Question \( \delta \) (3 points) What explains the fact that by 1955 movie attendance had dropped to levels even below those during the Great Depression?

1. **Increased Competition from Television** By the early 1950s, television had become a common household appliance. With the advent of affordable TV sets, more families had access to entertainment at home, which significantly reduced the incentive to go out to the movies. This new medium provided a convenient and cost-effective alternative to movie theaters. 2. **Changing Consumer Habits** As television programming improved, audiences began to favor the immediacy and variety offered on TV rather than the less-flexible movie-going experience. This shift in consumer behavior contributed significantly to the decline in movie attendance. 3. **Impact on the Movie Industry** The decline in attendance prompted the movie industry to rethink its strategies. Factors such as the breakdown of the old studio system and less investment in innovative content meant that movie studios struggled to compete with the fresh and engaging content available on television. Overall, the rise of television and the subsequent changes in consumer habits, along with challenges within the movie industry itself, explain why movie attendance by 1955 had dropped to levels even below those experienced during the Great Depression.