Starting in 1933, with A Canção de Lisboa, the Golden Age of Portuguese Film would last the next two decades, with films such as Maria Papoila (1937), O Pátio das Cantigas (1942) and O Leão Da Estrela (1947). Aniki-Bóbó (1942), Manoel de Oliveira's first feature film, launched his carrier. It marked a milestone that dealt with social issues in a neo-realism style.

Based on staged musical reviews, the comedy musical or "Comédia À Portuguesa,"  films looked at everyday life and common people. The humor was often sharp and bittersweet.

The Golden Age produced classic such as Aldeia da Roupa Branca (1938), O Pai Tirano (1941), O Costa do Castelo (1943), and Menina da Rádio (1944). Fado, História de uma Cantadeira directed by Perdigão Queiroga in 1947 starred a young Amália Rodrigues in a musical drama. Camões, directed by José Leitão de Barros, was an official selection at the Cannes Film Festival of 1946.