Films of the Jazz Age
Bare Knees (1927) In this flapper movie from the roaring '20s Billie arrives home in the middle of her sister's birthday party and causes a sensation with her bare knees, bobbed hair, short skirts, new slang, cigarettes and other flapper accountrements.
Betty Boop (1930) In this cartoon depiction of the flapper lifestyle, Betty engages in all kinds of sensational activities. This particular cartoon was banned for drug use.
The Chaser (1928) A dark, slightly kinky comedy in which carousing Harry is cast as a philanderer who is hauled into court by his disgruntled wife. As punishment, the judge orders Langdon to assume his wife's household duties.
Chicago (1927) Based on a true crime story, the movies is about a jazz-loving flapper Roxie Hart, put on trial for the murder of her lover, who hits the headlines with her courtroom theatrics. Based on the play "Chicago" by Maurine Dallas Watkins.
Dancing Mothers (1926) Set during the 1920's flapper era a wealthy family is torn apart when the wife discovers that her husband is cheating on her. The shock opens her eyes for the first time to the selfishness and shallowness of her daughter and husband. Based on the play by Edgar Selwyn and Edmund Goulding.
The Jazz Singer (1927) Jakie Rabinowitz is the son of a Jewish cantor. Turning his back on family tradition, Jakie transforms himself into cabaret-entertainer Jack Robin.
Ella Cinders (1926) Based on the comic strip (which itself was based on the tale of Cinderella), the film tells of the put-upon Ella who wins a chance to go to Hollywood and make movies.
The Wild Party (1929) Based on the banned 1928 epic poem about a party that lasts all night (poem available at AU).
Modern Depictions of the Jazz Age
Ms. Fisher's Murder Mysteries (2012) Our female sleuth sashays through the back lanes and jazz clubs of late 1920s Melbourne, Australia fighting injustice with her pearl-handled pistol and her dagger-sharp wit.
Chicago (2003) At a time when crimes of passion result in celebrity headlines, nightclub sensation Velma Kelly (Zeta-Jones) and spotlight seeking Roxie Hart (Zellweger) both find themselves sharing space on Chicago's famed Murderess Row.
The Great Gatsby (2013) Based on the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel, this depiction from Baz Luhrmann brings the Jazz Age to life through the rich imagery and musical mashups.
Guys and Dolls (1955) When Sky Masterson is challenged to take a missionary to Havana, he finds himself falling in love. But will she return his love when she realizes the trip was a ploy?
The Artist (2011) The Artist is a heartfelt and entertaining valentine to classic American cinema set in Hollywood during the twilight of it’s silent era.
The Cotton Club (1984) The Cotton Club was a famous night club in Harlem. This story follows the people that visited the club.