1930

's

Silent Films Start to Talk

As the 20s turned to the 30s, film began to modernize — and Universal studios made a name for itself in the horror genre with the release of Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, Dracula and more. The 1930s also marked Universal’s first Academy Award Winning film, All Quiet on the Western Front.

1930

Universal wins its first Academy Award for Best Picture with All Quiet on the Western Front

The acclaimed epic war film is considered to be one of the most realistic portrayals of warfare in the history of cinema.

1931

Universal makes its name as king of the horror movie

Universal released multiple iconic horror blockbusters in the 1930s, including Frankenstein, Dracula, and more – introducing the "monster movie" phenomenon that persists today. These low-cost, formulaic films appealed to both American and European audiences, offering an escape from Depression-era life. Universal's unique approach to the horror world cemented the studio's authority in the genre.

NBC begins experimental TV broadcasts from atop new Empire State Building

This doll, named Felix the Cat, was one of the first images ever broadcast by television. Chosen for its tonal contrast and ability to withstand the high temperatures caused by the intense lighting needed for early broadcasts, Felix was placed on a rotating phonograph turntable and televised for a few hours each day, as RCA engineers worked to fine-tune the technology.

1933

Bob Hope begins his historic broadcasting career on NBC

Bob Hope, an American media icon who defined modern day stand-up comedy, launched his career at NBC in June 1933. He hosted the Academy Awards 19 times (the most of any host) and made 57 tours for the United Service Organizations, entertaining active duty U.S. military personnel around the world.

30 Rockefeller Center becomes home to NBC operations

Dubbed a “world center,” the ten story, 40,000 square foot studio inside The RCA Building in Rockefeller Center was built to house NBC’s offices and equipment, including the newest and most improved devices and technology. At that time, the Radio City headquarters became the world’s largest broadcasting studio.

The Page Program begins

The Page Program, a highly competitive rotational learning and development program for young people in the media and entertainment industry, is established. Based in New York City and Los Angeles, the program is one of the most selective and prestigious for early career development.

1936

NBC Radio broadcasts the historic 1936 Berlin Olympics

The Berlin Olympics were the first games to be televised, and radio broadcasts reached 41 countries. NBC aired this historic event, including the record breaking success of Jesse Owens winning 4 gold medals — the first American to do so.

1937

1/5

Toscanini at the podium

NBC approaches Toscanini

In early 1937, NBC's music director (and a friend of Toscanini) Samuel Chotzinoff sent this telegram to the famous maestro. Toscanini had just retired to his native Italy after having conducted the New York Philharmonic since 1929.

Mission accomplished

Sarnoff's bold plan works. With the promise that Toscanini could handpick his musicians and the musical repertory, Toscanini agrees to conduct 10 concerts during the upcoming season, for a fee of $4,000 each. He would end up staying 17 years.

The maestro says no

NBC's plan to boost revenue by selling commercials during the NBC Symphony broadcasts does not get the reception NBC had hoped for.

Arturo Toscanini

Through NBC's radio broadcasts, Toscanini became a celebrity and a household name.

1939

David Sarnoff launches regular TV service from the 1939 World's Fair in Flushing, Queens

Sarnoff spoke from the RCA Exhibit Building, heralding the birth of "a new art and a new industry, which eventually will provide entertainment and information for millions."

Watch video

1/4

RCA released this announcement heralding the arrival of television

The press release noted this event to be "the first time a news event has been covered by means of this new art."

This screen shot shows David Sarnoff at the podium

Sarnoff's remarks were titled "The Birth of a New Industry."

The first televised Major League Baseball game

The Cincinnati Reds played the Brookyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field on August 26.

The first televised football game

The Fordham Rams battled the Wayneburg Yellow Jackets at Triborough Stadium on Randall's Island in New York City.

1/3

Morton sends a memo

NBC executive Alfred “Doc” Morton arranged discounted prices on TV sets for NBC employees, convinced that “we must get people talking about television.”

Morton sends a second memo

Apparently, the first memo didn’t result in much action. Three months later, even the TV department still didn’t have a television.

Morton gets an answer

The top brass had to make a tough call. No TV for you!

The beginning of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade television tradition

The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is televised for the first time in 1939 on NBC. The parade is a hallmark event in American culture, playing on the televisions of millions of families around the country, in a now almost 100 year long tradition.

The Ethel Waters Show debuts on NBC

Ethel Waters, blues singer and actress, is the first Black performer to star in her own television show. The Ethel Waters Show, a variety special, debuted on NBC on June 14, 1939.

1920's

1930's

1940's

All Decades