Ep 3. The Vintage Years

Academy Award Winners: The First 50 Years season 1 episode 3 titled "The Vintage Years" takes a nostalgic journey back to the golden years of Hollywood where some of the most iconic films were created, and the stars of the era dazzled the audiences with their glamour and charisma. The episode focuses on the movies from the 1930s and 1940s that won the coveted Oscar awards, including films such as Gone with the Wind, Casablanca, and The Wizard of Oz among others.

The episode begins with a montage of some of the most memorable moments from the vintage era of Hollywood including clips from the iconic films of the time, and the red carpet events where the stars of the era stunned with their fashion choices. The episode then delves into the stories behind the making of some of the most celebrated films including the strange casting of the lead roles in Gone with the Wind, and the making of the beloved classic The Wizard of Oz.

The episode also features interviews with historians and experts in the film industry who provide insights into the artistic and technical aspects of filmmaking in those vintage years. They discuss how films were made in a time when technology was not as advanced as it is today, and how it impacted the creative process.

Another focus of the episode is the Academy's own history and how it has evolved over the years. The show details how the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was formed, and how it began recognizing achievements in filmmaking with the establishment of the Academy Awards in 1929. The episode also highlights some of the memorable acceptance speeches from the winners of the era, including the legendary speech by Hattie McDaniel, the first African American to win an Academy Award for her role in Gone with the Wind.

The episode shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of some of the classic films of the era including the lively rehearsals for the dance sequence in Top Hat, and how the famous tornado scene from The Wizard of Oz was created. It also shows how some of the iconic props and costumes from these films have become collectors' items over the years.

The episode also takes a look at the challenges faced by the film industry during the war years in the early 1940s. The show discusses how Hollywood had to adapt to a world at war, and how the films of the era reflected the political and social climate of that time. It also showcases how some of the biggest stars of the era, including Clark Gable and James Stewart, put their careers on hold to serve in the war effort.

Overall, "The Vintage Years" offers a comprehensive glimpse into the history of the film industry and the beginning of the Academy's recognition of cinematic achievements. The episode gives audiences a chance to relive the magic of some of the most iconic films of the vintage era and highlights the trailblazers who paved the way for generations of filmmakers to come.