What: Screening Series Night 3
Where: The Secret Society
116 NE Russell
Portland, OR
When: Tuesday, May 24 · 7:00pm – 10:00pm
How Much: $6 suggested donation
It Was Against The Law: Mel Blanc, Prohibition and the Speakeasy Era
Mel Blanc was 12 years old when Prohibition began, an adult when it ended. This program includes cartoons, short films, and newsreel footage which brings to life the era of rolled stockings, short skirts and hip flasks. Includes Bing Crosby in The Big Broadcast (1932), Felix the Cat in Woos Whoopee (1929), Betty Boop in Betty Boop For President (1932), and newsreel footage of bottle smashing speakeasy raids.
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Clink Clink (Soundie 1943) Mel Blanc sings with the Spike Jones boys about the evil of booze in pre-Prohibition America.
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Woos Whoopee 1928 Felix The Cat goes on a speakeasy drunken spree while his wife waits at home.
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Hearst Metrotone News (1929 sound Newsreel) Coast Guard patrols and nabs rum runners.
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The Big Broadcast ( 1932, excerpt) With Bing Crosby, identified as a speakeasy patron.
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Project XX The Jazz Age (1956 Excerpt) Television documentary with newsreel footage of Texas Guinan and other speakeasy action.
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Hell Bound (1931, Excerpt) Clip shows speakeasy scene with Lola Lane singing while Leo Carrillo watches and guns are discretely shown.
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Pathe News(1928 Silent Newsreel ) SF Agents Destroy Booze
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Hollywood and the Stars: How to Succeed as a Gangster (1963, excerpt) TV doc shows real speakeasy and gangster footage. Then it shows clips from films made during Prohibition exploiting the issue. James Cagney and Edward G. Robinson are featured. Joseph Cotton narrates.
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The Rich Drink and get ready for the Revolution (c1973 , Excerpt) This clip is from a TV doc on the Depression.
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Betty Boop for President (1932) Cartoon spoofs the political process but slyly promotes FDR and the end of Prohibition.
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Murder at the Vanities (1934, excerpt) The musical number, Cocktails for Two, which celebrates the end of Prohibition. This Arthur Johnston song later became Spike Jones’ greatest hit.
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All films from The Nyback Collection.
7:00 PM@ Secret Society, 116 NE Russell, Portland, Oregon
Admission by donation
