Mormon Film
Second Wave (1929-53): Home Cinema
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Filmstrips, radio, and the development of a private distribution and exhibition network establish church filmmaking and media as an integral part of Mormon culture. Meanwhile, mainstream depictions of Mormons are softened.

—Randy Astle (adapted from "Mormon Movies: A History," BYU Studies, 2007)

Key Films of the Second Wave
Click on individual films for full details and history. This is a small sampling of the many films from this period, all of which can be searched from here. These films are chosen due to their quality, popularity, or influence. Some are listed because they represent innovations, major trends, or emerging genres.
The Message of the Ages USA; 1930; George D. Pyper Significant church feature film adapted from centennial pageant staged in Salt Lake Tabernacle.
Corianton: A Story of Unholy Love USA; 1931; Wilfred North
 First independent Mormon feature film and large-scale Book of Mormon adaptation, done in the style of 1920s Biblical epics.
Brigham Young: Frontiersman USA; 1940; Henry Hathaway First large-scale and successful Hollywood feature with Mormon subject matter, significant for positive portrayal of Mormons as representative Americans.
Where the Saints Have Trod USA; 1947; Frank Wise, LaMar Williams

First Deseret Films production. This pioneer centennial documentary featuring Church president George Albert Smith paved the way for the BYU Motion Pictures Studio.
Latter-day Saint Leaders: Past and Present USA; 1948; Clawsons, Frank Wise This compilation of surviving actualities footage from First Wave Mormon film pioneers Shirl and Chet Clawson was among the first films distributed by the Church's nascent film distributor, Deseret Book.
Church Welfare in Action USA; 1948; Eric Larson These two films, co-productions with Walt Disney involving future church film mogul "Judge" Wetzel Whitaker, were the first to feature the Church welfare system. Their success prompted Church sponsorship of the BYU Motion Picture Studio.
The Lord’s Way USA; 1948; Judge Whitaker
Temple Square USA; 1949; Frank Wise First filming of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir in this Temple Square tour documentary.
Wagon Master USA; 1950; John Ford John Ford classic western noted for sympathetic portrayal of Mormons. Backed by Howard Hughes. Helped establish Utah as favorite location for Hollywood westerns.
The temple endowment film USA; 1955; Gordon B. Hinckley Future Church president Gordon B. Hinckley introduces film as central component of Mormon temple rites.

Feedback: GideonBurton@byu.edu