Although the old timey movies and songs make me long to be in that 1950-esque era, you are right to say that there was indeed some darkness in that era too. I think that the songs and the movies do tend to sugarcoat things and make that era seem like something right out of your dreams. That's nice to imagine, sure, but in practicality, umm, I don't know to be honest with you.
I think that it is a healthy habit to imagine and dream about things, provides you with a great escape when you're in need of one!