End of an Era 1945

Editor: So here we have Nathan Lerner's photograph, "End of an Era," taken in 1945. It seems to depict a closed movie theater, the sign noting closure due to FDR's death. It's stark, almost somber. What details jump out to you? Curator: The photograph really underscores the complex interplay between public grief and the spectacle of commercial entertainment. Look closely at the materials here; the texture of the wood, the faded posters. What can these tell us about the socio-economic reality of the time? This isn't just about memorializing a president, but also about the labor force interrupted, the daily routines disrupted, and the economic impact rippling through communities. The 18-cent tax for adults, the 13-cent one for children-- they hint at who frequented that place. Editor: So it’s less about the death itself, and more about the pause it puts on production and consumption? The posters on either side almost become props then. Curator: Exactly! Think about the materials involved in creating those posters, the distribution networks, the theater staff, all affected. How does photography as a medium contribute? The contrast in black and white and grain of the print adds a weight, underscoring a social and economic weight beyond simple image capture. How can we expand the notion of ‘end of an era’ beyond simply Roosevelt’s passing? Editor: That makes me think about how easily daily lives can be upturned when these larger shifts happen, like how intertwined society and economics really are, even during a period of mourning. Curator: Precisely! The ‘end of an era’ touches the economy too, through what is being made, who does the work and what we buy; the film industry halted here. It’s about interrogating those connections.