The most popular form of entertainment in the 1920s was sports. People enjoyed playing sports and spent money on tickets. Board games were also popular. Boys often played games of imagination with their dolls. But when it came to entertainment, nothing topped the joyride in a car. This was the age of the radio and wireless radio. It was a great time to be a kid! The following are some fun facts about entertainment during the 1920s.
The first talkie, The Jazz Singer (1920), starred Al Jolson and was one of the most popular forms of entertainment in the 1920s. It told a story that was uniquely American – the story of a Jewish man’s journey from a poor boy to a jazz singer. The use of new sound technology made it popular with audiences and made Warner Brothers one of the “big five” Hollywood studios. filmefy
In addition to movies, print media became popular. In addition to radio, many people listened to sports on the radio, and many companies paid to advertise on these broadcasts. In addition, dances became more daring, especially jazz. The Charleston and Black Bottom dances were particularly popular, and were even sexually suggestive. Some parents were shocked by their children’s enthusiasm for dancing! Even the most conservative families enjoyed the glitzy fashions.
Before the Civil War, theaters were a popular form of entertainment for working class families. Even though matinee tickets cost just two dollars, they are now worth up to fifty dollars. Many performing companies were formed to tour the country, showcasing their talents to audiences. The theatrical shows of the 1850s and 1860s were often lewd and intended for male audiences. In the early 1900s, however, Thomas Edison’s practical electric system transformed the gas-lit theaters into electric ones. In 1903, he installed the first electric marquee in Times Square. This was a great way to advertise a show, and in 1907, it gave Broadway its nickname of The Great White Way. thedocweb A few years later, motion picture cameras were starting to change the face of entertainment.
