How was the theater in the 30s and 40s?

Like what did they do, the technique, etc.

The 1930s was an era of political and social turmoil combined with grinding poverty from a persistent worldwide depression. World War 1 still cast a long shadow, ensuring that millions of women would never be able to marry for lack of men. They often went to the new “talkies” in groups. Cinema was hugely popular as everyone sought escape from their meagre lot in the romance and glamour of films.

The British did produce a few musical films in during this time, but the majority of the most successful films were American. The Jazz Singer (1928) was the world’s first talking movie included popular singer Al Jolson belting out songs, and the studios soon realized the potential for a whole new genre.  

During the 1930s, around 400 musicals and musical films were presented, with successful stage shows adapted for films including the world-famous Ziegfeld Follies. Many of the top stars, jazz and swing performers were soon appearing in films – Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway, Ethel Merman, Marlene Dietrich and many more.  

Explanation: