This photo encapsulates an interesting dichotomy in L.A. during the Great Depression. Here we see a line of men (no women, so maybe they’re lining up for possible work) in Los Angeles in front of a billboard for “The Champ.” It was a huge hit, earning MGM more than a million dollars in profits, and was one of 7 movies that MGM had in the top 10 money earners for 1931. The early depression years were great for MGM – they had 7 movies in the top 10 for 1932, too. Meanwhile, life wasn’t so great for the guys in this line. This was 2 years after the stock market crashed and they’re still showing up in jackets and hats.
**UPDATE**
Turns out it was a line at one of Aimee Semple McPherson’s soup kitchens. I find it a bit odd that only men are in this line. Where were the women? Weren’t they hungry too?
With regard to the men all wearing hats, Linda S. said: “It was very important to present a decent appearance; proper dress symbolized the acceptance of social rules (i.e. “I’m not a communist, anarchist, etc.”) Not wearing a hat or tie signaled social dissent. This didn’t change until the 60.”
This auto-colorized version probably didn’t get the poster right but I think it does a decent job of bringing everything else in this photograph to life.
According to the internet, that’s a line at one of Sister Aimee’s soup kitchens. The gentleman standing off to the side is her 3rd husband. I wonder if that’s Sister Aimee with her back to the camera.
Ah! You’re right, Johnny. I didn’t find a match when I did an image search. I find it a bit odd that only men are in this line. Where are the women? Aren’t they hungry too?
I found this image on a page of Getty images of lines like this one and 98% of the people in them are men. Women are virtually nowhere to be seen. So I”m guessing they get soup and bread for the wife and kids and take it home. Hopefully, they’re not stuck at home going hungry…
This photo encapsulates an interesting dichotomy in L.A. during the Great Depression. Here we see a line of men (no women, so maybe they’re lining up for possible work) in Los Angeles in front of a billboard for “The Champ.” It was a huge hit, earning MGM more than a million dollars in profits, and was one of 7 movies that MGM had in the top 10 money earners for 1931. The early depression years were great for MGM – they had 7 movies in the top 10 for 1932, too. Meanwhile, life wasn’t so great for the guys in this line. This was 2 years after the stock market crashed and they’re still showing up in jackets and hats.
This is a great photo. It makes a statement that even resonates today.
I think so, too, Denise. When I came across it, I thought the contrast said volumes and wondered if the photographer noticed it at the time.
According to the internet, that’s a line at one of Sister Aimee’s soup kitchens. The gentleman standing off to the side is her 3rd husband. I wonder if that’s Sister Aimee with her back to the camera.
Ah! You’re right, Johnny. I didn’t find a match when I did an image search. I find it a bit odd that only men are in this line. Where are the women? Aren’t they hungry too?
Maybe fed the women and children first, then let the menfolks in?
I found this image on a page of Getty images of lines like this one and 98% of the people in them are men. Women are virtually nowhere to be seen. So I”m guessing they get soup and bread for the wife and kids and take it home. Hopefully, they’re not stuck at home going hungry…