Final answer:
Depression-era films indicate a shift from individualism to community values, aligning with Andrew Bergman's view on Hollywood's depiction of the myth of a mobile and classless society. The cultural emphasis on collective well-being is exemplified by films like 'The Grapes of Wrath' and 'It's a Wonderful Life', which stress communal support over selfish gains.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the analysis of Depression-era films, it is evident that there is a significant shift in the portrayal of American values from the pre-Depression focus on individualism and competition to a Depression-era emphasis on community and collective well-being. This shift aligns with Andrew Bergman's observation that Hollywood attempted to maintain the myth of a mobile and classless society by promoting the possibilities of individual success, though under different guises in response to the economic hardships faced by the nation. Films of this period often depict a contrast between personal and social evil, portraying the greater good that can be achieved through community effort, as seen in John Ford's adaptation of 'The Grapes of Wrath' or Frank Capra's 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' and 'It's a Wonderful Life', which highlight the importance of communal support over self-interest. The cultural shift towards valuing community efforts and the importance of family in preserving life during difficult times is a predominant theme in these films, countering earlier narratives that solely focused on individual success.