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- Five and Ten 1931 Colorized
Synopsis
Gilded Dreams and Heartbreak: Five and Ten (1931) Colorized
Step into the dazzling yet turbulent world of Five and Ten (1931), now brilliantly colorized for a new generation of classic film lovers. This romantic drama, based on Fannie Hurst’s bestselling novel, captures the collision of ambition, love, and social aspiration during America’s roaring transition from small-town values to big city sophistication. With Marion Davies and Leslie Howard leading an exceptional cast, this HD download invites you to experience one of pre-code Hollywood’s most emotionally charged stories in a visually stunning new format.
Five and Ten Storyline: From Dime Store Empire to Manhattan High Society
At the heart of Five and Ten is the Rarick family, whose fortunes have soared thanks to patriarch John G. Rarick’s chain of five-and-ten-cent stores. When John uproots his family from Kansas City to New York, he dreams of cementing their place among the city’s elite. But the move brings more than just new opportunities—it exposes the Raricks to the harsh realities of class snobbery, fractured relationships, and the bittersweet pursuit of love.
Jennifer Rarick (Marion Davies), the spirited daughter, is eager to fit in with Manhattan’s social set but finds herself rebuffed for her humble origins. Her world turns upside down when she meets Berry Rhodes (Leslie Howard), a talented architect engaged to the icy socialite Muriel Preston (Mary Duncan). Sparks fly between Jennifer and Berry, but their romance is complicated by Muriel’s jealousy and Berry’s sense of duty. As Jennifer’s brother Avery (Douglass Montgomery) rebels against family expectations and her mother Jenny (Irene Rich) faces her own loneliness, the Raricks’ glittering new life begins to unravel.
The film’s emotional core is Jennifer’s journey—from hopeful outsider to a woman forced to choose between her heart and her family’s reputation. The story’s authenticity is heightened by its parallels to real-life heiresses of the era, drawing inspiration from the likes of Barbara Hutton and the rise of the Woolworth Building.
Cast and Characters
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Marion Davies as Jennifer Rarick: The ambitious and sensitive heiress at the center of the story.
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Leslie Howard as Berry Rhodes: The principled architect torn between love and obligation.
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Richard Bennett as John G. Rarick: The driven patriarch whose business success can’t buy family happiness.
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Irene Rich as Jenny Rarick: The neglected wife struggling with loneliness in a new city.
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Douglass Montgomery as Avery Rarick: Jennifer’s disillusioned brother, caught between duty and desire.
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Mary Duncan as Muriel Preston: The sophisticated rival who will stop at nothing to keep Berry.
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Halliwell Hobbes as Hopkins: The loyal family butler.
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Henry Armetta as Taxi Driver: Adding a touch of comic relief.
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Theodore von Eltz as Ramon: A mysterious figure in the Raricks’ new world.
Genre and Style
Five and Ten is a romantic drama with strong elements of social critique, family melodrama, and the aspirational glamour of early 1930s America. Its pre-code sensibility allows for frank depictions of infidelity, ambition, and class tension, making it a standout among early Hollywood society dramas.
Behind the Scenes: Production and Legacy
Directed by Robert Z. Leonard, Five and Ten was produced by William Randolph Hearst’s Cosmopolitan Productions in collaboration with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Marion Davies, one of the era’s most celebrated actresses, insisted on casting Leslie Howard after seeing his acclaimed stage work. Their chemistry is palpable, especially in the film’s celebrated long-take scenes, where their characters’ emotional connection unfolds with rare intimacy.
The film’s production was marked by Hearst’s lavish support and the social cachet that came with Davies’ Hollywood and political connections. Rumors even swirled about a real-life romance between Davies and Howard, adding intrigue to their on-screen partnership.
Colorization and Restoration
This colorized edition of Five and Ten brings new vibrancy to the film’s Art Deco interiors, elegant costumes, and bustling New York streets. Using advanced digital techniques, the restoration team has preserved the film’s original atmosphere while enhancing its visual appeal for modern audiences. The result is a viewing experience that honors the film’s legacy while making it more accessible and engaging than ever.
Technical Details
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Director: Robert Z. Leonard
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Screenplay: Andrew Percival Younger (adaptation), based on the novel by Fannie Hurst
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Production: Cosmopolitan Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
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Runtime: Approximately 89 minutes
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Download Format: MP4
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Resolution: HD (1080p)
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Compatibility: Works on smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs
Critical Reception and Enduring Appeal
Five and Ten was praised for its heartfelt performances, particularly Marion Davies’ nuanced portrayal of Jennifer. The film’s exploration of class, ambition, and the search for love remains relevant, offering a window into a transformative era in American society. Its sophisticated storytelling, combined with the allure of its cast, has ensured its place as a favorite among classic film aficionados.
FAQs
Q: Is this version of Five and Ten colorized?
A: Yes, this edition has been professionally colorized to enhance the original black-and-white visuals.
Q: What makes Five and Ten a pre-code film?
A: The film’s candid treatment of adult themes like infidelity, ambition, and class conflict is characteristic of Hollywood’s pre-code era.
Q: Who are the stars of Five and Ten?
A: Marion Davies and Leslie Howard lead a distinguished cast, with strong support from Richard Bennett and Irene Rich.
Q: How can I download Five and Ten in HD?
A: Simply follow the download instructions provided—this version is available in high-definition MP4 format, compatible with most devices.
Download Five and Ten (1931) Colorized Now!
Rediscover this moving tale of ambition, love, and social intrigue in dazzling HD color. Download Five and Ten (1931) today and experience a Golden Age classic like never before.
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