In 1935 two well-known film studios Fox Film Corporation and 20th Century merged into what became 20th Century Fox before being acquired by Disney in 2019 and being rebranded as what we know today as 20th Century Studios. In this article, I’m going to look at some 20th Century Studios films from 1935 till 2000. All these films are notable due to the inclusion of iconic actors who are still known today, their stories and themes being relevant to this day or having won awards. So let’s take a look.

Ramona (1936) Was A Huge Step Forward For 20th Century Studios In 1936:

Despite 20th Century Studios (formerly 20th Century Fox) being founded in 1935 by a merger of two already-established studios, the film which would help 20th Century Studios take a step forward in their filmography wouldn’t release till 1936. Now “Ramona” may contain “outdated cultural depictions” when compared to other films now in the Disney Vault, the film was released in 1936 and should only be given a disclaimer. “Ramona” is a film about a half-Indian girl who is brought up in a wealthy household and is loved by the son of the household against his parent’s wishes, but “Ramona” is in love with another Indian that also lives in the household. This film needs to be added to Disney+ despite some outdated content because it was 20th Century Studios’ first film using technicolour.

In Old Chicago (1938) Could Have Won Best Picture:

In 1938 director Henry King (who also directed “Ramona” above) directed a film based on a fictionalized version of the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, which a cow started. “In Old Chicago” was released in 1938 and was nominated for an Academy Award. However, the film never won the award. “In Old Chicago” seems to be a relatively forgotten film by today’s standards.

Young Mr. Lincoln (1939) Has Been Inducted Into The National Film Registry:

In 1939 20th Century Studios released the film “Young Mr. Lincoln”, which takes place in 1832 and is an autobiographical film around the early life of a young Abraham Lincoln. The film starts out by showing a family travelling through New Salem, Illinois, before stopping at Lincoln’s Store to pick up some supplies. However, the family only has a barrel of books to trade, which includes a law book. In 2003 “Young Mr. Lincoln” was inducted into the National Film Registry, meaning even if Disney doesn’t have the original print of this film, they can most probably still get a copy.

The Grapes Of Wrath (1940) Was Inducted Into The National Film Registry Back In 1989:

One of the most well-known novels from the 1930s is “The Grapes Of Wrath, ” a story about a family in Oklahoma who own a farm that makes money by sharecropping. However, during The Great Depression, the family has to move to California as migrant workers. “The Grapes Of Wrath” is said to be “one of the greatest films of all time”. In 1989 “The Grapes Of Wrath” was one of the first twenty-five films added to The National Film Registry.

Final Thoughts:

These are just a few of countless films which are sitting in the Disney Vault. Disney+ already offers a sizable catalogue of classic films, but besides the animated variety, Disney+ hasn’t got many films from pre-1970. Now obviously, there may be issues with the quality of the films as well as having to pay out royalties and issues with outdated cultural depictions. It would be nice if Disney would rerelease every film in its catalogue to stop them from becoming lost media, but that isn’t financially viable.

What Do You Think? What Classic 20th Century Studios Films Would You Like On Disney+?

Ethan Holloway

Ethan is an autistic, type one diabetic, Disney fan who grew up with properties like Iron Man, The Lion King, Aladdin and Toy Story. Ethan wants to someday get his own books/films/TV shows made to inspire those with disabilities to be themselves, but for now, Ethan covers his opinions on Disney, their content and how Disney+ can improve.

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