| Bette Davis | Bette Grable | Claudette Colbert |
| Helen Hayes | Jean Harlow | Joan Blondel |
| Katherine Hepburn | Luise Rainer | Marie Dressler |
| Myrna Loy | Vivian Leigh |
| Bette Davis | Bette Grable | Claudette Colbert |
| Helen Hayes | Jean Harlow | Joan Blondel |
| Katherine Hepburn | Luise Rainer | Marie Dressler |
| Myrna Loy | Vivian Leigh |
| As "talkies" came into prominence, new talent was discovered, and many stars of the silent era faded and blinked out. A new style of performance (i.e. body language and voice techniques) was needed to compliment the creative potential introduced by the ability to incorporate sounds into the storytelling. Now more subtle motion, and sultry, or sassy voices made a big difference. The filmaking industry, still in it's infancy, was changing quickly- and not everyone, even among the most well-established in the business, would see their success continue for even one more year. The transition must have been dizzying for everyone involved, including movie-goers. Moreover, Black Tuesday came like a bomb- the wonders of modern society suddenly seemed fragile and tenuous. While many lost faith or simply struggled to feed themselves and their families, there were those who clung to any sense of continuity they could find. The entertainment industry continued to flourish, with audiences hungry to escape the worries of a world that seemed to be disintegrating around them. Here you will find names and stories of the New Divas, and films they helped make popular, helping to soothe a troubled world. Oscars 1929-1939 Mary Pickford - COQUETTE Norma Shearer - THE DIVORCEE Marie Dressler - MIN AND BILL Helen Hayes - THE SIN OF MADELON CLAUDET Katharine Hepburn - MORNING GLORY Claudette Colbert - IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT Bette Davis - DANGEROUS Luise Rainer - THE GREAT ZIEGFELD Luise Rainer - THE GOOD EARTH Bette Davis - JEZEBEL Vivien Leigh - GONE WITH THE WIND |