Stunning Color The first bombshell success is The Wizard of Oz, which is a sensation in vibrant color. The very next year, Gone with the Wind sets a new standard for heart-throb screen romance, in a lavish rendering of the Civil War glorifying the southern cause. It smashes all box office records, while reinforcing the virtuous aspects of White Supremacy. Casablanca is in a class of its own.

	Bursting with Vitality Hollywood is now entering its glory years, as the motion-picture capital of the world. The mix of films is similar to that of today, including broad comedies like the Laurel-and-Hardy spoofs (left), feature-length animations like Disney's Snow White, and the very first Marvel action movie (right). The lights are on, and the cameras rolling.
	Star Power This is a period of larger-than-life movie stars and recording artists, like 'bobby-sox' teen idol Frank Sinatra (left), and silky-voiced 'crooner' Perry Como (center). Each is adored by legions of fans. Meanwhile, a photo of Rita Hayworth published in Life Magazine just months before America's entry into the Second World War (right), is taken along by many GI's as they head for basic training.