- Genre
- Drama
- Year
- 1939
- Runtime
- 1h19
0
One Third of a Nation
A powerful glimpse into America's fight against poverty and despair.
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Synopsis
"One Third of a Nation" is a socially conscious drama released in 1939, starring Sylvia Sidney. The film tackles the urgent issues of poverty and inadequate housing in America during the Great Depression era. It follows the struggles of a young woman who becomes involved in efforts to improve living conditions for those residing in dilapidated tenement buildings in New York City. The narrative highlights the human impact of neglect and the fight for social reform, portraying both the despair and hope experienced by those caught in the cycle of urban poverty.
Cast
Reviews
Critically, "One Third of a Nation" received a mixed reception. On IMDb, it holds a rating of 6.2/10, reflecting a moderate appreciation from viewers. Critics have praised Sylvia Sidney's compelling performance and the film's earnest attempt to shed light on pressing social issues of its time. The New York Times in its contemporary review acknowledged the movie's ambition to raise awareness but noted that its melodramatic approach sometimes undercut the potential for deeper impact. While some modern reviewers commend its historical value as a period piece focusing on social reform, others find its pacing and narrative somewhat dated by today's standards. Rotten Tomatoes does not have an aggregated score due to limited contemporary reviews, but film historians highlight it as an important example of 1930s socially conscious cinema, reflecting the era's challenges. Overall, the movie is considered a sincere if somewhat didactic drama that effectively portrays the hardships of the urban poor.
