The early soundies — those made in 1941 prior to America's entry into WWII — were lighthearted, often boisterous romps that predated some of the styles associated with current music videos. They featured freewheeling dance sequences, mimed performances, minimal storylines and, of course, leggy eye candy. Those made after America's entry into the war are still upbeat, but more conservative in style, and reflect the patriotic fervor that served the war effort. But throughout their reign, the soundies represented, however unintentionally, the flowing canvas of an ever-shifting culture.
The last soundie was made mid-way through 1947. The soldiers were home from the war, people were spending more time at home and a new invention called television was just beginning to make its presence known. But from 1941-1946, the soundies reigned supreme as America's most accessible form of music entertainment. With over 1865 soundies produced in that time, they remain an invaluable link to what the culture was, and a hint as what was to come.
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