Great escapes: A tanking economy means big bucks for Tinseltown

As investors look for opportunities beyond the traditional recession hedges of lipstick, liquor, and ice cream, it may be worthwhile to take another look at entertainment. If previous economic downturns are any indication, the next few years promise to be very good for the dream factory.

In media histories of the Great Depression, two things loom large: society gossip and cinema. While millions of Americans found themselves scrambling for food and work, they discovered a newfound love of escapist entertainment.