 for Best Live Action Short Film, One-Reel at the 11th Academy Awards.

A bond between two Alaskan salmon fishermen is tested when one chooses to work with Russian fish pirates, while the other joins forces with local vigilantes.

This is a love story about three young German soldiers in the aftermath of World War I. Their bond deepens as they share their affection for a woman who is succumbing to tuberculosis.

Johnny Case, a carefree financial whiz, falls for Julia Seton, the wealthy daughter of a powerful millionaire. They decide to enjoy their romance with a holiday before marriage. But Johnny's plans change when Julia suggests he spend the time learning…

Jim, a daring but troubled test pilot, faces intense pressure in the demanding world of aviation. His wife Ann and friend Gunner try to support him as he confronts constant danger and challenges. The film examines addiction, friendship, and the…

The Bellows family creates hilarious chaos aboard a ship, all while enjoying musical performances broadcast over the radio.

Father Flanagan, a dedicated priest, runs Boys Town, a special center dedicated to helping troubled boys become good men. Instead of seeing them as criminals, he encourages them to improve themselves. But Whitey Marsh, a quick-witted thief with a difficult…

Snow White is forced to flee her kingdom after her stepmother, the Queen, becomes jealous of her beauty. She finds refuge in a cottage belonging to seven dwarfs. The Queen, determined to remain the fairest, sees Snow White as a…

This story reimagines the classic tale of Robin Hood, portraying him as a courageous champion fighting for what's right against the cruel Sir Guy of Gisbourne. Set in medieval England, Robin tirelessly works to bring justice amidst political problems and…

A star college football player and his girlfriend tie the knot. Their marriage struggles as her legal career takes off while his architecture ambitions stall. They divorce, and he starts singing in a nightclub for extra income. When he's wrongly…

This episode of Crime Does Not Pay highlights the crucial work of the crime laboratory in solving crimes, demonstrating how seemingly insignificant details can prove to be key clues.

After a lifetime of isolation, Mary Smith impulsively leaves home while her father is campaigning for president. She goes to the family estate in West Palm Beach and unexpectedly develops a romantic relationship with Stretch Willoughby, a down-to-earth cowboy. This…

The Lemp family consists of Adam Lemp, a musician, and his four daughters: Emma, Ann, Kay, and Thea. Each daughter is in love with someone perfect for her. This harmony is disrupted by the arrival of Mickey Borden, a cynical…

Tommy Martin and his mother, Martha, say goodbye to Henry and Reuben Johnson as the Johnsons leave for their hometown of Goshen. Earlier, they visited the Decker family's Mennonite farm, where Tommy and Martha were staying. The film follows their…

Roy wins a seat in Congress with the promise of bringing water to the ranchers in his district. In Washington, he discovers he needs support from a powerful congressman and persuades him to visit the area. When the congressman is…

Dr. Tony Flagg’s friend Steven is having relationship problems with his fiancée Amanda. Hoping to improve things, Steven suggests Amanda visit Tony for help. Their attempt to fix their relationship quickly becomes complicated by misunderstandings, and Amanda begins to develop…

In 1850s Louisiana, a headstrong Southern woman's impulsive nature puts everyone around her in danger.

A linguistics professor, Henry Higgins, makes a bold bet with Colonel George Pickering: he can transform a Cockney flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, into a refined lady in six months of intensive training. With the agreement of Eliza's father, Alfred, she…

In a society sharply divided by class, Alice, the most sensible of the Sycamore family, falls for Tony Kirby, the charming son of a wealthy banker. Their romance faces opposition from Tony's privileged parents. To overcome the divide between their…

King Louis XI disguises himself as an ordinary person in Paris to uncover potential enemies within his realm. While in a tavern, he hears the bold poet François Villon arguing that he would make a better king. Both irritated and…

In 1919, a homeless woman named Hannah enters the lives of the compassionate Ward family in a small Indiana town. She becomes a helpful cook and housekeeper, living with them. However, Hannah is primarily interested in getting to know their…

A sports store employee pretends to be a renowned jockey for a publicity stunt, but the situation quickly escalates beyond his expectations.

Ferdinand is a gentle bull who loves the peaceful life of smelling flowers and enjoying nature, unlike the other bulls who like to fight. But after a bad experience with a bee, Ferdinand discovers a hidden fierceness, causing him to…

Violinist Roger Grant upsets his family and mentor by forming a jazz band, which unexpectedly finds success. He develops feelings for the band’s singer, Stella, but his fear of losing her leads him to sabotage her ambitions for a solo…

Hollywood stars reimagine classic Mother Goose rhymes. The Marx Brothers play Old King Cole's fiddlers three. W.C. Fields portrays Humpty Dumpty, who has a comical fall while teasing Charlie McCarthy. Laurel and Hardy star as Simple Simon and the Pieman.

Set in 1938, this drama tells the story of an unexpected friendship between two men dealing with the lingering effects of war. Though the war is over, Stan is haunted by his past, mentally reliving his time in the French…

Disheartened by a romantic disappointment, Ferdinand de Lesseps accepts a posting as a junior diplomat to the Isthmus of Suez. There, he becomes convinced of the immense potential for a canal.

This musical short follows a waitress working at the Warner Bros. Commissary as she unexpectedly gets her opportunity to shine.

Young Austrian Princess Marie Antoinette is betrothed to Louis XVI, the future king of France, in a marriage designed to benefit both nations politically. The lavish Marie Antoinette enjoys many personal indulgences and romantic pursuits. After Louis XV dies and…

The people who made a hit show on Broadway try to keep the married actors from moving to Hollywood.

A young captain seeks to replace the U.S. Army's horses with tanks, but finds himself facing court-martial after his commanding officer, a staunch opponent of modern warfare, dies.

A movie producer selects an unassuming young woman to serve as "Miss Humanity," tasked with offering honest critiques of his films from an everyday perspective.

At a Swiss boarding school for girls, a young woman creates elaborate stories about a fictional explorer father and writes letters to him. She finds herself in a situation where she must convince others of his existence. She enlists the…

Reporter Vincent Bullit returns from covering the Spanish Civil War, but his boss, newspaper owner Fullerton, has another assignment for him in China. Before that, Fullerton invites Bullit to write articles about European society at his home. There, Fullerton's teenage…

Emily Kilbourne, a wealthy woman, has a habit of hiring unusual people for her household staff. A charming but disheveled man arrives at her door and is unexpectedly hired as her chauffeur. Emily doesn't realize that this mysterious newcomer will…

A Republic Pictures film, *Storm Over Bengal* tells a complete story, filmed entirely in the San Fernando Valley, in its 65-minute runtime. The movie features a main plot centered on the Bengal Lancers, a romantic subplot, a coward who finds…

A screenwriter traveling in Mexico finds himself falling in love with a Mexican woman.

On a voyage from Shanghai to San Francisco aboard the S.S. Arcturus, Dr. Jim Craig joins as ship's physician hoping to be close to Ann Grayson, the ship's nurse. Chief Engineer "Crusher" McKay also wants Ann's attention, creating instant tension…

A quiet botany professor's calm life is upended when he falls for a charismatic nightclub singer. They secretly marry, sparking changes that affect both their lives and unexpectedly connect them. The film is about finding unexpected connections, accepting change, and…

Jean Lafitte, a French pirate, saves a woman and becomes involved in the War of 1812.

The renowned composer Johann Strauss jeopardizes his marriage because of his intense attraction to a captivating singer.

During the Spanish Civil War, an ordinary farmer must fight to protect his land. He finds love with a Russian woman, whose father works in intelligence.

Jack and Sally come from families with a long-standing rivalry centered on horse racing, particularly the 1938 Kentucky Derby. Their families' divisions run deeper, however, stemming from the Civil War, where Sally's family supported the South and Jack's supported the…

Donald, an overly confident uncle, takes his nephews on a nature hike. His enthusiasm doesn’t match his skills, leading to funny mishaps that entertain the boys. Trying to gain their sympathy, Donald covers himself in catsup and pretends to be…

Newly qualified Scottish doctor Andrew Manson takes a job in a Welsh mining town and becomes concerned by the persistent cough affecting many of the miners. Frustrated by obstacles in his attempts to identify the cause, he moves to London…

At a prestigious boarding school for girls, the paths of two contrasting students cross. Natalie Freeman, a quiet class monitor, discovers that the popular Linda Simpson is secretly dating someone.

This historical featurette tells the story of Caesar Rodney of Delaware, who, during the summer of 1776 at the Continental Congress in Philadelphia, cast the crucial vote that led to the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

*That Mothers Might Live* is a 1938 American short drama film directed by Fred Zinnemann. The film recounts the story of Hungarian physician Ignaz Semmelweis and his discovery in the 19th century that cleanliness was essential in maternity wards, leading…