During the Great Depression, Americans flocked to the movies to
escape the harsh realities of their daily lives. As the stock market
tumbled and loved ones went off to war, Americans disappeared into dark
theaters, where Shirley Temple sang and tap danced her way into their
heavy hearts.

Now, as the nation faces arguably the worst
financial crisis since the Depression, video games may be playing the
role movies once filled in hard economic times. (NPR)